Topic: Think these fork tubes are salvageable? RUST

[Lupo_00]

What do you guys think?

[calj737]

Pull them off the bike, remove the headlight ears, and de-rust them. Only once you remove the rust can you determine whether they are still structurally in tact. If the rust doesn’t travel past the seal, they won’t leak, but I’d be very concerned if they’ve rusted to a point where the tubing up top hasn’t been dismissed in strength. 

[Kevin D]

It looks like the wheel and the fender are going in different directions. Make sure the fork tubes are straight.

[evanphi]

It looks like the wheel and the fender are going in different directions. Make sure the fork tubes are straight.

Seconded. Those tubes look bent.

Fork () over the cash and buy new ones.

[754]

They look bent to me.
 Probably straightenable.
 Many prefer new chrome ones, as you can then run smaller headlight ears.

[Lupo_00]

Yeah I think you guys are right about the forks being bent. Is this a full replacement thing or just a new tubes thing? (Already have a new upper triple tree on the way to replace the cracked one)

[754]

Probably needs a lower tree  they are fairly easy to straighten.
 And the bearings and races probably got dimpled.

[przjohn]

what is your budget? That is an important consideration. Some would try and work magic on stuff and others, (Myself Included) would opt for new tubes and some Ebay clamps.

[Stev-o]

That front end is FUBAR!  I'd check the frame too...

[BobbyR]

The fork tubes are shot from rust alone. Save yourself so time and can them. The slightest imperfection in the finish will cause a leaking fork seal. I also agree they are probably bent.

[Lupo_00]

Alright I’ve got a new upper clamp already on the way. I’m going to eBay a used lower clamp and stem and buy new tubes.

Is there anything else I might as well take care of since I’m going this deep? New springs? Judging by the photo they’re probably leaking as is anyway. Makes sense to me considering the forks are bent.

[Kevin D]

That front tire is dry rotted.
Is the rim bent?

[Lupo_00]

That front tire is dry rotted.
Is the rim bent?

My bank account hopes not at this point.  I'll take off the wheel tomorrow and check... Tires are going no matter what. 

[754]

Spin the  wheel before you  take it off. Remove or loosen bolts on caliper if need be.
 Right now you are better off with a rolling bike while you wait fo parts.
When you do pull it, check the axle for bend.

[Stev-o]

Is there anything else I might as well take care of since I’m going this deep? New springs?

springs, seals, boots, oil

[Lupo_00]

Is there anything else I might as well take care of since I’m going this deep? New springs?

springs, seals, boots, oil

As in replace the boots? Or clean them up?

[przjohn]

Is there anything else?

A second job maybe? Delving deep into classic bikes is known to hurt the wallet along with a long list of other problems. You ain’t married is ya?

[754]

If you dont care about original , look for a 77/78 k fork they are better.
Or an F fork if you want to go big brakes..

[pjlogue]

Yeah I think you guys are right about the forks being bent. Is this a full replacement thing or just a new tubes thing? (Already have a new upper triple tree on the way to replace the cracked one)

Check your frame at the steering head.  It may just be the way the picture was taken but the bottom of the steering head looks like it is bent to the right.

-P.

[Lupo_00]

If you dont care about original , look for a 77/78 k fork they are better.
Or an F fork if you want to go big brakes..

Will 77-78K forks work with 69-76K triple tree or will I have to match that?  Looks like the F and 77-78K have the same offset.  Unsure how that translates to the 69-76Ks. 


Will take a closer look at the frame today.

[754]

They fit, spacing is same but offset is different,
 If you run  the  later trees  you may be hitting the tank at full lock.

[Lupo_00]

So I’ll be fine with my early trees and late forks?

[Gurp]

Yes both are 35mm OD sobthe fitment as far as the trees go will be the same. Post a wanted add on the forum for tubes. Im sure someone has a set they will come off of for a reasonable price.
Doing that right now for a extended set with very good results.

[Tews19]

Lupo, keep the fork lowers though. Take them apart, polish them real well then sell. It will help offset the cost??? Maybe someone would even trade?

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[PeWe]

I got a complete old fork for a little bit less than $100 a year ago. Up to K6 model.