The bolts securing the rocker cover on my 2016 Softail Deluxe have become rusty.



Any suggestions on how to clean up the bolts without scratching the chrome? I have considered removing a bolt at a time, but I am concerned about creating an oil leak. I am really only concerned about the visible bolts on the outside right. I have also considered getting bolt covers, but wow, they are expensive.

Thanks for your help.

 

You could use a soft BRASS brush and lightly rub away the surface rust, then a small polishing wheel and some chrome cleaner will bring them back a little bit. If you're not fully satisfied then this is always an option.


I did spend the extra and bought Genuine Harley covers.

 

https://www.feulingparts.com/sku/3046

https://www.feulingparts.com/sku/3040

Just adding more options. Enjoy!

 

Why not replace them all with stainless steel socket cap heads?

You will need 6 off 5/16-18 x 1" long and 6 off 5/16-18 x 1-3/4" long, 12 off plain washers.

Your local hardware store should have them in stock.

 

Make you a paper hole template. Hit them with either flatblack or flat aluminum rattle can paint.

The flat aluminum will give them the look of cadmium silvery typical on a lot of Harley bolts.

Just cut your hole in paper tad bigger than washer face of bolt.

 

Thanks. I found a chrome HD Rocker Box Hardware Kit and gaskets

It's looks pretty simple to replace the bolts.

 

It is my opinion that using chrome covers will make those bolts even worse looking in less time, they just would be "hidden"...


IMHO...

Since the gasket has been on for awhile (many heat cycles), I wouldn't hesitate to remove the bolts one at a time... I have removed rocker box covers that have been on for several years, and had to "break" them loose after removing all the bolts...

On two of my bikes I added engine bolt kits, and swapped out the bolts one at a time, cleaning threads, and properly retorquing them on rocker covers, cam chest, primary cover, derby cover, trans cover (top & side) etc., and I never got a leak.

So I would pull them one at a time, clean them up (or better replace them), then re-torque them.

On the left side (primary side) bolts, you'll probably need to use a torque wrench adapter on your torque wrench at 90° to get those bolts properly torqued. I know I use one...

Good luck cleaning up the bolts...

 

Thanks, this confirms what I was thinking.

 

@hattitude has a valid point, they may rust under the covers with time. I can't say this is a cure all solution, but I've added dab of silicone to prevent any water from getting in, but they're a bitch when it comes time to remove them. A tot of mine covering the basic hardware are a plastic, so if it snaps during removal, I'll pop on a new one.
Good luck and keep us posted on your results. Oh, and welcome aboard,

 

I only had one experience with the bolt covers.

When I bought my 2001 FX springer in 2018, it had the round, chrome bolt covers on the head bolts. Not being a fan of that look, I pulled them off. The head bolts were very corroded and looked just like the OP's pic, but with a little more rust.

With my OCD, I almost pulled the heads just to replace those bolts.... but sanity prevailed, and I just cleaned them up in place, as well as possible...

I have to admit, that was just my experience. I have no idea how long those bolt covers were on there. The paint & chrome were great on that bike, but there were a couple signs that it may have been parked in the weather over the years...

I usually add a polished stainless steel engine bolt kit to my bikes, in lieu of covers.. I like the look and the 12pt fasteners...