Fork Removal - P2's on a Kona Cinder Cone

[bertberr]

Hi, I want to get my project two's blasted and re-sprayed, probably powder coated. Now, while I've replaced mechs / calipers / cables etc I've never removed a fork from a bike before...so question is - to remove forks for spraying do I need to remove the headset first to get them out? Or do I just remove the quill stem and loosen the allen key on the side of the impact headset? And is there anything else I need to remove from the forks before handing them over to the spray shop (other than v-brake calipers and front wheel obviously...!!!)???
Cheers
BB

 

[cheesey]

You need to unscrew the headset from the top of the forks, tap them out (or they may just fall out) and make sure you dont lose any of the bearings (happened to me before, its a pain in the arse finding them!!!)

Then tap your crown race of then good to send!

 

[bertberr]

Hi Cheesey, thanks for reply. Just to confirm, I remove allen bolt from impact completely, then unscrew race, and the fork should drop out? Do I need any special tools for removing the fork crown?
Cheers
BB

 

[cheesey]

Yep, as above, just loosen off the bolt on the stem, unscrew completely and the fork should either drop out or lightly tap it out, but again, watch out for those caged bearings

I normally use a flat bladed driver, and tap underneath the race one quarter at a time... as you are getting the forks painted you may be able to go a little 'harder' than usual!

 

[JeRkY]

Just to clear up,
1-Remove the stem
2- loosen but dont remove the alan screw in the Impact headset (you will only lose it...just needs to be loose)
3- un screw the top section of the impact headset from the fork steerer tube.

If you have a go it will all make sense, its not that difficult to work out

Oh yeah, remember to tap the crown race off the fork before you send it too (as mentioned above)

 

[haydnw]

I've never done this, but won't the V-brake bosses need to be removed too? And presumably the threads covered to prevent them getting paint in there?

Like I say, never had anything painted (forks or frame), so I could be wrong.

 

[bertberr]

cheers guys, I'll let you know how they turn out... I've mailed Gil re getting some Project Two / Joe Murray decals for the freshly painted P2's.

 

[Anthony]

I've never done this, but won't the V-brake bosses need to be removed too? And presumably the threads covered to prevent them getting paint in there?
Like I say, never had anything painted (forks or frame), so I could be wrong.

Normally, yes, but in the case of Project 2s the bosses are not removable, so they need to be masked before painting.

 

[haydnw]

Ah - you learn something every day!

 

[bertberr]

Hi jerky et al, thanks for responses, yes all very simple when you just give it a go - always been afraid to do much more than changing a mech or upgrading brakes etc for fear of buggering something up, but it's hardly like having a poke around in your cars ECU is it...??? Must be more confident with these tasks, particularly as I'm planning to strip the whole bike over the coming months - responses such as yours and the others on this forum really help novices such as myself.

Is it normally necessary to degrease an item before taking it to the powder coaters, or do they normally have a big tank of the stuff that they automatically dip everything into before blasting it?

If so, what's best? Gunk or Meguiars Super?

Cheers
BB