Restoring Chrome on Fork Tubes

[New2Tri-Z]

I am rebuilding my 86 Tri Z and everything is being polished, powder coated or replaced. I cant find NOS forks (especially in the budget) for my bike so I am curious what routes are available to restore the chrome on the tubes I have. They are straight and in good shape but show some light rust pitting on the exposed portions of the tubes. I have the forks disassembled now and powder coated the lowers, have all the seals and springs to put them back together but want to clean up the fork tubes before I get that far.

I am wondering if there is anyway to sand of the rust and polish out the chrome?

If not how successful would I be having them re-chromed? talked to a chrome guy he said no problem so long as they are steel. Just curious if it would add to my thickness overall, therefore not fit in the triples. And does having them replated affect the inside of the tubes at all?

Just lokking for some guidance as I am aure somebody has battled this beast before. Thanks in advance.

BTW the Tri Z is coming back together nicely so as soon as I can gather some pictures I will start a new thread on the rebuild.

[just ben]

check out forking by frank. If they don't offer them already they can make them. As far as rechroming, If they aren't within spec don't pay for them until they are.

[Dirtcrasher]

Yep, chroming one single set is a small fortune!.....................

[aldochina]

000 grade steel wool is amazing on chrome that just has a light surface rust, but if the pitting is through the chrome it will not do anything for you. I would look for a decent used set before re chroming. If the pitting is high on the tubes where it most likely will not contact the seals then run them! fork boots cover alot, and i have seen sleeves cut to cover the portion betweet tripples! good luck!

[New2Tri-Z]

check out forking by frank. If they don't offer them already they can make them. As far as rechroming, If they aren't within spec don't pay for them until they are.

Thank you ben, I just emailed them and will wait to hear what they have to say.

[Dave8338]

000-0000 steel wool dipped in automatic trans fluid will do wonders on lightly pitted fork tubes. For the deeper pits and rough feeling they leave behind, I sand the tubes with 2000 grit wet/dry sand paper dipped in ATF and finish with the steel wool. Have yet to have a seal leak when I'm done. If the chrome is peeling or chipped off already, new chrome is all you can really do.

[New2Tri-Z]

000 grade steel wool is amazing on chrome that just has a light surface rust, but if the pitting is through the chrome it will not do anything for you. I would look for a decent used set before re chroming. If the pitting is high on the tubes where it most likely will not contact the seals then run them! fork boots cover alot, and i have seen sleeves cut to cover the portion betweet tripples! good luck!

Thanks Aldo, I may give the steel wool a shot but they do appear to have gotten through the chrome. They are defiantly usable as all the rust is above and between the triples (the only exposed areas of course). I just have a hard time leaving them that way as everything else looks brand new.

[6speedthumper]

A scotchbrite pad and rubbing compound works, too.

[6speedthumper]

Marvel Mystery Oil works great to remove rust as well. I've cleaned a few heavily rusted cylinders with Marvel and scotchbrite.

[New2Tri-Z]

Just talked to Franks Maint adn they said they could help. Of course the 39mm forks are the only ones he has issues with but all can be dealt with. Have to send him my dampining rod to be re-fitted with a new end. Also you cant run the OEM spring a the OD is slightly too large. I have bought a set of Progressive Springs and they will work great. I guess the problem is his 39mm tubes have a slightly smmaller ID then the OEM Yamaha and Honda ones. So the OEM springs will rub and not work properly. The Progressive spring tappers in diameter and is slightly smaller (as it vcovers a sleu of models). All this and brand new Fork Tubes delivered for about $265. Thats not too bad at all. I am going to give the steel wool/ATF a try and see how it comes out this weekend. But replacements are only a call away

[oldskool83]

call franks forks. he is an old dude price will prob be $259+ 17 shipping. thats what i was qouted for my 2nd gen R forks. hes very hard to hear on the phone also.

[oldskool83]

dont see why you cant send them out for strip and replate?

[Scootertrash]

Chroming has become very expensive over the years due to EPA regulations. Back in the 70's, 80's and early 90's we used to chrome Harley parts all the time. Then it seemed like over night the price nearly doubled due to EPA regulations. It became cheaper to just buy chrome parts from dealers and after market manufacturers.