Elastomer in fork rotted away - can it be replaced?

[Custom24]

A friend of mine is keen do get an old MTB running again to commute into work. I think it's a 1995 Haro (from the US) bike with a "Tange Struts" fork.

The fork is collapsed because the elastomer is now powder.

What would be the cheapest way for him to get the bike running again? He doesn't need a suspension fork for his commute. Does the whole fork need replacing, or could the elastomer be replaced with something else?

He's looked online for the elastomer and did find it from the US for $53, apparently, but if there is a cheaper way, he'd go for that.

 

[sight-pin]

I don't know anything about forks tbh, but just been reading up a little on this and found this alternative, http://faqload.com/faqs/bicycle-components/suspension/making-your-own-suspension-fork-elastomers any good?

 

[Custom24]

I don't know anything about forks tbh, but just been reading up a little on this and found this alternative, http://faqload.com/faqs/bicycle-components/suspension/making-your-own-suspension-fork-elastomers any good?

Yep, I found that. It doesn't sound too promising, but thanks for looking.

 

[KneesUp]

The cheapest way would be to buy an old mountain bike with solid forks and swap the forks over. If you get a bike with nice parts you might even be able to sell the rest on and make a profit on the enterprise. The aesthetics of the finished bike might be questionable though.