rebuilding shocks v/s aftermarket

[maia]

I've got a "63 superhawk that's been sitting in a carport for gawd knows how many years 19000 KMS on the clock so I'm assuming the shocks are toast. I've rebuilt shocks from a '66 Ducati and that went well, can the same be done on the Honda? Are the seals available? From where? Hagons are good but $$$$$ Any suggestions for aftermarket shock purchases? those chrome shocks on ebay were slagged on a recent post Thanks for your help.

[rbaselt]

The shocks may be fine. Disassemble them and move them several times by hand to the extremes, inverting to distribute the fluid. Once in proper upright position , the movement should feel reasonably smooth. Only the early 1961 shocks can be taken apart to change fluid. But the others can be disassembled and the parts rechromed or powdercoated. If you wrap the shaft of the shock body with electrical tape, and tell the plater that the adjuster sleeve must remain free of the body, most shops can do a nice rechroming job. --Randall (CA)