Rust and pitting on fork tubes

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03 Jul 2023 20:18 #886799 by ckahleer
Rust and pitting on fork tubes was created by ckahleer
I was looking to replace the fork tubes on my recently acquired 79 KZ400, but the used ones I see on E-bay don't look much better than mine. I don't want to put the money into NOS tubes. The section of tube that slide on the seals are OK.
My plan is to put on Gator fork boots and chrome vinyl wrap on the tubes between the triple tree clamps. I'm not restoring this bike, just want it to look better as an occasional errand runner.
Any other ideas I should consider?
 

94 KE100
81 CM200t
82 KZ305
85 VF1100c

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  • Wookie58
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03 Jul 2023 23:36 - 03 Jul 2023 23:37 #886800 by Wookie58
Replied by Wookie58 on topic Rust and pitting on fork tubes
You could sand them with 1000 grit (not the the functional section that runs through the seals) apply a rust-inhibitor and then polish. Would make them look a lot better and slow the rusting process
Last edit: 03 Jul 2023 23:37 by Wookie58.

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  • hardrockminer
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04 Jul 2023 03:33 #886802 by hardrockminer
Replied by hardrockminer on topic Rust and pitting on fork tubes
Maybe a new seat cover?

I have several restored bikes along with a 2006 Goldwing with a sidecar. My wife has a 2019 Suzuki DR 650 for on and off road.
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04 Jul 2023 05:22 #886804 by ThatGPzGuy
Replied by ThatGPzGuy on topic Rust and pitting on fork tubes
I would definitely try to sand out the rust. You'll still have pitting but I've heard of a technique where you sand with crumpled up aluminum foil and WD40 to remove some of the pitting. It's worth a try. 

Jim
North GA
2016 Yamaha FJR1300ES
1982 GPz750 R1
1974 Kawasaki H1
1976 Kawasaki KZ400
1979 Yamaha XS650 cafe'
2001 KZ1000P
2001 Yamaha YZ426
1981 Honda XR200 stroked in an '89 CR125 chassis
1965 Mustang
1967 Triumph GT6
1976 Bronco
"If you didn't build it, it's not really yours"

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04 Jul 2023 05:36 - 04 Jul 2023 05:51 #886805 by martin_csr
Replied by martin_csr on topic Rust and pitting on fork tubes
Did you try searching KZ440 forks?  In case you aren't aware, the 400 Ltd has the same fork tubes as a number of 440 Ltds, so there should be more available for the 440.
Last edit: 04 Jul 2023 05:51 by martin_csr.

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04 Jul 2023 06:03 #886806 by urankjj
Replied by urankjj on topic Rust and pitting on fork tubes
On the forks you could try soaking with wd-40 or simular, and then using some 0000# grade steel wool and metal polish.  Make sure you use only 0000# steel wool. I have used it on both chrome parts and glass windshields with no scratching at all and excellent results. 

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04 Jul 2023 07:25 - 04 Jul 2023 07:28 #886807 by Warren3200gt
Replied by Warren3200gt on topic Rust and pitting on fork tubes
Yep, ultra fine steel wool and chrome cleaner then seal with a wax. 
Battery acid burns on an original 650 exhaust. 

After



Before


Z1000J2 somewhat modified!

Last edit: 04 Jul 2023 07:28 by Warren3200gt.

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04 Jul 2023 07:58 #886812 by Nessism
Replied by Nessism on topic Rust and pitting on fork tubes
No disrespect to Warren, but notice the scratching in the After photo.  That's why I use straight chrome cleaner on a rag, and rotate the rag often, otherwise you will be grinding oxide material into the chrome, scratching it.  Good news with fork tubes, though, is they are HARD chromed, not cosmetic chrome like an exhaust pipe.  You won't scratch hard chrome nearly as easily, so the 0000 steel wool will be okay.
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04 Jul 2023 08:11 - 04 Jul 2023 08:12 #886813 by Warren3200gt
Replied by Warren3200gt on topic Rust and pitting on fork tubes

No disrespect to Warren, but notice the scratching in the After photo. 

 
Nessism, are you looking at them the right way round? The After pic is the top one.
The scratches and majority of the acid burn discoloration on the before pic are all but gone on the after (top) pic. 
Admittedly not 100% but loads better.
Zoom in on each pic to clearly see how diminished they are. 


Z1000J2 somewhat modified!

Last edit: 04 Jul 2023 08:12 by Warren3200gt.

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04 Jul 2023 17:05 #886840 by hardrockminer
Replied by hardrockminer on topic Rust and pitting on fork tubes

Maybe a new seat cover?
He asked...any other ideas I should consider?  I thought I'd inject a little humour!

As for the fork uppers...they are hard chromed.  Some shops will re-chrome them.  Most won't.  A new set probably costs around $100 US.

I have several restored bikes along with a 2006 Goldwing with a sidecar. My wife has a 2019 Suzuki DR 650 for on and off road.
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04 Jul 2023 20:12 #886849 by ckahleer
Replied by ckahleer on topic Rust and pitting on fork tubes

A new set probably costs around $100 US.

Is this more humour?

94 KE100
81 CM200t
82 KZ305
85 VF1100c

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