Fork finish problem

[Th33nforcer]

Hey guys...need a little advice on the attached photos. I'm pretty mechanically inclined but am horrible when it comes to fit and finish. I got this bike (02 Vulcan Classic 1500Fi) used a few years ago and the one last thing that really irks me (still) is the look of the forks. The top is a very nice "brushed" finish...the bottom though looks like it had chrome on it at one time. I like the brushed look on the top and would like to give it that uniform look. I'm planning to get the tins custom painted, but until I figure out how to make the forks look better, the tins will have to wait.

Any ideas how I get a uniform look (preferably the brushed look)?

[mumbles]

The stuff thats coming off is a clear coat. The least expensive way to fix it is...
1. Remove clear with airplane paint stripper
2. Wet sand any imperfections with about 600 grit - 1000 grit sand paper.
3. Rub some aluminum polish preferably with a polisher or drill.

[raymo]

I started to remove the clear coat on my 800 right there as well. Just by cleaning with too much elbow grease. Mine however doesn't look as noticeable as yours.

[mittens01]

+1 Pretty easy fix, with some elbow-grease.

[MFolks]

Most aircraft paint strippers require a solvent to be able to remove the residue. They contain Methylene chloride (dichloromethane), a nasty chemical that should be used in a well ventilated area, along with eye and skin protection. If you can get a mask that will limit your fume exposure, that will be even better.

Mothers makes a good metal polish along with the polishing balls and cones:
Mothers® PowerCone®

[tynker]

Originally Posted by Th33nforcer

Hey guys...need a little advice on the attached photos. I'm pretty mechanically inclined but am horrible when it comes to fit and finish. I got this bike (02 Vulcan Classic 1500Fi) used a few years ago and the one last thing that really irks me (still) is the look of the forks. The top is a very nice "brushed" finish...the bottom though looks like it had chrome on it at one time. I like the brushed look on the top and would like to give it that uniform look. I'm planning to get the tins custom painted, but until I figure out how to make the forks look better, the tins will have to wait.

Any ideas how I get a uniform look (preferably the brushed look)?

You might use brake fluid,or Texize toilet bowl cleaner(no joke) to remove the clear coat.Then use Scotchbrite pads to get the "brush finished" you like,then use a can of Crystal Glaze clear coat.Spray on 2 or 3 coats.This stuff is hard to find,but is great stuff for this kind of work.Walmart sometimes has it,as does Lowes.