Fork leg refinishing service

[Sandman]

I offer vintage fork leg refinishing for any Japanese machined aluminum lowers (Showa or Kayaba). Obviously anodized or chromed legs do not apply! My goal is to get as close to the original factory finish as possible, with the added benefit of gloss clear powder coat final finish for durability. This looks original, but avoids the common corrosion/failure problems of the old thin laquer that was used in the 1960's and 70's. This is a specialty that evolved from my restoration work, and involves about 14 steps- I consider every set a new challenge, and I don't take shortcuts or watch the clock. It takes however long it takes. To me, it's all about attention to detail and craftsmanship.

While corrosion can be worked out, the biggest issue with fork legs is pitting, gouges, hacks, and scratches. The better the existing condition, the better the results I can achieve for you. That said, owners have been pleasantly surprised at how much damage can be greatly lessened or blended out. Notice that I intentionally don't over polish or "over restore" these parts- all rough cast sections are left as is, and all stamped factory numbers and letters are kept. Finish is a satin machine brushed look.

I do all work (including ultrasonic cleaning and powder coating) myself to control quality and turn around times. Turn around time is 7-10 days- your parts will not disappear for months! I communicate well, and will send you pictures of your completed legs for final approval before return. I have lots of experience doing this and stand behind my work.

Cost is $125 pr. (plus return shipping).
Interested and want more details, pictures, or references? Please drop me a line at: alexcallas1957@gmail.com
Thank you!

[pearljam724]

Looks good and good luck. But, let me clarify something. You polish them and clear over ? I ask, because I am interested possibly in some fork leg work. In my case, I have a few sets polished. But, I haven't the location at this time to clear coat them. Nor, do I trust my spraying experience in knowing the clear would have to be applied thin enough to look right. But, also would have to be thick enough to be durable. What would you offer to have a polished set mailed out to you and cleared ? I would also like to look into the possibility of having a couple of the engine cases cleared that have been polished by myself.

[Sandman]

"Before and after" shots of a badly corroded (Florida sea coast exposure 26 years) engine case cover.
Restored to factory original satin brushed appearance, not mirror/over polished. Gloss clear powder coat final finish for durability. Excuse the non-Suzuki part being shown, I can do the same for your vintage GT, T model.

[oldjapanesebikes]

Just curious about the fork legs - are the insides left stock ? I was wondering whether anyone has ever done Teflon bushes/sliders or spray lining ?

[oldguyoldbike]

Do you still offer this service? I have been pondering how to do this without them coming out too polished. PM sent.
Anyone on this board used this service? Feedback?

[Sandman]

Just completed work pieces- Honda CR480 and 250 legs and shock reservoir:
sandman800ss@hotmail.com

[Sandman]

Detail:

[Sandman]

Recent work:

[jabcb]

Alex did the polishing + clear coat work on the fork lowers and crankcase covers for our GT250 cafe project.
Pictures are in our GT250 cafe build topic.
viewtopic.php?f=21&t=11918&start=30

[Sandman]

Fresh photos to replace hijacked photobucket images.
These are from a Honda RC30 that lived in Guam and were badly corroded from the salty Pacific ocean environment.

[Sandman]

Great surface finish with a final clear powder coat that will protect them for a long time.

[Sandman]

[Sandman]