Harley Davidson Softail: Customizing Your Rims
Customizing the rims on your Softail might be just the thing you have been longing for to make your ride stand out in a crowd.
This article applies to the Harley Davidson Softail.
Are you thinking about doing something really different to your ride, but you just can't put your finger on it? Do you want something that is completely unique? Customizing your rims might be just the answer. While this isn't too difficult of a DIY job, it is not one of the more common ones you'll see everyday. While you might be in the crowd of upgrading your lights, mirrors, tank and seat, customizing your rims is something that will really put you on top of the pack. You have many different options for making your rims scream; here are a few to give you a jump start on the idea wagon.
Customizing the Rims
For your Softail, or any of your rides for that matter, you have a few options for making your rims really stand out. The most inexpensive option is spray painting them. You can also use Plasti-Dip or you can go with the more expensive option of having them powder-coated. The choice is completely up to you and your budget. Spray painting and dipping your wheels is a great DIY project that will give you not only a great new look, but a great sense of accomplishment as well. If you aren't up to the task, you should consider taking your wheels to a high quality powder-coating specialist. The results will simply amaze you and will last virtually forever.
Painting
Figure 2. A high quality spray paint can make a huge difference.
DIY Cost – About $50 or less
Professional Cost – At least $100 or more
Skill Level – Easy, but there is a lot of prep work for the right high quality finish.
For those who wish to go the painting route, you will have considerable prep work to do in order to have a finished product that you will be proud of. The chrome will need to be roughed up considerably for the paint to properly adhere to the rims or spokes. The use of an etching product in conjunction with (preferably) sandblasting or (in the least) manual sanding is imperative. Removing the wheel is optimal, while careful and thoughtful taping of any area that you don't want oversprayed is necessary. Special consideration must be given to the brakes to avoid getting anything on the pads. You should also consider the balancing weight if you have one. For a cleaner look, it is recommended to remove the weight and use Dyna beads for proper balancing. Done correctly, the end effort of all your hard work will simply astound you.
Plasti-Dip
Figure 3. Try Plasti-Dip for an incredible look and be creative with it. The versatility of peeling and re-dipping makes this a great way to achieve just the right look you want.
DIY Cost – Starting around $20
Professional Cost – About $100-$125
Skill Level – Easy, but patience is needed to do it right.
Plasti-Dip is a great product that can give great results when it is done correctly. In the case of your wheels, you will need to do several coats and will need a good deal of time. You should start out with a light coating, then a medium coating when the first is dry. When it is completely dry, you should follow up with two to three very thick coats. This is a long process, but the end result looks great. Plasti-Dip will give you a flat finish, great in any color. If you are interested in a glossy look, you can top it with a glossy sealant that will also help protect it. Done right, any nicks or scrapes can easily be rubbed out and additional layers can make it look as good as new. The nicest thing about using Plasti-Dip is that if you get tired of the look, it peels right off back to the stock look, and you can re do it with a different color, try paint or even powder coat it in the future. This is an easy DIY job with excellent results.
Powder Coating
Figure 4. You'd be hard pressed to find a better look than this Deuce wheel.
DIY Cost – $200 and up
Professional Cost – $300 or more for high quality work
Skill Level – Difficult; Many folks take their rides to a high quality powder coating specialist.
Powder coating your rims is a highly advisable method to use; however, it is more expensive, and the results are more permanent. There is some concern with chipping, but when done correctly with a high quality artisan, the results are long-lasting and amazing. If you really want to impress the crowds and your budget allows it, powder coating may be the right option for you.
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