K1 and Up Fork Tube Interest

[scooter]

A recent post relative to the topic has re-energized my thoughts and approach to solving the unavailability of new tubes

I was going down the repair/rechrome route but now thinking I might have a viable option that doesn’t require rework of old parts.

I’m thinking that a cost target of $125 a pair plus shipping (~$15) would be reasonable. I’m willing to invest in material to make this happen. I’d like to use this thread as a way to assess my price target and interest. How much material to stock and expected demand.

I have a small sample of material and need to get some cost estimates which will go out requesting bids for qty 10, 50, 100 etc,

 

[kirrbby]

I think this would be awesome. $125 sounds VERY reasonable to me. You can put me down for 2 sets if you go ahead with it. I would think you could sell them on eBay too. I think these parts will have to become available at some point. I find that quite a few are damaged...and the price to properly restore them isn't cheap.

But...in that same thread that you mentioned...it's lookin like there may be a nice set of replacements available already...complete with the lower legs. But I think...for me...I'd rather keep the stock lower leg, and just replace the inner/upper tube.

 

[scooter]

So I found a site where I could order material for about half the price of my first buy. Site was out of Canada and I wasn’t comfortable for some reason so I ordered another small sample $80 worth to see if it was legit. Three weeks later heard nothing (did get a general email without a lot of detail when i ordered) and the site is down. Tried contacting seller and e-mail doesn’t go through. Paid with PayPal so not worried about getting money back. Going to give it another couple weeks and see if something shows up at the front door. Always remember this is a hobby and for fun

 

[scooter]

Update - had to find a new supplier as the Canadian buy didn’t work out As suspected something wasn’t right and PayPal was great in doing their research and provided a refund. Looks like the site was no longer active, but for some reason went live for a moment and accepted my order.

Found another supplier and received material this week. Cost 50% more but not a bad price as I purchase enough material for 10 sets. Need to work up some drawings for some lathe work and get some estimates for doing the work.

 

[scooter]

Saw Kirby reposted this for some other members. Numerous other events have slowed progress but I do plan to complete the task. Still need to finish the drawing and find a machinist who can do the lathe work. I’m 6 months from retirement which is when the fun begins

 

[OLD CT]

Count me in for 2 sets, Jeff.

 

[Clayton]

I’m down for a couple of set too when ever you get it all squared away

 

[scooter]

Starting this back up as we hijacked the other CL70 Tubes for post

 

[scooter]

Made the cut to one of my samples - same question Kirby worked on the originals. Soldered or just pressed

 

[scooter]

Looks like the end is silver soldered on this set as well.

 

[-Nate]

Nice ! .

I don't see where the model of Honda is mentioned....

There used to be a place called "forks (maybe forking) By Frank" that was good and really affordable .

 

[ktheake]

I will speak for a set thanks

 

[kirrbby]

Here is my partners idea on how to modify the tubes...without soldering, and burning chrome.
Chuck up into a lathe and turn the top down to size, for cutting threads on the outside...to make a threaded insert.
Then cut the tube to the correct length...drill and tap the I.D. to accept the threaded insert. Assemble with some sealant/epoxy, and clean up with a file. Done.


Or of course you could just make the inserts from scratch.

 

[kirrbby]

To cut the bottom end for the captured washer...I'm thinking you might be able to do that with a counter bore and a hand drill..? I'm not sure how hard it would be to cut by hand.
Then just peen over to hold the washer...or maybe hit the edge with a punch in several spots around the perimeter.

 

[scooter]

Here is my partners idea on how to modify the tubes...without soldering, and burning chrome.
Chuck up into a lathe and turn the top down to size, for cutting threads on the outside...to make a threaded insert.
Then cut the tube to the correct length...drill and tap the I.D. to accept the threaded insert. Assemble with some sealant/epoxy, and clean up with a file. Done.
View attachment 73632

Or of course you could just make the inserts from scratch.

My opinion - based on what we know…..

Just leave the threaded end alone and remove length from other end. Cut new retaining grooves as appropriate. Don’t worry about any old ones that aren’t used. Use your idea or tack weld the appropriate washer at bottom.

 

[JHminitrails]

My opinion - based on what we know…..

Just leave the threaded end alone and remove length from other end. Cut new retaining grooves as appropriate. Don’t worry about any old ones that aren’t used. Use your idea or tack weld the appropriate washer at bottom.

This idea seems like the least amount of labour. And you could play with the diameter of the washer to tune the damping