Question about 85 front forks

[Bayoublaster]

I'd like to paint the bottom of my forks on my 85 Max. Anyone know off the top of their head what kind of metal the bottom section of the forks are made of? Would it be aluminum by chance?
I posted this in the suspension forum but I was told I'd get quicker resonses here. Sorry about the double post.
I'm aware of the different methods used to prep various metals for paint, but I haven't stripped the paint off of the forks yet.
Thanks for all the help!

 

[alorio1]

If a magnet won't stick to it, it's probably aluminum........

 

[adambweird]

I think its either mild or hardened steel.

 

[dannymax]

Yup, aluminum

 

[adambweird]

If a magnet won't stick to it, it's probably aluminum........

Not 100% true, magnets wont stick to stainless either.

 

[alorio1]

correct..........

 

[alorio1]

actually, I think it's cast aluminum, meaning it will probably break before bending.....but it's aluminum just the same.

 

[Bayoublaster]

Thanks everyone as I have what I need for the aluminum prep prior to painting.

 

[DMAN999]

Yup, aluminum

I agree, I believe they are brushed aluminum, just like the lowers on my 2000 Max.

 

[jedi-]

Not 100% true, magnets wont stick to stainless either.

Not 100% either, magnets can stick to stainless steel depending on what grade it is.

 

[1st Shirt Maxer]

for my forks i used a fine wire wheel to strip the clear off the forks, wiped them down with duplicolor prep and then primed with self etching primer and put 3 coats of duplicolor acrylic enamel flat black. All of these were rattle can and the paint is still there after a year of riding with no chips or flakes.


David Justiss
USAF First Sergeant

 

[Bayoublaster]

Just curious if the flat black you used on Ya forks came out flat black or flat black with a soft sheen to it? Not a sheen where it is shiny mind you, but kinda like a soft glow to it. Minda hard for me to put into words, but that's the kind of flat black I'm looking for. Thanks and appreciate the help.

 

[davesax36]

Just curious if the flat black you used on Ya forks came out flat black or flat black with a soft sheen to it? Not a sheen where it is shiny mind you, but kinda like a soft glow to it. Minda hard for me to put into words, but that's the kind of flat black I'm looking for. Thanks and appreciate the help.

Different clear might give you the effect you're looking for.

 

[one2dmax]

ALuminum. Will paint, chrome, or powercoat just fine.

 

[1st Shirt Maxer]

the paint was flat but after it set for 7 days i used 0000 steel wool and it gave it a hint of a shine without using clear. ill see if i can get a better picture tomorrow for you.


David Justiss
USAF First Sergeant

 

[jfeagins]

Satin black gives an in-between, almost glossy, but not shiny look.

 

[sdt354]

Glass bead #70 or 80 woks great on this cast aluminum. I found a silver powder that kind of matches OEM.