Pitted fork tubes. Replace or keep scrubbing???

[apoc330]

I am working on the front end of my 78 gs550 and i have been scrubbing like crazy with super fine steel wool and wd40, aluminum foil and chrome polish but the pitting is so bad just not having any luck. I may also be looking for an excuse to change the front shock. I am thinking about putting a 2002 gsxr USD shock but keeping the wheels. From what I read it means I will have to adjust the spacing on the wheel and wheel bearings which i found on all ballz racing. I am just wondering if there is anything else I should be aware of if I go this route. I have found some 78 front shocks on ebay that would probably be less work but just like the way the USDs' look.

Here are a couple of pics of my tubes.

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag9/apoc330/IMG_1078_zpstg5bjdps.jpg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag9/apoc330/IMG_1076_zpsuvhxb9rr.jpg

[GSCafe]

Why don't you find out what it would cost to have them refinished? I'm not sure what your ultimate goals are here. I would go with the new oem up front and try to figure out if I should or were up to the task of doing GSXR USD on that bike.

[JTGS850GL]

Replace!!!!!!!!!

[Old guy]

Do you want them to shine or be functional? If functional, grab some 1200 or higher grit and wet sand them.

[Old guy]

I just looked at the pictures. Those are done.

[apoc330]

Why don't you find out what it would cost to have them refinished? I'm not sure what your ultimate goals are here. I would go with the new oem up front and try to figure out if I should or were up to the task of doing GSXR USD on that bike.

My plan for the bike is converting it to a cafe racer which is why i like the USD's for the look. I thought about refinishing but the cost is kind of high vs. replacing.

[apoc330]

Thanks guys, I figured they were toast but hey... At least I got some good exercise!!!

Now to decide OEM or USDs'? Guess I will do some more reading on upgrading to decide if the amount of work is worth it just for looks.

[jsandidge]

What are USD's?

[GSCafe]

Up Side Down shock tubes.

[Guest]

I just looked at the pictures. Those are done.

Yup, I agree those tubes are done. Rechrome? maybe.

[86gs1150e]

If you want to keep the stock set up give forking by frank a call 1-847-475-1003 they are old school they did me a set of tubes for my 1150

[Rob S.]

If you want to keep the stock set up give forking by frank a call 1-847-475-1003 they are old school they did me a set of tubes for my 1150

They did a set of 6" extended for my '71 CB350 over 40 years ago. Reputation for quality.

[JamesWhut?]

Doubtful. Cheaper to just pick up better condition forks off ebay (OR MINE!!!).

Once corrosion gets behind the chrome they are toast. Pitting can be fixed with JB weld and fine (FINE!) sanding. but that? Nope.

[apoc330]

Doubtful. Cheaper to just pick up better condition forks off ebay (OR MINE!!!).

Once corrosion gets behind the chrome they are toast. Pitting can be fixed with JB weld and fine (FINE!) sanding. but that? Nope.

So do you have a set you want to get rid of? What's the condition and how much?