Saving a '81 KZ750-E

More
12 Aug 2020 10:58 #832725 by Skidmark
Replied by Skidmark on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E
Because I usually end up going down the wrong path first... After my morning coffee, I decided I better get a tape measure out and check the engine size versus the size of my blast cabinet. I could fit the engine in the cabinet, barely. Leaving no room to maneuver the gun. Well, crap! That lead to finding a company nearby that does soda blasting. So the u-turn on this build rears it's ugly head yet one more time. Now it is going to be completely disassembled so I can take the cases in for soda blasting. Always a learning experience. Always. One step forward, two steps back.

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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 Aug 2020 11:08 #832726 by Mikaw
Replied by Mikaw on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E
If now your going to source out the blasting, I’d recommend finding someone that can vapor hone. The finish will be much higher quality.

1976 KZ 900 A4 kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 Aug 2020 11:15 #832727 by calum
Replied by calum on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

Mikaw wrote: If now your going to source out the blasting, I’d recommend finding someone that can vapor hone. The finish will be much higher quality.


I'd agree if the engine was going to be left as is. As it's being painted I'd be worried about the paint peeling/flaking off a vapor honed surface.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 Aug 2020 11:19 #832728 by Skidmark
Replied by Skidmark on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E
Vapor honing would require shipping the engine cases. I really do not want to risk shipping damage. The nearest vapor hone company is in another state. Being in northern Nevada has a few drawbacks (not many!) and locality to businesses is one. The nearest motorcycle salvage yard is in Sacramento (3 hours one way). And they won't tell you what bikes they have in stock... I do have a line on a vapor honing company that was well recommended by a friend who has used them, but the shipping risk I am still not willing to take. There aren't too many of these motors around, and replacing the cases with an internet purchase is risky at best. Being that I got this bike from the original owner, this is the first time the cases have been separated since it came from the factory.

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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 Aug 2020 16:45 - 12 Aug 2020 16:49 #832739 by Skidmark
Replied by Skidmark on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E
So the local soda blast guy retired and is not longer in business. So why not do another about face? I decided to take the top end off, mask everything off, and get it into my blast cabinet after all. Every part will still get a thorough cleaning after paint anyway. So here we are, ready to go into bead blast...

Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)
Last edit: 12 Aug 2020 16:49 by Skidmark.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 Aug 2020 16:52 #832740 by Nessism
Replied by Nessism on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E
I blasted my engine in my blast cabinet. Only thing that wasn't was the cylinder head which was soda blasted outdoors. The head has blind oil passages which are not easy to clean so you gotta be careful there. The cases, even if you get media inside, can be cleaned easily enough.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Skidmark

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 Aug 2020 10:46 #832793 by Skidmark
Replied by Skidmark on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

Nessism wrote: I blasted my engine in my blast cabinet. Only thing that wasn't was the cylinder head which was soda blasted outdoors. The head has blind oil passages which are not easy to clean so you gotta be careful there. The cases, even if you get media inside, can be cleaned easily enough.


My cylinder head was cleaned ultrasonically when the head was rebuilt. No blasting necessary. It did not take all of the original factory paint off, but it remains mostly deep between the fins.

I took the engine out f the cabinet to blow it off and look for areas missed. I got around 80-90% of it, so back into the cabinet this morning for more blasting. Once I get it done and cleaned, I will put more pics up.

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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 Aug 2020 12:35 #832802 by Skidmark
Replied by Skidmark on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E
Hmmm. Okay, it has to go back in a third time. The glass bead fills up pockets blocking the view making it hard to get full coverage. The clutch cover will be shot on it's own - it is just a masking device for the case blasting. The starter area I wasn't worried about since it will not be seen.

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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 Aug 2020 15:31 #832818 by Mikaw
Replied by Mikaw on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E
Glad your making progress after the setbacks... getting there!

1976 KZ 900 A4 kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Skidmark

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 Aug 2020 15:46 #832823 by Skidmark
Replied by Skidmark on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E
Knocking the ugly off it!!!

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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 Aug 2020 15:54 #832824 by Skidmark
Replied by Skidmark on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)
Attachments:
The following user(s) said Thank You: Nessism

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
14 Aug 2020 17:28 #832926 by Skidmark
Replied by Skidmark on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E
After I put the top end back on and clean the entire engine, I should be ready to get it on the engine mount and be ready for paint. High temps, low winds, and low humidity are in the forecast for the next 3 or 4 days. Conditions are good to get the black on. I'm ordering the high temp clear tonight. Some local touch up may be required so I have time before the clear is needed.

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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Powered by Kunena Forum