Re-chroming pitted fork tubes

[Cobia]

Does anybody know if you can have pitted fork tubes re-chromed successfully?
Would seem to me that if done properly it may be a solution to our pitting woes. I mean, they would have to seal the ends of the tube so it doesn't get chromed inside and change those specifications, but re-doing the external surface may be a possibility.
Opinions and experiences, plz.
Thanks

[79XS11F]

I wouldn't bother unless it is a last resort. Chroming the upper tubes will cost more then just buying a good condition set that is not pitted.
Rob

[FJ111200]

I've had a few pairs re-chromed here in the UK, Honda and Yamaha. What they do is check for straightness, and straighten if need be. If they are well and truly creased and bent beyond safety requirements they won't do them, then they grind down the outer and then re-chrome.
It's true what 79XS says, but over here they're not that common. Where i go to for mine, the re-chrome is a lot thicker than a factory set.

[crazy steve]

....then they grind down the outer and then re-chrome.....

That right there is why you probably won't have much luck finding anybody in the US to do this. This isn't a simple plating job, but rather is precision machine work involving plating.

And I'll note that the factory manual recommends replacement only, but I've seen 'other brand' manuals that allow straightening but even they don't particularly recommend it. As was pointed out, good used forks can be had for less money than what any repair would cost.

'78E original owner

[XJOK2PLAY]

Cobia,
You might get a hold of Lunatic... he's parting out an XJ....

But don't try for the exhaust.... already spoke for 'em!

But, he might have a good set of forks for your damaged XJ... stock exhaust looks really good in the pics he sent me.

JAT

[DGXSER]

But don't try for the exhaust.... already spoke for 'em!

... stock exhaust looks really good in the pics he sent me.

Sure Bob, want some salt to rub in the wound to??? "The exhaust is REALLY NICE!!! But you can't have it!!!!"

Thanks!!

[Rasputin]

There is always http://www.frankmain.qpg.com/ if ya need them as well.

[fredintoon]

Does anybody know if you can have pitted fork tubes re-chromed successfully?
Would seem to me that if done properly it may be a solution to our pitting woes. I mean, they would have to seal the ends of the tube so it doesn't get chromed inside and change those specifications, but re-doing the external surface may be a possibility.
Opinions and experiences, plz.
Thanks

Hi Cobia,
So long as the tubes are straight they can be centreless ground to get the old chrome off and the pits out then hard chromed back to the stock diameter.
This will cost more than buying new fork tubes from Forking by Frank. Most likely a lot more.

[Cobia]

Thanks for the info guys.