Removing triple-clamp forks from Giant Warp

[ozlegacy]

I stripped down the old Warp last night to get it ready for paint removal and a new shiny powder coat (it's a project for the GF put some new shiny bits on it and paint it pink)

Anyway I got all parts off but for life of me can't get the forks off, they are a RST 381DH using a Chromoly, triple-clamp crown according to http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=1998&Brand=Giant&Model=Warp+DS2&Type=bike I've included a couple of pictures below, any help on removing these would be much appreciated.

Click on pics below to make them bigger

[ozlegacy]

Second question if anyone can shed some light, is can you remove the lower part of the frame (yellow bit) ?

It swivels on a part circled in red on the pic below, it had two screw in type plugs which I've removed but I can't get the yellow part over the tube they sit and spin on, not sure if it was designed to come apart? Would just make it much easier to strip and paint if I can get them apart.

Thanks again

[alchemist]

You need to undo the clamp bolts and remove the top clamp. If the steerer doesn't come out of the headset easily give it a few wacks with a rubber mallet.

[nzdans]

Alchemist is on the money for the forks-if you see any signs of corrosion around the steerer tube give it some WD-40 or similar a day before the whacking commences.

Regarding the rear swingarm it will come off for sure and you should be able to remove any bearings/hardware as well so you give it a factory looking powder coat.

Can you please take some close up shots of the fastenins that hold the swing arm onto its pivot? This should help us find the answer you are looking for. Oh-douse it in WD as well for the sake of preparation...

[ozlegacy]

Ok so the steerer tube is the pipe coming out of the headset on the top? whack that downwards I assume?

Glad to hear I can get the swing arm off, I have included some more pics below hope this helps, if you need anything specific let me know, thanks for everyones help on this.

If you click on the images I have left them in the orginal 10 megapixel format for higher detail

[familyguy]

Does that central spindle drive out of the frame? It doesnt look threaded into the frame, more of a large bearing that slides into the parts to join them, with the cups on each end to stop it slipping sideways.

That would be my bet.

Jim

[ozlegacy]

Does that central spindle drive out of the frame?

Thanks I thoguht that might be the case and I've whacked it lightly and it doesn't budge, the frame is 10 years old though so obviously might be seized, will try the WD40 and a bit more force with the rubber mallet

[twowheels]

i've found Penetrene works when other penetrating products have not done the job. If you can apply some heat without causing unwanted damage to paint or seals that might help. Paint stripping heat gun is a good way to apply controlled/directed heat.

[nzdans]

Wow, great pictures!

It looks like we're on the right track here-if you don't have a heat gun hair dryers get things pretty damn hot. It would be an idea to get in touch with your local Giant dealer to see if they can track down some pivot bushings (if you haven't already);there appears to be a bit of free play there

[ozlegacy]

there appears to be a bit of free play there

Ok no heat gun but plenty of hair dryers, also have access to a oxy but that might be a tad hot

Re the bearings, if you mean the last pic thats cause I didnt screw the cap all the way in just put it on to demonstrate where it went, to me it appears to be just a cylinder of steel in that hole, is there actually bearings in there?

[familyguy]

Just a quick OT question: Are you sending this to GripSport in Victoria for powdercoating?

Jim

[ozlegacy]

Nope being based in Sydney they are prob a bit far

Haven't decided who to get to poweder coat it yet, but have some friends in mechanical industry so assumming won't be to hard to find, I also don't need a million dollar job as this is more of a fun project rather than a historic restoration etc.