Author Topic: Fork Stanchions / pipes - Re chrome or replace  (Read 5272 times)

Offline Alan4

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Fork Stanchions / pipes - Re chrome or replace
« on: October 21, 2016, 11:37:07 PM »
 The chrome on a set  of  fork stanchions / pipes  I have , is in a very bad state ... the concern for this bike  is not what it looks like but what it will do to the fork seals....What is the experience of re chroming stanchions or is it  better  to buy  replacements   ..?     
 Any advice  will be appreciated .     

Online Bryanj

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Re: Fork Stanchions / pipes - Re chrome or replace
« Reply #1 on: October 21, 2016, 11:57:18 PM »
Depends on the bike

Offline kevski

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Re: Fork Stanchions / pipes - Re chrome or replace
« Reply #2 on: October 22, 2016, 05:07:27 PM »
As a rule these days it is cheaper to buy new stanchions rather than having them rechromed, the main problem now in this country with chrome plating is the legislation attached to the process making it harder and more expensive to stay within regulations, david silvers will sell the legs at a decent price.

Offline Chris400F

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Re: Fork Stanchions / pipes - Re chrome or replace
« Reply #3 on: October 22, 2016, 05:17:21 PM »
If you do a search on these forums you will find a number of references to Philpotts who will rechrome stanchions.
I haven't used them but comments from others seem to say that rechroming by them is as cheap or cheaper than new parts and will give a better and more durable finish.

Offline Pops400

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Re: Fork Stanchions / pipes - Re chrome or replace
« Reply #4 on: October 22, 2016, 05:56:05 PM »
Interesting, Chris. Do you know where abouts they are?
And if I claim to be a wise man, it surely means that I don't know.

Offline royhall

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Re: Fork Stanchions / pipes - Re chrome or replace
« Reply #5 on: October 22, 2016, 06:04:41 PM »
Philpots will rechrome them for about the same price as new. However, the rechroming will be far superior to the new ones and will still be in good condition in another 40 years. Also the legislation on chroming does not extend to hard chrome as their are no useable alternatives.

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Offline Chris400F

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Re: Fork Stanchions / pipes - Re chrome or replace
« Reply #6 on: October 22, 2016, 06:23:18 PM »
Interesting, Chris. Do you know where abouts they are?

From a quick search on here I reckon this is the place: http://www.pittedforks.co.uk/. They are in Luton.

Offline royhall

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Re: Fork Stanchions / pipes - Re chrome or replace
« Reply #7 on: October 22, 2016, 06:56:18 PM »
Interesting, Chris. Do you know where abouts they are?

From a quick search on here I reckon this is the place: http://www.pittedforks.co.uk/. They are in Luton.
I agree, these are the guys. Did a wonderful job on my Triumph tubes.
Current bikes:
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Honda CB750F2 in Candy Apple Red
Triumph Trident 660 in Black/White
Triumph T100C
Suzuki GS1000HC
Honda CB450K0 Black Bomber
Honda CB750K5 in Planet Blue Metallic (Current Project)

Offline Trigger

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Re: Fork Stanchions / pipes - Re chrome or replace
« Reply #8 on: October 22, 2016, 07:21:20 PM »
I have only used Philpotts for 32 years now  ;)

Offline Pops400

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Re: Fork Stanchions / pipes - Re chrome or replace
« Reply #9 on: October 22, 2016, 07:34:26 PM »
Cheers Chris.  8)
And if I claim to be a wise man, it surely means that I don't know.

Offline Alan4

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Re: Fork Stanchions / pipes - Re chrome or replace
« Reply #10 on: October 22, 2016, 11:27:55 PM »
Thanks for all the helpful reply's / suggestions   ... yes looking at the prices at http://www.pittedforks.co.uk/ and at a couple of sites for new   as you say   the price is similar ....  Having looked on their web site .....Pittedforks  in Luton is   20 ish miles  from where I work  so its an positive option  , I need to give them a call during the week .....
Again thanks for sharing with me your experience, and your suggestions .

 

Offline kevski

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Re: Fork Stanchions / pipes - Re chrome or replace
« Reply #11 on: October 23, 2016, 11:31:54 AM »
Philpots will rechrome them for about the same price as new. However, the rechroming will be far superior to the new ones and will still be in good condition in another 40 years. Also the legislation on chroming does not extend to hard chrome as their are no useable alternatives.

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The legislation attached to chroming de-chroming apply to all aspects of the process regardless of decorative or hard chrome, health and safety disposal of wash off and processing of all waste within the industry is a costly business, it is nasty stuff that demands respect, and therefore drives up the cost, the last time i contacted Philpots the price of rechroming was twice the price of new stanchions'

Online Bryanj

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Re: Fork Stanchions / pipes - Re chrome or replace
« Reply #12 on: October 23, 2016, 05:27:41 PM »
Depends on the stanchions and phillpots chroming will last 4 times as long

Offline royhall

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Re: Fork Stanchions / pipes - Re chrome or replace
« Reply #13 on: October 23, 2016, 05:29:36 PM »
Wasnt twice the price in my case ie. Re-chrome £175 plus vat and new at £139 plus vat. Yes they were more expensive but the quality is way better than new, worth every penny....On the legislation front, I was referring to Hexavalent Chromium being banned for decorative chrome from next year, this does not apply to Hard Chrome as there are no alternatives. For decorative chrome they are being forced to use Trivalent Chromium which does not prevent rust or shine as well. The disposal and use of chemicals regulations applies equally to both types. Sorry for the confusion.
« Last Edit: October 23, 2016, 05:38:55 PM by royhall »
Current bikes:
TriBsa CCM 350 Twin
Honda CB350F in Candy Bacchus Olive
Honda CB750F2 in Candy Apple Red
Triumph Trident 660 in Black/White
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Honda CB450K0 Black Bomber
Honda CB750K5 in Planet Blue Metallic (Current Project)

Offline Chris400F

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Re: Fork Stanchions / pipes - Re chrome or replace
« Reply #14 on: October 23, 2016, 06:02:30 PM »
Had a look at DS web site, stanchions are £150 + VAT for a pair of pattern items (400/500/750) compared to the £175 + VAT for rechroming your [presumably] genuine parts.
Given the overwhelming number of opinions I'd go down the Philpotts route every time.
Yes, rechroming involves some pretty nasty stuff which is why I would get it done by experts who will have factored the necessary associated costs into the prices they charge.
If you have a look at the Philpotts site they have a page detailing their 'Green Credentials' so they appear to take this aspect very seriously.

 

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