Lower Fork Corrosion

[Valkorado]

Wanting to polish 'em up while they are mounted on the bike.  What techniques are best?

[old2soon]

         My 99 I/S also had a clear coat. I used some 800 grit paper then an S O S pad then I finished them off with the Purple California metal polish. Cleaned and shined now they look Almost like chrome. RIDE SAFE.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Wanting to polish 'em up while they are mounted on the bike.  What techniques are best?

What techniques are best ?

Chrome fork covers. 

[Jess from VA]

That clear coat is pretty tough.  I've used cans of carb cleaner to burn it off (not on the valk), but some kind of Naval Jelly or Zip Strip may be called for, although that could be hard on the aluminum (and your hands and eyes). 

I sure wouldn't sand it off by hand.  It would be chemicals and/or power tools for me.

[98valk]

easy off oven cleaner will soften clear coat to easily scrap it off.  do small areas at a time, the cleaner will start to discolor the aluminum if left on two long. flush with water the area just removed.

https://www.caswellplating.com/buffman.htm

[sandy]

easy off oven cleaner will soften clear coat to easily scrap it off.  do small areas at a time, the cleaner will start to discolor the aluminum if left on two long. flush with water the area just removed.

https://www.caswellplating.com/buffman.htm

I've done a few valks with this method. It's easier if you remove the wheel and fender. Oven cleaner for 10 minutes, water wash and start sanding. I use 600 wet/dry to start. Graduating up to 1200. Then Mothers aluminum billet polish and a polish wheel on a drill.

[old2soon]

         Reason I went with the non chemical removal was due to my breathing problems. Retired with time on my hands and + + I work cheap-fer myself!  RIDE SAFE.

[Valkorado]

Thanks for the ideers.   I'd love to find a set of those fancy chrome covers at a reasonable price,  but I ain't the only one!   That said I'll probably try the oven cleaner,  scrub and polish technique. Think I'll wet a rag with that Easy Off to avoid overspray!

[Gryphon Rider]

Thanks for the ideers.   I'd love to find a set of those fancy chrome covers at a reasonable price,  but I ain't the only one!   That said I'll probably try the oven cleaner,  scrub and polish technique. Think I'll wet a rag with that Easy Off to avoid overspray!

I've only ever used oven cleaner by spraying directly on the thing to be treated.  I think the reason they make it a foam is to allow it to sit on the target surface for enough time to allow it to do its work before it dries at the target surface.  If you spray it on a cloth, then wipe the cloth on the surface, the fluid will likely dry too soon to be effective.  It's the same reason why when treating mold on a vertical surface with bleach, you make a paste of bleach and baking soda, allowing it to sit on the surface long enough to do its job.

[Lyle Laun]

Valkorado
I just sent you a pm

Regards
Lyle.....

[F6BANGER]

Used set on ebay 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1997-2001-Honda-GL1500-Valkyrie-CHROME-FORK-LOWER-LEFT-RIGHT-COVER-COVERS/312806748282?epid=1628191673&hash=item48d4bc307a:g:tXMAAOSwCgldp31-

[Bagger John - #3785]

Do you wanna see the board cry?

Wait til I post pics of a set of those fancy chrome covers that have now been powdercoated gloss black. 

Way back when, I bought enough spares of stuff like this that I can keep all the Valkyries in my garage looking brand-new, accessory wise. When a given part (or parts) gets to the point that it needs major cosmetic help, off to the coaters it goes.

In the case of my current I/S, I acquired enough rough but serviceable used parts to basically turn the entire thing black. Including the lower covers, caliper covers, fork tube covers...etc. The end result will be something that Honda should have done - and could have done, all with OEM parts and accessories - but didn't.