Topic: Anyone paint the fork uppers

[Nortstudio]

I did a search on here - and saw mention of it, but no details.  Also checked the T&T and nothing mentioned.  Wondering of anyone paints the fork uppers, and if so, any suggestions about primer, paint, prep etc?

I finally got around to rebuilding the forks, and as expected, I have some pretty heavy rust, and some pitting.  I got the rust off, but I hoped to A) protect it from further harm, and B) eventually expose the uppers with a fork ears/caps mod. 

I'm not really looking at spending $250 for some new tubes, but would love it to look at least presentable.  I could live with black uppers if need be.

Thanks in advance.

[CycleRanger]

I painted mine with self-etching epoxy primer after I cleaned off the rust.
It's all hidden by the ears and gaiters.

I also bead-blasted the corrosion from the inside of the ears and painted the insides.

[phil71]

If it's for the 360, I'd do a nice flat black so it doesn't draw attn. Sand real good, and do what cycleranger suggested. If the pits are deep, you can fill with jb weld and sand smooth.
If you have any pits in the tubes that will cross over the fork seal, you have to fill them or all kinds of fun (bad) stuff happens.

[KingCustomCycles.com]

Secrets revealed, please don't tell anyone ;-) After sand blasting the uppers I roll them in a bead of spot putty on a piece of masking paper.  This fills the pits before laying down a coat of regular primer/sealer and base/clear black.  The putty is sanded completely off the outside of the tubes leaving only the pits filled.  A spritz of wd40 on install will keep the paint scratches to a minimum.  I run all my forks exposed under aftermarket headlight ears and if they are pitted, they get painted.

[Nortstudio]

Sorry. Didn't mention that it's a CB550k. They are pretty well pitted, but I tried some evaporust and 600 wet/dry. But this is only the upper. The lower part, which would contact the seal is in perfect shape. If only the top could look so sweet

Thanks for the help guys.

[Bob3050]

I cut some chrome tubing to cover the legs between the upper and lower clamps. I got it at a plumbing shop and it slipped right over the legs and gave the appearance of being the leg itself.

[lone*X]

Yep, the chrome drain pipe is almost a perfect fit.  Since it is chromed brass is is also very durable.  Cut it to an interference fit between the trees and you can't even tell it is a cover.  There has been a few threads about this in the past so do some searches.

[Nortstudio]

Great idea.  Even better than painting.  Now that you mention it, I think I recall this from long ago.  I'll look around for the size.

Thanks for the tip!

[lone*X]

An earlier thread.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=68564.msg904428#msg904428

[Nortstudio]

Thanks lonex.  I'm going to have to wait for winter for this one, got the forks back together and test rode it home tonight.  Seems to be working ok, so I'll stick with the funky stock ones I have, and do this fix later.

 I am trying to get some last minute fixes in before my trip down south to the vintage Moto days in Alabama.

Barber, here I come!

[Triffecpa]

in the meantime, wrap the fork uppers with black electrical tape.

TR

[Doggie]

Have a great time Scott. Let us know how it was.

                                                       Doug

[Nortstudio]

They are back on the bike already, but I have to say, I didnt think about black electrical tape....still not sure that would make it through the triple trees.

I will try to have a ride report for this trip after I get back Doug.