Rust on Forks

[tango]

I am restoring a few old bikes from the 80's. Most have specks of rust on the fork tubes -to varying degrees- any good means of removing this? - I guess rechroming is a last resort - any shop that can handle the forks if I cannot remove the rust?

Thanks


Tango

[kneedragger88]

I am restoring a few old bikes from the 80's. Most have specks of rust on the fork tubes -to varying degrees- any good means of removing this? - I guess rechroming is a last resort - any shop that can handle the forks if I cannot remove the rust?

Thanks


Tango

Nope if the legs are pitted even if you remove the rust the rough pitting will destroy your seals over and over.

[beverage]

Nope if the legs are pitted even if you remove the rust the rough pitting will destroy your seals over and over.

+1. Had this exact problem. Got so fed up replacing fork seals (a few times per season) that I ended up buying replacement upper fork tubes. The replacements were used, but in much better condition than the originals.

It's been a few years, but I think the upper tubes cost me ~$100. The cost was easily recovered by no longer having to replace the seals so often.

[BrianZ]

Rust on the fork tubes is only a problem if it occurs on the area of the tube where the fork seal will make contact. Assuming that this is your problem there is a "bodge" fix. I read about this in Classic Motorcycle Mechanics but I have never tried it. First remove all the rust. You can do this with various chemicals/acids available. Then you need to remove any flaking or peeling chrome. Use a very fine file or sandpaper paper. Next use an epoxy to fill the pitted area. One it hardens sand it smooth with a fine sandpaper.

Failing that, try "Forking by Frank" for replacement tubes:

http://www.frankmain.qpg.com/

I bought tubes from him to restore an old bike. Decent pricing and the quality was excellent, far superior to the stock parts.

[tango]

Thanks - will try the fix - I heard about a shop near near front street in Toronto where the guy regularly rechromes the tubes for abour $80 per side - will be my last resort.

[BrianZ]

Thanks - will try the fix - I heard about a shop near near front street in Toronto where the guy regularly rechromes the tubes for abour $80 per side - will be my last resort.

$80 per side is a decent deal. Do you have any contact information for this guy?

[tango]

Will post when I check with my source

[tango]

This was the recommendation - anybody else use these people?

Mayfair Plating
96 Carlaw Ave
Toronto, ON
M4M 2R7
(416) 461-4435