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******* fork polishing

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3.4K views 48 replies 46 participants last post by  misterpin  
#1 ·
Since it's winter and a little boring thought I'd liven things up and share some garage pics.[/emoticons/emotion-1.gif]
First is pretty standard, wanted to get the lower fork polishing out of the way ‘cause I figured if I was going to short cut it would be here.
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Now for the slightly embarrassing but necessary part (necessary at least for me to be able to do it myself)
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The top of the fork tube is clamped into a turned cup with saw cuts to be able to cinch it down with a hose clamp that is under the electrical tape to minimize damage to me.[:0]
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The bottom of the fork spins on a bearing with a 3/4”(18mm?) cylindrical piece in the hole in the bottom of the fork.
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Better shot of the "cup and bearing stuff"
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The area that I started on (silver and sanded) is the roughest the rest is easier. Also the brake arm on the fork lower spinning at 1600 rpm is really, really, very dangerous. (note to self watch fingers)
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And we're gettin' there, slow but sure.[/emoticons/emotion-1.gif]
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E
#31 ·
Never seen a ******* come up with something that good![/emoticons/emotion-4.gif] In all seriousness, that took a good deal of mechanical engineering, the bearing setup, and the welded jig to hold it, nice. Just a thought (a little late, but a thought nonetheless), how about disassembling the fork as you would do to reseal it (fairly inexpensive for a do it yourselfer), then all you would have spinning is a much lighter tube, and you get freshly sealed forks in the process. That would also give you the opportunity to internally lower the forks if you were so inclined. One more thought, do you plan on, or did you use a Zoops polished aluminum coating on them? This stuff is the shiznit, keeps polished aluminum shiny for up to 3 years! Its like a hundred bucks for the kit, but not having to constantly polish is well worth it to me! I've used it myself in the automotive world, and it does what it says, but three years havent gone by yet, so, you know, look into it. Thats all I have to say about that.[/emoticons/emotion-2.gif] Good Work!!
 
#37 ·
Oh, insert all appropriate disclaimers. Forgot to mention that!!! No bruises, cuts or broken bones a lot of the sanding was actually done at a slow speed using a Porter Cable 5” dia. orbiting sander (electric DA sander, cheaper to run than the air compressor) slinging the cord over the shoulder and clipping it to belt in order to keep from tangling up the cord and drill press, kind of like what you do with the hose when painting.

This mod is clearly for the desperate. Like someone with 4 kids in college and no money!!![B)]

Elvis, I think your the 1st one at this site to rave about Zoop Seal. When I was building a street rod that was a big deal when they came out with it. I think I remember that you had to almost flow it out, (get it on even and quickly and don't touch it). Do you have experience on how it will work with larger pieces like the fork or frame? Also does it change the natural look of polished aluminum. Like put a visible film over it. Pricey too (remember those kids in college)[/emoticons/emotion-5.gif]
Anyone else interested in Zoop Seal can look here:
http://www.zoops.com/zoopseal.asp

Vec, Oh... I don't know about this year for the polished frame. It's a bitter sweet time right now with the rswarrior calendar going from January to February. Love both bikes.
 
E
#41 ·
quote:Originally posted by rphazen

Oh, insert all appropriate disclaimers. Forgot to mention that!!! No bruises, cuts or broken bones a lot of the sanding was actually done at a slow speed using a Porter Cable 5” dia. orbiting sander (electric DA sander, cheaper to run than the air compressor) slinging the cord over the shoulder and clipping it to belt in order to keep from tangling up the cord and drill press, kind of like what you do with the hose when painting.

This mod is clearly for the desperate. Like someone with 4 kids in college and no money!!![B)]

Elvis, I think your the 1st one at this site to rave about Zoop Seal. When I was building a street rod that was a big deal when they came out with it. I think I remember that you had to almost flow it out, (get it on even and quickly and don't touch it). Do you have experience on how it will work with larger pieces like the fork or frame? Also does it change the natural look of polished aluminum. Like put a visible film over it. Pricey too (remember those kids in college)[/emoticons/emotion-5.gif]
Anyone else interested in Zoop Seal can look here:
http://www.zoops.com/zoopseal.asp

Vec, Oh... I don't know about this year for the polished frame. It's a bitter sweet time right now with the rswarrior calendar going from January to February. Love both bikes.
It was a wipe on process that did take some attention to getting proper coverage, but never noticed a film or decrease in gloss. Yes it is expensive, so that is definitely a downfall to it. We did an intake manifold, valve covers and a few misc underhood items on a camaro. One of our fellow Warrior riders showed up to watch one of our Prostar races this year and had a good amount of polished items including rims on his bike. He had used Zoops on it and was happy with it, but all those races kind of blended together for me and I cant remember who, or where, maybe Indy. Hopefully he will read this and chime in. Keep polishing man, those forks look awesome!
 
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