Harley Scratch and Scuff Repair

[2black1s]

A riding buddy of mine went on a little trip last weekend. On the way home the luggage bag that was strapped to his seat shifted and was rubbing on the saddlebag lid unbeknownst to him. By the time he discovered it, the damage was already done. Two really significant scratches and several abrasions and scuffs.

He called me and asked if I could take a look at it and give him my opinion/recommendation. My assessment was that I could get all of the smudges out by polishing and I could improve, but not not fully correct, the two major scratches. He said, "Have at it" and left the saddlebag with me.

Here is the repair process and final results in pics...

For perspective

Close ups of damage

Process:

1) Claybar

2) Wet sand the two deep scratches... 1500G followed by 3000G.

Scratch #1, Early in the process

And as far as I dared to go

Scratch #2, I got this one out nearly 100%

Scratches sanded and blended/feathered into surrounding area

3) Compounding with primary focus on sanded areas. 3" Rotary, wool pad, and Meg's 110.

4) Polishing with 3" Random Orbital and Meg's 210. First polishing cycle with a wool pad, followed by a second cycle with a yellow Griot's foam pad.

5) Wax - Meg's Ultimate Liquid hand applied.

6) Final Wipe with Meg's D115

And the results...

[Eldorado2k]

Impressive, you knocked it out!

[fly07sti]

Very nice! The sanding pattern impressed me the most. Can tell you know what you’re doing.

[msharpe785]

Beautiful work. Perfect correction.

[mattmann]

Great work


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[JDGolden]

I bet he’s happy! What a save.

[Bobby B.]

Awesome job! Your riding buddy should be thrilled with the results.

[PaulMys]

Awesome stuff, John!