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[DOOFUS]

My new 2012 FLTRU has a chip down to the metal.  11 bikes and I've never had a ding on the tank -- my fault -- I bet this was done at the dealer but too late to prove it now .  So, this ding is the size of a sesame seed times 2 -- down thru the clear coat and paint to the metal.  So please advise best way to repair -- do I get that little bottle of HD BLUE paint and carefully fill the spot or?? Thnx, Jim

[Wild Card]

Curiously waiting for a response myself.  I've got a similar sounding chip on the edge of my front fender. 

[PeterJ]

I found the linked article quite interesting.
Using a tooth pick to place the paint into the chipped area.
http://www.autoeducation.com/carcare/paintchips.htm

It's all down to the preparation.

[King Glide]

Get the paint and then buy a clear coat repair kit at wallyworld or auto parts store. I used one from turtle wax that had sanding pads and rub out liquid with clear coat paint. Take your time and work with it. As you go you will get better at it and by the time you figure it out nobody will ever see it. I did mine three times but it is perfect now.

[mark]

x2 on the repair kit mentioned above...plus this:
Griot's Garage sells a paint repair kit that contains micro brushes, etc.  Use this kit and magnify your vision.  I've got a visor with magnifying lenses that you can flip down.  Must be something one would use to do detailed electrical work. 

I've used the visor to repair a rock chip on my fender...you'll be surprised how much it helps.

[DOOFUS]

Went back to dealer today -- they agreed it is a "bubble" cause -- they took pix -- now "Harley" decides whether it is a repair or replacement.  Will advise

[DOOFUS]

Jeez.  Just heard from dealer -- the dealer has sent pix of my tank"bubble" twice to HD.  Now HD "customer service" has said, "WE NEED TO EVALUATE THE TANK HERE.  TAKE IT OFF AND SEND IT."  So, I'm going to ask the GM at the dealer to intercede.  I cannot believe this is the only solution acceptable to HD.  Anyone else had this issue?

[2018_FLTRXSE]

Jeez.  Just heard from dealer -- the dealer has sent pix of my tank"bubble" twice to HD.  Now HD "customer service" has said, "WE NEED TO EVALUATE THE TANK HERE.  TAKE IT OFF AND SEND IT."  So, I'm going to ask the GM at the dealer to intercede.  I cannot believe this is the only solution acceptable to HD.  Anyone else had this issue?

tell them fine.. send you another tank to ride with until they "evaluate yours" or have them give you a rental as the bike is unridable without the tank.

[backroad Mike]

tell them fine.. send you another tank to ride with until they "evaluate yours" or have them give you a rental as the bike is unridable without the tank.

Yup.  Why should you be without your ride while they "evaluate" it. 

[grc]

If indeed that was an official Harley response and not some BS from a dealership employee, they have managed to reach a new low in my already low opinion of their customer service.  The company has service representatives who visit dealerships, and there is absolutely no need to send a part anywhere to get a decision.  Tell the dealer to get his rep scheduled in to the dealership and let you know when he or she will be there so you can have the bike there for review.  That's the proper way to do this stuff.  And if Harley can't afford to send their reps out to visit dealers, I'd suggest everyone take that into account when they get ready to buy the next bike or accessory.  Probably don't want to buy stuff from a company that can't afford to take care of basic business requirements, since that's usually a sign of bad things to come.

Call H-D Customer Disservice yourself and find out what's going on; this story doesn't sound kosher.  And make sure they understand that if they really want your tank returned they will have to supply a replacement tank or a loaner bike first, to avoid downtime. 


Jerry

[porthole]

Wonder what any of the shipping companies would have to say about a gasoline tank that had - well gasoline in it 

[DOOFUS]

UPDATE:  I calmly reminded the GM about the 7 HD I have bought PLUS modes PLUS service PLUS etc, etc.  Magically, an hour later, I got a call from Service Mgr that the HD District Rep will look at my tank this FRI at noon.  Will advise. PS - great points GRC

If indeed that was an official Harley response and not some BS from a dealership employee, they have managed to reach a new low in my already low opinion of their customer service.  The company has service representatives who visit dealerships, and there is absolutely no need to send a part anywhere to get a decision.  Tell the dealer to get his rep scheduled in to the dealership and let you know when he or she will be there so you can have the bike there for review.  That's the proper way to do this stuff.  And if Harley can't afford to send their reps out to visit dealers, I'd suggest everyone take that into account when they get ready to buy the next bike or accessory.  Probably don't want to buy stuff from a company that can't afford to take care of basic business requirements, since that's usually a sign of bad things to come.

