rideone

i think i will slowly give up on trying to bring my fork back to life. it looks like my options are to rechrome or to source a used one. anyone have a 70s super course fork for a 59cm frame or larger they want to sell or trade?


thanks,

Zaphod Beeblebrox 

have you brought it to the LBS to see if they'll take a shot at it?

Grand Bois

At rechroming it?

Zaphod Beeblebrox 

oh my bad I thought it was about Straightening it.

JohnDThompson 

What's wrong with it?

rideone

the chrome is in such bad shape that the only way to make it work would be to prime and repaint the whole thing - possibly even sandblasting it first. i managed to get all the rust off, in the hopes of polishing and clear coating, but there is some serious damage. like large vertical scratches which are very noticable. the steel underneath isn't pitted though. the bigger problem is trying to match the original color. i already tried with three failed attempts. it is a '78 super course MKII (british issue i think). fortunately the frame and chrome rear triangle are actually not bad. that's why i want to avoid a complete respray. a picture speaks louder than words.

Procione

Yeah, chrome looks pretty bad, the cheapest way is to sand all the chrome along with rust. Keep as much paint on top of the fork intact, but sand and prime chips in the paint. Than wait till the primer dries, sand it a little bit, than paint thin coat of matching paint over it. That way you'll see the areas of ridges, that's where you have sanded to the bare metal. You'll have to sand that area again 600 grit wet sandpaper, and constantly feel with your fingers if there is any noticeable bumps, if it feels smooth, you are ready to paint, unless you sanded to bare metal prime and sand again. Usually I find very closely matching paint at a local car parts store. Sometimes I use two close matching paints and just mix layers, and it's hard to tell the difference.
I have a Raleigh fork, not sure what size bike it came from but the steer tube is pretty long 24cm.