Fork Stanchions / pipes - Re chrome or replace

[Alan4]

 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 .     

[Bryanj]

Depends on the bike

[kevski]

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.

[Chris400F]

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.

[Pops400]

Interesting, Chris. Do you know where abouts they are?

[royhall]

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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[Chris400F]

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.

[royhall]

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.

[Trigger]

I have only used Philpotts for 32 years now 

[Pops400]

Cheers Chris. 

[Alan4]

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 .

 

[kevski]

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'

[Bryanj]

Depends on the stanchions and phillpots chroming will last 4 times as long

[royhall]

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.

[Chris400F]

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.