removing the blue from forks

Questions and comments about converting to beefier forks..
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clinton
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removing the blue from forks

Post by clinton »

Has anyone tried stripping the blue color from thier forks?My kx 500 has it and I do not like it.I would think it is anodisation but not sure.
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Re: removing the blue from forks

Post by royadams »

Image
I sanded and polished the blue off the forks on my kdx 250.
clinton
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removing the blue from forks

Post by clinton »

That looks great .I will try that.
MCKDX220
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Re: removing the blue from forks

Post by MCKDX220 »

I work in an Metal Finishing Shop and yes, it is what is referred to as a type II class II blue anodize. The thickness is typically .0005". You can remove the blue anodize dye before you get to the substrate. Typically we will strip with Sodium Hydroxide, which is Oven Cleaner on steroids. I would think that you would have more luck with a cotton buffing wheel, therefore you would keep some of the anodize on fork tubes. Or if you do not have access to one, I would suggest green scotch brite, followed by white scotch brite (finer).

Michael
87 KDX200 / 02 KTM 520 EX/C / 87 XR 200 / 90 XR 200
clinton
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Re: removing the blue from forks

Post by clinton »

Thanks for the input I will give that a try.
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Re: removing the blue from forks

Post by ecojbr »

I sprayed a set with oven cleaner one time to wash away the gunk from a leaking seal, left little silver spots showing
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MCKDX220
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Re: removing the blue from forks

Post by MCKDX220 »

The silver spots are the areas where the sodium hydroxide attacked the metal, bad idea. Other than removing carbon from an exhaust port (be careful not to touch the aluminum head, or cylinder, it really does not have much purpose other than to clean bbq's and ovens. I usually will spray into the cap the oven cleaner (use safety glasses) and use a Qtip to apply to the exhaust port, or a Kips valve, or even a combustion chamber. Usually it takes several applications and cleans up a layer in about 5 minutes. Use a clean Qtip to remove the broken down carbon. Should look factory brand new afterwards.
87 KDX200 / 02 KTM 520 EX/C / 87 XR 200 / 90 XR 200
ecojbr
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Re: removing the blue from forks

Post by ecojbr »

It works great for cleaning an ol leaky tractor engine before re painting!!!!
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Yugmoto
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removing the blue from forks

Post by Yugmoto »

When I was a kid I had some aluminum wheels that were anodized and looked bad because of fading. I used oven cleaner and it worked great as long as I didn't leave it on very long, which I did the first try, I didn't have the wheels long enough to know about long term results but I would assume that they would corrode and look a little rough after awhile.
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Tyl3r
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Re: removing the blue from forks

Post by Tyl3r »

just trade me! I want the blue forks!
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