front fork bottoms

[Hook#3287]

This is one of my forks from a Valk restoration/rescue I'm doing.  The PO let these get this way from the salt air.

Any suggestions on getting them looking better?  Outside of having them chromed, will polishing them get that out?

I haven't done anything to them yet and wanted to get some help from you guys first.

Thanks

[Hoser]

They will polish out, you will need a powerball or something like it, and a variable speed drill, and lots of polishing compound.  A bench mounted polishing wheel works best.  Hoser

[YoungPUP]

Looks like mine did when the clearcoat went south. use a chemical paint remover (carb cleaner works too but not tree hugger approved) and then polish. 

[Westsider]

Hook, 1st choice, have them powder coat  black.. ...Or  2nd, drop them off at a local profesional polishing shop, go relax and have a few cold beverages, then go pick them up the next day or two...Hey you aked...Happy new year keep us posted whatever you come up with..
Paul

[Hook#3287]

Ha!  Westsider!  I like the second part of your second suggestion

Pup & Hoser, sounds like you've been here, so I'll take your advice and try the cleaner and polish track.

Thanks for the help.

Hook

[Pete]

That looks bad enough to start with fine sand paper, then extra fine and then 0000 steel wool before buffing. Being careful to not change the contour or create dips and waves. Think of color sanding a newly painted car.

Good luck and have fun.

[Hook#3287]

Pete;

When you say fine and extra fine, what are we talking?  600, 1000 grit?   Is there a difference in sand paper if used on metal or wood?

Also, looks like you need to fill in the color in the middle of the continent, what's up with that?

[Ricky-D]

If that picture is the worst of it - which it probably is,
 
and you're showing only the back side,
 
I would say cleaning and polishing ought to take care of it without sanding.

***

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Pete;

When you say fine and extra fine, what are we talking?  600, 1000 grit?   Is there a difference in sand paper if used on metal or wood?

Also, looks like you need to fill in the color in the middle of the continent, what's up with that?

Heres what I did.  Decent amount of work but worth it.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,12381.0.html

[sandy]

I bought wet/dry sandpaper from an automotive paint supply. I started with 1000 grit and moved up to 1500. Used it wet with water. Cleaned and used Meguiars mag and aluminum polish. Yours may have to start with 800 paper before moving up.

[Hook#3287]

Ricky-D:   That is the front of the left fork, and I'm going to try the cleaning, sanding and polishing.

Steelers:  Great info in that topic string and great looking results!   Thanks!

Sandy:  Thanks for the info, I think I will start with the 800.

[Ricky-D]

Ya, I realized that later after posting.

Mine are evenly cruddy and all the original finish is worn off.

Once a year I get the aluminum polish out and give them a little, not much, work.

Look Ok from 20 feet.

***

[RonW]

STEELERS - Rude Dog .... my eyeballs are still adjusting to the light. From the time stamp on your photo (JAN 25, 2010) the finish on the forks are 2-years old by now. How they holding up so far?

*does anybody know whether the factory clear coat is actually clear powder coating or some other proprietary process? The factory clear coat seems to last longer than aftermarket versions.

[Pete]

Pete;

When you say fine and extra fine, what are we talking?  600, 1000 grit?   Is there a difference in sand paper if used on metal or wood?

Also, looks like you need to fill in the color in the middle of the continent, what's up with that?

600 may be a little coarse for aluminum, also use the wet/dry and wet it, keeps the grit cleaner.
Try 1500, if that does not work quick enough then go more coarse.

Fine is better, more work to get the best results, but smaller sand lines to sand/buff out.
0000 steel wool will do it, but it will take time and effort.
When using steel wool, use with  a cleaner polish/wax with it for best results.

[Evie]

Don't let this worry you.   Follow Sandy's suggestion for sanding and polishing.   I have even done my wheels and with some patience and effort they will look great!    Alum polishes up nice and I just polish once a year to keep them nice.

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

STEELERS - Rude Dog .... my eyeballs are still adjusting to the light. From the time stamp on your photo (JAN 25, 2010) the finish on the forks are 2-years old by now. How they holding up so far?

*does anybody know whether the factory clear coat is actually clear powder coating or some other proprietary process? The factory clear coat seems to last longer than aftermarket versions.

Yes mine are holding up very well.  I do stay on top of them pretty good though.  Well worth the effort.