Original finish on fork sliders

[Murf]

Just wonder if any one can tell me what the original finish on the fork sliders was like on a 1975 US spec 550, at the moment they are what looks like a very thin silver paint over brushed alloy, which I actually like the look of, well the better parts anyway. They are a bit patchy and worn so do need refinishing.  I would like to achieve something like the original finish if possible.

[Sesman]

Satin polish and lacquer (clear coat).

[Murf]

Thanks,
yes that would figure by the look of mine. Do you have any idea if gloss or satin clear coat was used.

[Sesman]

Sorry, I don’t know for certain, but I would predict ‘clear’. This prediction is based simply on my own experience in attempting to replicate the original fork finish, which seems to me at least very authentic looking.

[Murf]

Thanks,
I will have a go at removing what’s on them now with paint stripper and do my best not to damage the original brushed finish of the aluminium.  Although that might be difficult as I know some of the old Honda clear lacquer can be resistant to a lot of chemicals. 

[exvalvesetdabbler]

On the 400/4 it was like a very thin translucent silver lacquer, you might find some left under the dust covers or gaiters.   Silver wheel paint was too much in your face, probably needed to lean towards aluminium rather than bright silver.

The nearest I got was to use a very fine scotch bright polishing mop at slow speed, degrease. And satin lacquer.

Regards
Dave

[Murf]

Thanks
A thin silvery lacquer is a good description of the sort of finish mine have. I have bought some satin clear coat and some grey scotch bright pads from Paint Shop Supplies today, they reckon the grey pads are equivalent to about 360 grit. Hope to have a go at the sliders in the next few days.

[exvalvesetdabbler]

Something like this.


https://www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Scotch-brite-Wheel-152mm6-3-layer-prcode-999-AGT

Alternative might be a long thin strip of fine emery cloth.

Key point is to get all of the 'lines in the same direction. Easier to have the mop bench mounted so you can have the fork slider horizontal in both hands and rotate it.

Regards
Dave

[Murf]

I got the sliders nicely prepared with a nice brushed matt finish and sprayed them with a matt clear lacquer. The result was not what I was expecting as they went a sort of steel grey colour and not what I wanted. 
So after seeing 2 very nice 500/4s and 1 550/4 all with polished sliders that looked really good and suited the bikes that is the way I am going to go. So it’s back to the paint stripper and polishing and a bit of bling for the old girl. 
Well with it’s  flake sunrise  orange paint and 4 silencers and loads of chrome it’s hardly going to be a shy and retiring bike anyway, 😂  my mad moment of conservatism has passed.

[Sesman]

Hi, Murf. Matt lacquer does that, as does satin. Clear lacquer is the answer,  but I do agree polished looks mighty fine too. In the end I painted mine as I didn’t fancy maintaining the polished finish and lacquer tends to yellow quite quickly. If using lacquer (clear coat) the diy cans are not the answer, unless it’s 2k.