Fender Strut cover modification

[vulcanrdr]

I want to increase the size of the rear chrome fender strut cover from 6mm to 8mm to mount saddlebags. How do you increase the hole size in the chrome covers without damaging them?

Thanks

[madperson]

Originally Posted by vulcanrdr

I want to increase the size of the rear chrome fender strut cover from 6mm to 8mm to mount saddlebags. How do you increase the hole size in the chrome covers without damaging them?

Thanks

You can drill them out and use a tap and die set to rethread them.

[vulcanrdr]

Thanks, I know how to do the tapping part; my question is drilling the chrome strut covers without causing it to flake or peel.

[Streak07]

No matter what you'll be compromising the chrome. Put painters tape over it on top and fully brace it on the back with a piece of wood directly on the back of where you're drilling. Use plenty of WD40. Afterward you'll want to get some silver paint and touch up the insides of the hole. Otherwise it's exposed metal that will eventually rust.

[vulcanrdr]

Thanks for the info, I managed to get it done with lots of lube and progressive sizing of drill bits; never thought of touching up the pait though. Thanks for the info and I will be looking for some quality paint to protect the metal.