There are getting to be lots of different ways to do something about this dating problem from just breaking out the bucks and repainting to vinyl wraps to what Elite Custom Coatings Inc in Raleigh, North Carolina, refers to as “hydro-dipping” on this Ben Franklin-covered finish. You’ve possibly seen this process already without realizing what it was other than firing up the ‘that’s kinda cool’ portion of your brain. Personally, I’m more familiar with this on sports-oriented stuff where the durability is pretty damn good from what I’ve experienced. How good is it on a bike long term? I honestly don’t know, you’d have to ask some experts like Elite who I’m sure would be way more than happy to answer anything you might want to know about as long as it pertains to this process.

  In case you’re unaware of what goes into creating this coating, click on this link for Elite’s video of what’s up in hydro-graphicsville. I find this stuff fascinating and can only wonder who had the gray matter to think up this process to begin with. I know this what-a-trip-dip idea never ever wandered through my brain, but then that’s a whole ‘nother story. Elite does offer hundreds of colors and huge array of design patterns and I’m sure this is one of those systems where new patterns are showing up daily. If you don’t see what you like, just wait awhile. 

   In the meantime, check out the Ben Franklins all over this revitalized Harley custom. Originally this was a slightly toasted orange and black chop with laced wheels that Elite Custom Coatings has tried to update into a different look. Check out their website http://elitecustomcoatings.com/ before and after photos of this very bike along with info on all applications of their hydro-graphics.