Call H-D Customer Disservice yourself and find out what's going on; this story doesn't sound kosher.  And make sure they understand that if they really want your tank returned they will have to supply a replacement tank or a loaner bike first, to avoid downtime. 


Jerry

[DOOFUS]

UPDATE:  On Fri the HD District rep looked at the paint bubble.  Here is the proposed solution:
- HD will pay for repair
- HD will not replace the tank
- The repair will be between the HD dealer and a local shop called SEVERE CYCLES in La Plata MD
I am awaiting a time to visit the repair shop to see some samples of his work.
Like many of you, I have been told that there is no "fixing" dings/bubbles thru the clear coat into the metal.
I'm told it will never look factory perfect.
So I'm looking forward to learning what technology and skill is used by SEVERE CYCLES.
DO ANY OF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH SEVERE CYCLES OR SIMILAR REPAIR SHOP?
Thnx, DOOF

[grc]

UPDATE:  On Fri the HD District rep looked at the paint bubble.  Here is the proposed solution:
- HD will pay for repair
- HD will not replace the tank
- The repair will be between the HD dealer and a local shop called SEVERE CYCLES in La Plata MD
I am awaiting a time to visit the repair shop to see some samples of his work.
Like many of you, I have been told that there is no "fixing" dings/bubbles thru the clear coat into the metal.
I'm told it will never look factory perfect.
So I'm looking forward to learning what technology and skill is used by SEVERE CYCLES.
DO ANY OF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH SEVERE CYCLES OR SIMILAR REPAIR SHOP?
Thnx, DOOF

Where exactly is this paint defect located on the tank?  If it's in an area that you don't see under normal conditions, like the front of the tank near the inner fairing or down low where the tank wraps under, odds are that a good painter can blend a repair such that a person who isn't aware of the original defect wouldn't notice it.  If it's right up top where you and anyone standing nearby can see it easily, then that painter will have to be not just good but outstanding.  I have seen such spot repairs made in the auto business where even paint professionals couldn't identify the repaired area, so it is possible.

What did the rep have to say about the next step if this repair shop can't fix it to your satisfaction?  This would probably be a good time to get some stuff documented, before you possibly go from a little chip to a botched spot repair that Harley tries to walk away from by saying you have to deal with the painter and not them.  Don't let them put you in the middle.  If they require a repair attempt first and it fails, they need to commit to a replacement up front and not make you fight them and the dealer and the paint shop after the fact.

btw, as someone who had several parts replaced, including the fuel tank, I can tell you there is no assurance that getting the part replaced will result in a better outcome.  The painted parts vendor reuses parts that were returned for defects, so you could be getting a used tank with a repaint.  Knowing now what I didn't know back then, I think for most minor defects I'd prefer trying a repair first over possibly getting a worse part than I started with.


Jerry

[sadunbar]

Where exactly is this paint defect located on the tank?  If it's in an area that you don't see under normal conditions, like the front of the tank near the inner fairing or down low where the tank wraps under, odds are that a good painter can blend a repair such that a person who isn't aware of the original defect wouldn't notice it.  If it's right up top where you and anyone standing nearby can see it easily, then that painter will have to be not just good but outstanding.  I have seen such spot repairs made in the auto business where even paint professionals couldn't identify the repaired area, so it is possible.

What did the rep have to say about the next step if this repair shop can't fix it to your satisfaction?  This would probably be a good time to get some stuff documented, before you possibly go from a little chip to a botched spot repair that Harley tries to walk away from by saying you have to deal with the painter and not them.  Don't let them put you in the middle.  If they require a repair attempt first and it fails, they need to commit to a replacement up front and not make you fight them and the dealer and the paint shop after the fact.

btw, as someone who had several parts replaced, including the fuel tank, I can tell you there is no assurance that getting the part replaced will result in a better outcome.  The painted parts vendor reuses parts that were returned for defects, so you could be getting a used tank with a repaint.  Knowing now what I didn't know back then, I think for most minor defects I'd prefer trying a repair first over possibly getting a worse part than I started with.


Jerry

All good points, Jerry...  A crystal ball would be helpful in trying to determine if a replacement tank or repair of the existing tank would yield a better result.  What I continue to find amazing in paint issues, is the randomness of the solutions provided by the MOCO...  What results in a replacement part one time often results in a local paint shop repair the next time.  And sometimes the offered solution is to pound sand.  Got to love the consistency!