Would cutting the chrome cause it to rust?

**Jared** · 03-09-2010, 02:12 PM

I'm considering cutting my windshield brackets to make it slightly easier to remove. http://www.gadgetjq.com/ws_removal.htm

Would doing this make the brackets and easy target for rust? If so, would coating the cuts with clear nail polish prevent it?

**MAS Tequila** · 03-09-2010, 02:21 PM

If you cut a chrome plated piece, then yes it will probably rust.

As far as nail polish...it'll help prevent rust, but it's not a permanent solution as it will weather off.

MT

nomadrider · 03-09-2010, 02:22 PM

any time you break the layer of chrome plating you expose the metal underneath to rust if it is not stainless.Coating the cut edges would help.

AlabamaNomadRider · 03-09-2010, 02:49 PM

I am in agreement with the others in that it will rust. You might try using a clear varnish or maybe even the nail polish. It may be something you will have to keep a check on.

cactusjack · 03-09-2010, 03:12 PM

Yes it will rust if you compromise the chrome plating and expose bare metal. How difficult is it to remove the windshield? 4 bolts.

phenrichs · 03-09-2010, 03:51 PM

I have to agree with CJ. Seems like a lot of work and potential damage when you could just get different style bolt that could potentially be tightened by hand.

**Jared** · 03-09-2010, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cactusjack

Yes it will rust if you compromise the chrome plating and expose bare metal. How difficult is it to remove the windshield? 4 bolts.

Not too difficult of course, but if making a few little cuts made it easier to put on than I would consider it. It can be obnoxious if you're trying to do it by yourself and also trying to keep it from scratching the headlight.

I was hoping you guys would say that the nail polish would prevent the rust but if not, than I'll continue doing it the old fashion way.

macmac · 03-09-2010, 07:05 PM

Yes as everyone said, cutting to carbon steel covered with chrome will allow rust. If you decide to do this anyway, sand and polish the cuts very well. The less ragged they are the less water can stay. Then you can use clear nail polish and add or touch up. I would use no less than 4 coats allowing dry times for each coat.

I have 2 carbon steel swords with no rust, but the blades are high mirror polished. They are coated with a thin film of oil 3 or 4 times a year too.

I have 0 problem yanking the whole screen. I just stuff a face cloth between it and the lamp bucket. Going on I do the same thing, and set it right down.

03-11-2010, 01:21 PM

Jared,
I would recommend that you make the cuts and get the pieces re-plated. This should only cost you a minimal amount (I think for somilar pieces on another bike I paid $40). One plater that I have used is http://www.advancedplating.com/ very good work and reasonable prices.
Good Luck!

spirello · 03-11-2010, 01:34 PM

I cut mine on my 2006 and after 2 1/2 years no rust. Its not like it is in the rain all the time like a car or truck after you wash it you dry it. When I did mine I didnt even consider rust because mine sits in the garage and if it gets wet I dry it off. Just my 2 cents.

03-09-2010, 02:12 PM	#1
Jared Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Greeley, Colorado Posts: 6,773	Would cutting the chrome cause it to rust? I'm considering cutting my windshield brackets to make it slightly easier to remove. http://www.gadgetjq.com/ws_removal.htm Would doing this make the brackets and easy target for rust? If so, would coating the cuts with clear nail polish prevent it? __________________ Jared VBA #1051 (Former President) Login or Register to Remove Ads
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03-09-2010, 02:21 PM	#2
MAS Tequila Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Psychiatric Ward FL Posts: 3,429	Would cutting the chrome cause it to rust? If you cut a chrome plated piece, then yes it will probably rust. As far as nail polish...it'll help prevent rust, but it's not a permanent solution as it will weather off. MT __________________ MT 2016 FLHP Psychiatric Ward FL VBA 936
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03-09-2010, 02:22 PM	#3
nomadrider Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: La Porte Texas Posts: 304	Would cutting the chrome cause it to rust? any time you break the layer of chrome plating you expose the metal underneath to rust if it is not stainless.Coating the cut edges would help. __________________ Mike"nomadrider"Sitzman La Porte ,Texas VBA #0098 VROC #21609 2006 Green/Silver Nomad
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03-09-2010, 02:49 PM	#4
AlabamaNomadRider Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Boaz, Alabama Posts: 13,742	Would cutting the chrome cause it to rust? I am in agreement with the others in that it will rust. You might try using a clear varnish or maybe even the nail polish. It may be something you will have to keep a check on. __________________ Gene Cross, Jr. Boaz, Alabama KawaNOW/VBA #1181
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03-09-2010, 03:12 PM	#5
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	Would cutting the chrome cause it to rust? Yes it will rust if you compromise the chrome plating and expose bare metal. How difficult is it to remove the windshield? 4 bolts. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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03-09-2010, 03:51 PM	#6
phenrichs Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Sioux Falls, SD Posts: 2,498	Would cutting the chrome cause it to rust? I have to agree with CJ. Seems like a lot of work and potential damage when you could just get different style bolt that could potentially be tightened by hand.
	0

03-09-2010, 07:05 PM	#8
macmac Sr. Contributor Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tamworth New Hampster 06 1600 Posts: 12,484	Would cutting the chrome cause it to rust? Yes as everyone said, cutting to carbon steel covered with chrome will allow rust. If you decide to do this anyway, sand and polish the cuts very well. The less ragged they are the less water can stay. Then you can use clear nail polish and add or touch up. I would use no less than 4 coats allowing dry times for each coat. I have 2 carbon steel swords with no rust, but the blades are high mirror polished. They are coated with a thin film of oil 3 or 4 times a year too. I have 0 problem yanking the whole screen. I just stuff a face cloth between it and the lamp bucket. Going on I do the same thing, and set it right down. __________________ 06 1600 Nomad Just call me Mac molon labe come and get it
	0

03-11-2010, 01:21 PM	#9
Guest Posts: n/a	Would cutting the chrome cause it to rust? Jared, I would recommend that you make the cuts and get the pieces re-plated. This should only cost you a minimal amount (I think for somilar pieces on another bike I paid $40). One plater that I have used is http://www.advancedplating.com/ very good work and reasonable prices. Good Luck!
	0

03-11-2010, 01:34 PM	#10
spirello Advanced Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: VANCOUVER WA Posts: 576	Would cutting the chrome cause it to rust? I cut mine on my 2006 and after 2 1/2 years no rust. Its not like it is in the rain all the time like a car or truck after you wash it you dry it. When I did mine I didnt even consider rust because mine sits in the garage and if it gets wet I dry it off. Just my 2 cents.
	0

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