Saving a '81 KZ750-E

calum
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06 Feb 2020 21:41 #818741 by calum

Replied by calum on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

Emblems turned out good. If you want gold letters you'd have to put a few coats of gold on before the black, with just one or two coats you'll sand right through both black and gold - as you already know

It helps if the letters have already been sanded, then you will have a perfectly even black layer that you can take off with 600-1000 grit (using a sanding block!).

Current Project:
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/616901...-spare-parts-project

1977 KZ1000 Restomod ( www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/614517-1977-kz1000-restomod )
1980 KZ750H ( kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/612054-kz750h-restoration )
2000 BMW F650GS

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Skidmark
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06 Feb 2020 21:46 #818742 by Skidmark

Replied by Skidmark on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

I'm throwing in the towel and going with silver letters. It will still look fine with the Kawasaki green racing colors. Tank emblems gold, side covers silver. Boils down to the best I can pull off. Growing old is so much fun...

Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)

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calum
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06 Feb 2020 21:53 #818743 by calum

Replied by calum on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

Skidmark wrote: Growing old is so much fun...

At least you'll have something to do next winter - spending 3 months painting the letters gold

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Skidmark
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07 Feb 2020 16:20 #818785 by Skidmark

Replied by Skidmark on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

I am realizing these handlebar control switches are too far gone. I cannot remove the switches from the housing without breaking the mechanisms. I don't mind doing wiring and crimping, so there are several options out there. Thanks again for the suggestions!

Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)

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Skidmark
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08 Feb 2020 12:21 #818825 by Skidmark

Replied by Skidmark on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

Satin clear finish is on. I'm happy with the result.

Now we are getting dressed up for the party! The cylinder block and head did not come back from the machine shop as clean as needed for paint. Unfortunarely the valves, springs, etc. can't get blast media in them. I will use the valve cover as a masking device and try to be as careful as I can. The block wasn't an issue to mask up.

Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)

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Skidmark
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08 Feb 2020 12:27 #818826 by Skidmark

Replied by Skidmark on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

I do have a fin with a broken corner. I don't think it will cause any issues.

Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)

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calum
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08 Feb 2020 14:36 #818834 by calum

Replied by calum on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

I had the same problem. I got it welded and then filed it back into shape. Really glad I got it done as it looks as good as new after painting. It would mean you'd have to redo the masking but it will be worth it if you are as picky as I am. Purely cosmetic, though.

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Skidmark
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08 Feb 2020 14:47 #818837 by Skidmark

Replied by Skidmark on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

I don't have the piece that broke off. It was gone when I got the bike.

Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)

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Skidmark
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08 Feb 2020 14:48 #818838 by Skidmark

Replied by Skidmark on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

I guess I could have someone build it up with filler rod.

Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)

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Nessism
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08 Feb 2020 15:16 #818844 by Nessism

Replied by Nessism on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

You could try high temp epoxy after filing a piece of aluminum to fit. There was a thread here recently where someone said they glued on broken fins and they held up fine.

Ed
Carb O-ring Kits : www.kzrider.com/forum/3-carburetor/61807...-o-ring-kits?start=0

www.kzrider.com/forum/faq-wiki/618026-new-owner-things-to-know

1981 KZ750E2
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/604901...z750e-project-thread

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calum
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08 Feb 2020 15:42 - 08 Feb 2020 15:57 #818852 by calum

Replied by calum on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

I had the piece but the guy who did the welding couldn't use it - too thin. He just built it up for me and I filed it back down.

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Skidmark
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08 Feb 2020 16:22 #818855 by Skidmark

Replied by Skidmark on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

That is a much smaller chip, calum. I think it would be too much to build up, and too thin. I may try the epoxy a piece on method.

Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)

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Saving a '81 KZ750-E

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