Fork reconditioning

KZ1000inaus
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Luminous Red KZ1000 A2
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Fork reconditioning

15 May 2012 05:48

the lower part of the forks on my bike are yellowing slightly and have a few scuff marks.
what's the best way to recondition them as i will be taking them off to replace the seals so might as well while they are off?
Would sandblasting damage them too much to then get them re-lacquered?
anyone reconditioned that part before?

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martin_csr
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Re: -

15 May 2012 09:36 - 23 Feb 2013 16:08

#522482

.

1981 KZ650 Competition Sports and Road

Last edit: 23 Feb 2013 16:08 by martin_csr.

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Kidkawie
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Re: Fork reconditioning

15 May 2012 11:44

#522496

^^^ NICE!

1975 Z1 900
1994 KX250 Supermoto
2004 KX125

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T_Dub
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Re: Fork reconditioning

15 May 2012 12:16

#522500

I sandblasted mine and then they were powdercoated. Very nice.

1977 KZ650B1
-810cc
-Cavanaugh Racing Head
-Mikuni RS34's
-GPR Muffler

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Kidkawie
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Re: Fork reconditioning

15 May 2012 13:54

#522507

I can't find the pics anymore, but for a "factory finish" you can strip the legs, polish, then use something like a Scotchbrite pad to make a brushed finish. Only work the pad in one direction, then clear coat. I saw some nice pics for a Z1 but can't find them anymore. You'll have to play around with the grades of Scotchbrite to get the effect you want.

1975 Z1 900
1994 KX250 Supermoto
2004 KX125

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steell
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Re: Fork reconditioning

15 May 2012 16:06

#522538

POR-15 sells a two part clear coat that can be applied with a brush over polished aluminum. It's called Glisten PC.

KD9JUR

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650ed
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Re: Fork reconditioning

15 May 2012 16:40 - 15 May 2012 16:40

#522545

Has anyone tried powder coating the fork legs with clear or metallic silver? Any idea on how well powder coat would hold up? Ed

1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

Last edit: 15 May 2012 16:40 by 650ed.

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gwolever
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Re: Fork reconditioning

16 May 2012 23:35

#522818

Mine were in pretty sad shape too with yellowing, some dings, and old clear coat spots. I stripped old clear coat, wet sanded by hand, and polished with compound on bench buffer. Took awhile, but happy with results and no painting or clearcoat.

Attachment 007_2012-05-16.JPG not found

1982 KZ1000 CSR

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Knowmad
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Re: Fork reconditioning

27 Aug 2012 09:49

#545023

What product can be used to strip the original clear coat off. I have two KZ1Ks, a 77 and a 78, the 78 has chrome lowers which are or course easy to maintain, the 77 I want to strip and polish.

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KZJOE900
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Re: Fork reconditioning

27 Aug 2012 09:58

#545024

Knowmad wrote: What product can be used to strip the original clear coat off. I have two KZ1Ks, a 77 and a 78, the 78 has chrome lowers which are or course easy to maintain, the 77 I want to strip and polish.

I would think Aircraft Remover would do the job. Maybe someone here could confirm if it does or not.

Current project 76 KZ900 (This was a Vetter model)
76 KZ900
81 XJ550H SECA (Current Project)
82 XJ550R SECA
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86 FJ1200
74 Z1900
72 CB450

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Tomolu5
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Re: Fork reconditioning

27 Aug 2012 10:15

#545026

Knowmad wrote: What product can be used to strip the original clear coat off. I have two KZ1Ks, a 77 and a 78, the 78 has chrome lowers which are or course easy to maintain, the 77 I want to strip and polish.

As stated, aircraft stripped should get it, easy off oven cleaner will work to, but you gotta Spray it on, then get it up to about 200 degrees(f). You can also just sand through the clear.

Mine:
04 Honda rebel 250(wifes)
04 GSXR 750(bolt on galore)
98 CBR 600F3(filter, pipe, adjustable cam sprokets, dyno tune)
76 KZ900A (LTD gauge pods, crash bars, LTD(style)pipes, dyna coils and ignition,headwork and mild port cleanup by cavanaugh racing, K&N filter pods, heck I dunno.

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650ed
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Re: Fork reconditioning

27 Aug 2012 12:43 - 27 Aug 2012 12:45

#545047

Be sure to read the instructions on oven cleaner or other stripper products. Many of them warn against using on aluminum because it can turn this:
i22.photobucket.com/albums/b301/fabes326/3.jpg

to this:
i22.photobucket.com/albums/b301/fabes326/2.jpg

Here's the link to the guy's nightmare:
www.hdforums.com/forum/detailing/229259-...worst-nightmare.html

More info:
answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101123130042AALn5VR

1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

Last edit: 27 Aug 2012 12:45 by 650ed.

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