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Author Topic: cleaning fork bottoms  (Read 1680 times)

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beachpeople

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cleaning fork bottoms
« on: May 03, 2006, 06:16:18 AM »
Well, I've read the previous posts on polishing to see what's involved. It don't look fun! (I admit to blowing this job off to the last)

Now I'm down to cleaning my badly clear-coated and downright fuggly 550 forks, and while this is surely not a show bike, I'd like them to at least look nice. Is there a quicker and easier way, like wire-wheeling them that I can do? I don't care about swirl marks, mirror shines, or any of that jazz. And I don't think I want to take the time right now for sanding and polishing compounds... the weather is way too good for any more delays. After a complete rewire, bobbing the rear fender, new light assemblies everywhere there is a light assembly, recovering my seat, replacing that supersport gas tank, moving the ignition switch, building new wheels, replacing the head gasket, a complete tune up... I'm iz just tired off fixing and ready for riding!
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Offline Dave Wyatt

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Re: cleaning fork bottoms
« Reply #1 on: May 03, 2006, 06:25:22 AM »
You might try washing them in lacquer thinner. 
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Dave Wyatt
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Offline CB500_k2

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Re: cleaning fork bottoms
« Reply #2 on: May 03, 2006, 07:08:33 AM »
I went through the process last winter.  I found that a scotch brite and water worked very well.  It removed the clearcoat and, with a little effort, left a left a nice original look.  You still must reclear coat or wax to keep appearance.
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Online Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er

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Re: cleaning fork bottoms
« Reply #3 on: May 03, 2006, 08:26:59 AM »
Just dropped mine off at the powder coater. Found a really nice metallic silver. Close to original but not quite. Much easier however than stripping, polishing and clear coating. 
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As of today 3/13/2012 my original owner 75 CB750F has made it through 3 wives, er EX-wives. Free at last.  ;-)

Offline nomadwarmachine

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Re: cleaning fork bottoms
« Reply #4 on: May 03, 2006, 09:24:27 AM »
Use a scotchbrite pad and follow up with No.7 Polishing Compound ($3 from the hardware store).  Leaves a brilliant shine, even brilliant(er) if you finish it off with some Nevr-Dull.
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Offline Tim.

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Re: cleaning fork bottoms
« Reply #5 on: May 03, 2006, 09:34:18 AM »
Forget them and ride.  ;D ;D
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supersport_CB400F

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Re: cleaning fork bottoms
« Reply #6 on: May 03, 2006, 10:27:35 AM »
I used 3M pads black then brown and finally Autosol with red, took about an hour per leg but they look better than new!  8)

The black is like a file go easy if you use one!, but it works getting the clearcoat off  ;)
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beachpeople

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Re: cleaning fork bottoms
« Reply #7 on: May 03, 2006, 06:11:48 PM »
Thanks for all the good advice! (as always...) I really appreciate everyone taking the time to help. I'll get on them thar tubes manyana! Don
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