Can you take the stock rear shocks apart?

[2stroker_4_life]

Hi all, I have a set of stock Honda VHD shocks that I'd like to tear apart, clean, and repaint. However I've been told they don't come apart. Is this true? If they do, how? Thanks in advance.

[Piute]

http://honda-cb750-s.456789.n3.nabble.com/EL-cheapo-spring-clamp-td3560202.html

[Re-run]

I Have never seen them be taken apart and work I guess.
I suppose it could be done but I think ponying up for some Cheap Hagon shocks would be a better option.

[Hoosier Daddy]

You can disassemble them this far...



But the actual shock damper, #4 is a sealed unit and can not be taken apart. If you just want to clean and paint, this should be enough. I have done several, there is a jam nut #15 under the rubber stopper #10 where the shaft screws into the top mount. Push the stopper down the shaft and you can get a wrench on the nut, loosen it then and the shaft unscrews. It's easier with the spring tension set at it's lowest setting. Do NOT grab the shaft with Pliers or Vice Grips! Use a wrench on the nut and a rod / big screwdriver through the mounting eye of the top mount.
 Not all have the chrome cover #7, if yours does you will have to compress the springs to get to the nut. I have left them off on reassembly if you want the bare spring look.