Scruffy RC30s — what to do — help please.

[Twister]

I have a scruffy pair of RC30 forks, one of the earlier versions I think.


I'd like to smarten them up but don't know what direction to take. Would you
A) get them re-chromed (if so, any ideas where and how much?)
B) Silver paint/powder coat
C) Black paint/powder coat

They're a pretty tight fit into the crown so I don't know if a powder coat would get in there, also does anyone know if the dropouts will stand up to powder coat heat?

All opinions and advice whether aesthetic or practical, gratefully received.

 

[Khane]

I've looked into getting my pair stripped and re-chromed.
It's not cheap.

 

[Twister]

I've looked into getting my pair stripped and re-chromed.
It's not cheap.

I feared as much

 

[JeRkY]

I had a pair stripped and enameled. The stripping part of the procedure isnt as expensive as the replating part. I think it cost me about £60 from Bob Jacksons/Woodrup (I forget who I sent it to now!)

 

[pete_mcc]

Re:

I doubt you could get that rechromed easily due to the bonded dropouts made of a different metal.

when powder coating pace legs you always leave the interface between leg and crown bare - they would have to mask a small strip. All of my Pace forks have that, even factory fresh ones. You certainly wouldn't want to paint all over them as the crown would just crack the hell out of the paint when tightened up.

 

[danson67]

Re:

The aluminium dropouts are epoxy bonded in, so around 80ºC will kill the resin, allowing them to be removed. Hot air gun should do it.
Re-chrome the legs and then re-bond the dropouts. I have jigs suitable for holding everything in place for bonding .

Better to try through the classic car/motorbike route for re-chroming, rather than bike shops:http://www.rechroming.co.uk/default.htm

All the best,

 

[Bryncrug72]

Could you not paint the legs in situ ?

 

[xxnick1975]

Could you not paint the legs in situ ?

That's what I would do. Great forks theses.

 

[Twister]

Re: Re:

The aluminium dropouts are epoxy bonded in, so around 80ºC will kill the resin, allowing them to be removed. Hot air gun should do it.
Re-chrome the legs and then re-bond the dropouts. I have jigs suitable for holding everything in place for bonding .

Better to try through the classic car/motorbike route for re-chroming, rather than bike shops:http://www.rechroming.co.uk/default.htm

All the best,

Sounds great, i'll see what they say about costs. Thanks loads.

 

[jimo746]

Re:

The RC30's I have were rechromed previously, so there should be no problems there.
It may be the more expensive option, but it's the best option imo.