OK, since I have went this far, I am thinking I need to do the hardware on the motor. So what do all of you guys think...chrome replacement bolts or the chrome plastic toppers?

 

Bolts instead of caps... whole parts instead of covers. I think it looks much better, doesn't rattle and usually doesn't fall off.

 

I just put the chrome caps on my motor. Some needed a little electrical tape on the inside to keep them on but was way cheaper than all new bolts. They look very good too. I split 100 3/8, 100 5/16 and 100 1/4" caps with a friend. Total was under 80 bucks.
Found them on ebay.

 

i'd go with the caps. save the dough for other mods.

 

Forget that and jsut do your next major mod. At least that's my opinion. But if it came down to it I say bolts.

 

Next BIG mod will be pipe and air suspension....need something to keep me busy til I get the funds to buy the bigger stuff.

 

I came across some caps, so I used them. put a little dab of sylicone on them first. I'd rather have bolts though

 

I've got the Hot Toppers on my Sportster. They fit very well and look good too but I feel they give a more "modern" look than a classic look. For the Deluxe, Im going with chrome bolts. When all is said and done, the bolts aren't drastically more money depending on what you do. I estimated it to cost me maybe $75 more or so. Both styles look good in my opinion.

 

Depends, mostly bolts unless the simple change would require you to commit to unnecessary disassembly.

For example on my EVO replacing the rocker box cover bolts with chrome ones , 1 at a time & torque correctly could cause a leak, so caps would be a good idea there until they leak then replace with bolts.

Some things have a sequence & torque pattern for assembly and loosening 1 bolt could require you to loosen all & start over causing a leak. But if you like to take things apart as most of us do , go 4 it . Don’t forget the thread locker

 

There are pros and cons to both setups. For instance, I went with Hot Toppers...got them on ebay for $88 with shipping. Only bought the engine kit, since the rest of my bike already had chrome bolts. I like them, BUT pulling the primary, trans side cover, cam cover, etc takes a little while longer, because you have to take these off (and be careful not to break the plastic). On the other hand, chrome bolts for the entire engine, trans, etc runs about $200. Easier to remove, BUT if you get your bike wet, and a little water sits in the bolt head, you now have RUST. I hate rust. I got caught in a rain storm last summer, and by the time I was able to clean my bike up, I already had rust in my fender strut bolts, rotor bolts (front and rear), timing cover bolts, and master cylinder cover bolts. Drove me crazy....Did I mention that I hate rust on my bike?