Help! Screwed up my chrome : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Harleymarlybone · 10-31-2009, 07:04 PM

I start up my chopper every week and let it run for a few minutes to keep the battery charged, since I don't ride it much. I have a cover for it and it was lying on the ground, but part of it was touching my pipes. By the time I saw the smoke it was too late and about 6 inches of the chrome cover on my pipes was covered with burnt melted nylon or whatever **** the cover is made out of. I could scrape a lot of it off while it was still hot, but as it cooled down it became harder to remove. So now the chrome is discolored like a dirty oven. I tried some chrome polish, but it doesn't help much. Anyone know what I can use to clean it off without hurting the chrome? Should I get it hot again to clean it or will that make it worse?

petrock · 10-31-2009, 07:08 PM

Not sure about how to clean the chome on your pipes, but you might want to consider purchasing a Battery Tender so you don't have to go through your weekly ritual anymore. Good luck...

OldMsocko · 10-31-2009, 07:20 PM

Get yourself some heavy duty oven cleaner. Spray some into a container and brush it onto the pipe. Let sit overnight and wipe off in the morning. Be sure not to get any on your paint. It works like a charm. Don't ask me how I know this.

huskerbob · 10-31-2009, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harleymarlybone

I start up my chopper every week and let it run for a few minutes to keep the battery charged, since I don't ride it much. I have a cover for it and it was lying on the ground, but part of it was touching my pipes. By the time I saw the smoke it was too late and about 6 inches of the chrome cover on my pipes was covered with burnt melted nylon or whatever **** the cover is made out of. I could scrape a lot of it off while it was still hot, but as it cooled down it became harder to remove. So now the chrome is discolored like a dirty oven. I tried some chrome polish, but it doesn't help much. Anyone know what I can use to clean it off without hurting the chrome? Should I get it hot again to clean it or will that make it worse?

i've had some success using "0000" grade steel wool to remove burned on boot rubber. keep it wet and don't press to hard and you should be OK.

(but i think i'd try the oven cleaner suggestion first)

good luck!!

20538 · 10-31-2009, 07:48 PM

starting it like that won't charge your battery, get a battery tender as mentioned. I'm unsure of how to clean your chrome, so I'm sure others will, as they have chimed in.

Thealien · 10-31-2009, 07:51 PM

Sell it....

shovelmike · 10-31-2009, 08:16 PM

I would try the Easy-Off. I used to go out and run my bike, however as others stated, that short running time won't recharge the battery and the more serious thing is the combustion produces water vapor and the engine doesn't get hot enough to get it out of there. The best investment for the life of the battery is a Battery Tender.

Ashley · 10-31-2009, 08:25 PM

I had a large plastic bag catch my pipes. It made a real mess. The burnt plastic came off with Autosol polish and some elbow grease. It took a bit of time though.

bsoft03 · 10-31-2009, 08:34 PM

I have heard of folks using oven cleaner for melted nylon on pipes. Not only bike covers, but lighweight jackets melt also. Best to run the bike to heat the pipes, then spray on oven cleaner. As said, be sure to cover other areas and paint to avoid damage. I would avoid using steel wool as scratches occur.

Harleymarlybone · 10-31-2009, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thealien

Sell it....

I am. That's why I need to clean the chrome.

my383rdrnr · 10-31-2009, 08:40 PM

I believe it is called Road Rub, it looks like a travel size deodorant stick. You just rub it on and it removes melted plastic. my ol lady's boot heal melted on my pipes I saw the road rub at the local H-D stealership gave it a try and was impressed.. It does take some time and elbow grease but it works well.

Harleymarlybone · 10-31-2009, 08:43 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. I was thinking about oven cleaner too, but wasn't sure if it would mess up the chrome. Just glad to know it can be removed. Think I'll try heating up the pipe and using oven cleaner while it's hot, and if that doesn't work just let it soak overnight and then try.

Harleymarlybone · 10-31-2009, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by my383rdrnr

I believe it is called Road Rub, it looks like a travel size deodorant stick. You just rub it on and it removes melted plastic. my ol lady's boot heal melted on my pipes I saw the road rub at the local H-D stealership gave it a try and was impressed.. It does take some time and elbow grease but it works well.

Thanks. Good to know.

oldjime · 10-31-2009, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harleymarlybone

I start up my chopper every week and let it run for a few minutes to keep the battery charged, since I don't ride it much. I have a cover for it and it was lying on the ground, but part of it was touching my pipes. By the time I saw the smoke it was too late and about 6 inches of the chrome cover on my pipes was covered with burnt melted nylon or whatever **** the cover is made out of. I could scrape a lot of it off while it was still hot, but as it cooled down it became harder to remove. So now the chrome is discolored like a dirty oven. I tried some chrome polish, but it doesn't help much. Anyone know what I can use to clean it off without hurting the chrome? Should I get it hot again to clean it or will that make it worse?

Go to Auto Parts store ang get a can of Nvere Dull and a soft cloth. Takes some elbow grease but always works.

Coolmaker · 10-31-2009, 08:55 PM

Oven cleaner brushed on, so you don't get the surrounding paint. Then Never Dull to brighten it back up...