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[mark]

Have read several posts regarding CVO owners discovering the granite powder coat coming off their engines.  Always felt sorry for these guys until about a month ago I found the same thing on my engine.  Someone on this site posted the HD recommended repair for this problem (yes I know it sucks that you spends $30k on a bike and the engine coating peels off).  Nonetheless, I spent $23 on a can of HD granite spray paint and made the repair.  It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and the results were better than I thought.  If you're contemplating this repair, here's what I did:

1. Sand the area and be sure to feather the edges of where the powder coat is missing.  Even though it may feel smooth, you'll see the "ridge" if you don't sand the edges well.  Following this, clean the area with a solvent...I used alcohol.
2. Mask off and cover your bike.
3. Make a cone from a piece of paper, which will allow you to paint a narrow area.
4. Make short bursts of paint from the spray can (I pushed the button on and off as quickly as possible).
5. Use a hair dryer or heat gun to dry the paint.
6. I put a total of three coats on the area. 

It will take you longer to mask off and cover your bike than it will to make the repair.  I probably went overboard on covering the bike-the painting wasn't as messy as I thought it would be. Photos show: bike covered, before, after, and the cone I made, along with the can of $23 spray paint. Sorry, couldn't get all pics in one post.

[mark]

Next pic

[mark]

Repair pic after painting

[mark]

Paper cone pic.  Also, if you've ever wondered what a $23 can of spray paint looks like...

[dlaws01]

Nice job you did there.  I too have a spot about the size of a dime that is difficult to see unless you are looking closely. Just been keeping an eye on it making sure it doesn't grow but think I'll follow your lead since I see how well your's turned out.  Thanks for the pics.   

[Aussie]

Your sure had the bike wrapped up but better to be safe than having overspray in areas you don't it.
Job well done on the repair.

[D-N-D]

Looks Good Brother !!!

[brosen101]

Wow, nice job.  I'm actually liking that bike stand and flooring too!  Impressive!

[ChopperPilot]

Nicely done, thanks for posting.

[krypto2011]

I have a similar problem on an '04 fatboy I recently acquired, however it is the black coming off the engine. I assume it could be repaired the same way. Has anyone done the black? What did you use for paint? Does harley have a $23 can in my future??

[Wesleypalms]

Thanks I have a small spot to repair and was afraid I might make it worse.

[dlaws01]

Paper cone pic.  Also, if you've ever wondered what a $23 can of spray paint looks like...

Isn't it like the moco to sell you a 12-16 oz spray can of paint to cover a dime size spot?   

[110tHunDer]

 
Maybe it's just the flash, but the match doesn't look so hot.  It looks more silver than granite.  Got any other pics?

[cahdbiker]

Mark, you did a great job touching up the missing paint.  Nothing is perfect. Sometimes when I make a small repair I spray some paint from a full size can into the glass bottle from my air brush. It works well and you can control where you want to spray a lot easier. My prep usually includes what you did. There is a product called Acryli-Clean DX330. Most auto body paint supplies will have it for about $16.00 per quart. Prior to painting anything you should wipe down the area with Acryli-Clean or something similar and then when it dries use a "tack rag" to make sure there is no dust or hairs on the spot.(always test anything you will be using on an area that can't be seen first just to make sure it won't cause your paint to wrinkle). I am not a professional painter by any means, but I have painted a few cars and a lot of motorcycles. Bottom line is you did a great repair job.CAHDBIKER

[mark]

Maybe it's just the flash, but the match doesn't look so hot.  It looks more silver than granite.  Got any other pics?

I tried to turn the flash off on my phone to take the pics, but couldn't get  the camera to work (it's apparently smarter than me).  I know where the spot is, but anyone looking at the bike wouldn't notice it.  Considering I was trying to match powder coating on a 4 yr old bike with spray paint, I was pleased with the result verses having the peeled spot.