From what I have found out, is it true that the HD wheels were chromed and the Lariat and KR are just polished aluminum with some type of clear coat? If so do you know what the clear coat is?

Before starting out on the refinishing just want to make sure what the job will be if I go with stripping them down for powdercoating or painting or anodizing.

 

I've had my hands on a set of the H-D rims and I'm pretty sure they are clear coated the same as my set of Lariats. The Harley rims do have a higher level of polish than the other '04 18"s do. When I bought my Lariats they had some rub marks and scratches, all of which I was able to clean up with rubbing and polishing compound.

 

Here's mine to give you an idea of looks. Painted Windows and the entire wheel shaved to bare aluminum. No clear coat here.

 

Yes, all 04 18" wheels are polished then clear coated.