Britbike forum Forums British Motorcycle specific Brands Bsa bulletin board Stanchion surface repair

Hello all,

Working on rebuilding a '70 Thunderbolt and found the following on disassembling/rebuilding the forks. Looking for some input on what I should do with a couple of rough spots on the stanchions shown in the pic. They don't seem to impede the bearings from sliding but are rough to the touch and would rather clean them up if possible so it doesn't get worse. I believe I would be ok with hitting them with some 1000/1500 grit sandpaper to clean up the area even though the stanchions are chrome plated, but thought I would solicit some thoughts. I believe it would be ok since the fork oil will prevent any rusting from occurring in the future.

Also, check out that warped sleeve!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/biCbbZGtRhSf5vkz8

Thanks in advance

Can't see the pics, get a 404 error.

404. That’s an error.

The requested URL was not found on this server. That’s all we know.

There are new hard chromed stanchions on sale at very good prices, so if the damage is where the seals runs then new seals and stanchions are best.

You do not want to end up being called the DPO (Dumb Previous Owner)

Same results. Image wouldn't open.

Maybe a Thunderbolt rather than a Thunderbird?

I've had good success with using JB Weld in the pits, after the pitting has been substantially cleaned out, then sanding them smooth with fine paper or emery cloth.

Thank you for the quick responses.

Yes, thunderbolt, my mind and fingers were not in sync, evidently not enough coffee before posting. Also hopefully corrected the photo link to now be visible.

Is there any evidence the chrome is peeling?

No evidence of peel, just small patch on each stanchion that I would consider a rub or contaminate blemish. On one tube approximately 20mm round, 35 mm x 28mm on the other.

The bike sat for over 20 years in an indoor storage facility so not sure if it is from sitting or actual wear.

It may be worth checking out the price of having them re-chromed, but possibly expensive. As kommando said above, new hard-chromed replacements are readily available at a reasonable price.

Re Hard chroming will cost at least twice the cost of new hard chromed stanchions, you could fill with epoxy and then sand down smooth but against the cost of new stanchions just buy new. Have you rolled them over a flat surface, if they are bent that seals the decision.