Vinyl-wrapped forks question... (now with finished pics!!)

[Rameses]

Pics added on page 4.




I have my bike torn apart right now to get a bunch of stuff powdercoated and am planning to do the vinyl wrap deal while I'm at it.

I'm pretty sure there're a couple of people here who've done this before, so here's my question to you...

Did you wrap the vinyl on the entire fork tube and then slide them through the triples or is the vinyl only applied up to the edges of the triples?

I'm trying to decide what the best way to do this is going to be.

[Oldfisti]

Do it after or the wrap will interfere with the triple when you try to slide the fork through.

[Rameses]

Do it after or the wrap will interfere with the triple when you try to slide the fork through.

That's what I figured but I haven't bought the vinyl yet, so I didn't know if it was thin enough to get it through.

[w7ck7d]

Where can you get the vinyl wrap?

[Rameses]

Where can you get the vinyl wrap?

Ebay or any sign shop.

[MotoCreations]

(clarification) Wrap it after the fork blades are installed in the triples.  You really do not want the vinyl within the clamping surface area between the two -- it will eventually move as it is a poor shim material at best.

[Rameses]

Wrap it after.  You don't want the vinyl within the clamping surface itself -- it will eventually move. (plus you probably do have enough room to get it in there anyways!)

Wait, probably do have enough room?

Did you mean to type "probably don't"?

[w7ck7d]

Ok thanks..this will be my next project this week..

update with pic pls..

[eichh]

You will want to use a "cast" type of vinyl it conforms allot better and you shouldnt have any problems Oracal 751 or 851 would be a good product a lesser grade may eventually crack due to the tight bend,heat and weather. Im going to do mine also but cant decide on carbon fiber or plain black. My .02

[cbartlett419]

3M controltac vinyl is air release and is easier to work than calendered vinyl. Oracal makes an equivalent, but the 3M is a better product. it's available in a nice spectrum of color

[Jarvicious]

Maybe a stupid question, but why not have the tubes powdercoated while you have everything apart?  I know you'd have to take out the cartridges and lowers and such, but I feel like it would look so much better than plastic wrap. 

[Rameses]

Maybe a stupid question, but why not have the tubes powdercoated while you have everything apart?  I know you'd have to take out the cartridges and lowers and such, but I feel like it would look so much better than plastic wrap. 

And then have the triples bored to make room for the powdercoat which might then crumble inside the triples and eventually loosen?

No thanks.

[DucHead]

Maybe a stupid question, but why not have the tubes powdercoated while you have everything apart?  I know you'd have to take out the cartridges and lowers and such, but I feel like it would look so much better than plastic wrap. 

And then have the triples bored to make room for the powdercoat which might then crumble inside the triples and eventually loosen?
No thanks.

Powdercoating is too thick for this application.

Choices are vinyl wrap or hard-anodizing.  The former is a really nice alternative to the latter because there is a wider variety of color choices, it's (comparatively) easily reversible, does not require fork tube disassembly, does not require special tools/equipment, and it's less expensive.

[Oldfisti]

Personally, I still prefer black cloth tape. (hockey tape)


The matte/flat finish makes it look tough.   

[Rameses]

Personally, I still prefer black cloth tape. (hockey tape)


The matte/flat finish makes it look tough.   

I ordered the 3M Controltac in matte black.   



The parts I'm getting powdercoated are being done in a semi-gloss black.

I'm getting the top and bottom triples, handlebar clamps, front fender mounts, rearsets and passenger peg brackets, rear spring, rear suspension rod and rocker arm done.

And I'm gonna wrap the rear shock body in black vinyl too.

I think it'll look pretty sick when it's all done.