Steering stem & bearing replacement/removal & fork powder coating ?'s

[DUCBILL]

Well I have my 99 MDark completely apart for frame off restomods. I'm starting with some Powder coating, the entire frame and a few other bits. Does anyone know if the steering stem can be pressed from the bottom triple clamp? I really want to powder coat the clamp. Is there any secret to removing the bearing from the steering stem if the stem can not be removed?

I was also wondering about powder coating the upper portion of the forks has anyone done this and if so did it require any opening of the clamps because of the added thickness of the powdercoat?

[hooligan machinist]

  Yes, the stem presses out through the bottom of the lower triple.
Don't worry about the bearing, the "seating" surface is pretty short. You'll be able to remove it easily after the stem moves about 3/4" or so.
  When i had mine done i neglected to have the inside area masked off. The refit was very tight but didn't require any spreading of the clamps.
If you do the clamps and the tubes they will "IMHO" need to be spread.
  Howard

[gage]

Does anyone know if the steering stem can be pressed from the bottom triple clamp? I really want to powder coat the clamp.

You shouldn't have to remove the stem to have the clamp powdercoated. They can mask it off.

Is there any secret to removing the bearing from the steering stem if the stem can not be removed?

Depending on how tight the tolerance on the lower race is you should be able to lever it up evenly off the stem using a screwdriver. Make sure you protect the aluminum lower triple clamp while you are working it up,

I was also wondering about powder coating the upper portion of the forks has anyone done this and if so did it require any opening of the clamps because of the added thickness of the powdercoat?

First off have you considered Hard Anodizing the forks?

Second, I would say thaty you be able to usea wedge to open the clamp and it wouldn't be necessary to have the calmp machined or anything like that. I would still consider anodizing a better option though