I'm planning to replace the fork on the Tommasini I bought recently with a chrome version (the previous owner painted the fork that's on there now, because the chrome was in poor condition). Unfortunately, the replacement isn't in perfect shape either (as pictured).

I looked at the old rust threads, seems like I might want to use Flitz/Blue Magic/Noxon/Nevr Dull on it. The rust comes off easily with a fingernail, so I imagine it shouldn't be that hard to remove. Then I'll wax it with carnauba. Does that sound like the right thing to do? Is there a best one of those options to use?

The head tube is discolored but doesn't seem that rusty, in the sense that it's still perfectly smooth. Should I just use the same derusting stuff on that as on the chrome parts?

One other thing: a few of the threads on the fork are sheared off (as pictured). Is this likely to cause problems?

yup, that sounds like a good plan.
Might this be a good candidate for oxalic acid?
definitely want to use the was after you clean it up.

marty

yes the stripped area will cause a problem if that is the adjusting cup ends up on the threads. you will not be able to lock it in place.. does this this fork fit the bike?

I haven't removed the old fork yet, because I want to strip the paint first to be sure the old fork is definitely in worse shape than the replacement. Holding them side by side, the top of the new fork comes exactly flush with the top of the headset.

I'd use oxalic acid to remove the rust I'd also restore the threads by having some brass brazed onto the bad threads and re-cutting new ones. The oxalic acid is something you can do yourself. Unless you have brazing equipment and a die to cut the fork threads you'll have to find a LBS to do that for you. While you're there, have them install the fork crown race as well.

I do not think I would change forks. that stripped spot looks like it will be a big issue. you may end up spending alot time on this only to discover you can't keep the headset adjusted with yhe 'new' fork.

yeesh, what's a ballpark estimate for the likely cost of rethreading? that doesn't sound like something my corner shop would be competent at.. maybe I'll just live with the old fork.

is oxalic acid likely to damage the chrome/paint? it's already in dodgy shape. I think the paint on the crown peels when I look at it.

It cost me $15 but that was 20+ years ago and I think the shop undercharged me. If you're willing to do the leg work you could probably get a welding shop to put some brass on there and then take the fork to your LBS for threading. Most welding shops around here have a $20 minimum and the LBS will probably charge you about the same.

The acid bath won't do any real damage to the chrome or paint as long as you don't let it sit for a week. There's a ton of threads on the subject here, check those before starting. However, any existing damage to the chrome, paint or underlying metal is damage already done. If the paint is just sticking to rusty metal it will come off sooner or later, but much sooner with the oxalic acid.

I just cleaned up a chrome fork using balled up aluminum foil and WD-40. It's an old trick that works well.

Melt some brass into the stripped threads and cut new threads into the brass. Good as new!

I cleaned up these forks:



with a wire wheel, then repainted them, and now they look like this:







Give it a try! whats that stuff you said to use for polishing the metal???


Jeff.