1981 Kawasaki KZ750 Resurrection

[Rob S.]

Hello, Jack! (Hijack)

I have not heard anybody using Kal Gard Gun Kote in years!!!! Back in the 70's and 80's Gun Kote was only available in a grayish color. I used to do all my motors in Gun Kote. It looks like its available now in more colors by the nice black on your rim. That rim looks GREAT!!!!

Do you still have to heat the part up first before you spray it, and then have to bake it for like an hour??? Still smell horrible?? Did you get your Gun Kote right from Kal Gard?? Did you use a spray gun??

They used to have KG9600 coatings in all kinds of kool colors to do your rims in. My trademark back then was Gold rims on my bikes. I did a '80 KZ750E1 with gold engine cases, and gold wheels that matched the gold pin stripping on the fuel tank back in in the day.

I'm sorry, I just have to ask, I can't hold it in any longer. Are you the Wes Cooley? (Superbike Champion, etc)

[850 Combat]

I have to hand it to you to take the time do that kind of work.

[ron bayless]

Okay cool, good info. Thanks for the heads up. This bike has increased my awareness of the differences between Suzuki and Kawasaki. Overall I think Kawasaki's service info is slightly better.

I look forward to seeing the finished bike.

[Nessism]

Was looking at the parts fiches yesterday to see if Kawi inbeds the bolt/screw sizes in the PN the same as Suzi does.They do and a lot of the sizes are right there in the the description.

Okay cool, good info. Thanks for the heads up. This bike has increased my awareness of the differences between Suzuki and Kawasaki. Overall I think Kawasaki's service info is slightly better.

Was looking at the parts fiches yesterday to see if Kawi inbeds the bolt/screw sizes in the PN the same as Suzi does.They do and a lot of the sizes are right there in the the description.

Thanks for the positive comments guys.

When I started taking apart the bike I put all the hardware in baggies and labeled everything. That lasted about one day. After getting going on the plating everything came out of the baggies anyway and dumped in a box. It's going to be a jigsaw puzzle figuring out where all that hardware came from. With hindsight, should have measured each bolts as it was removed and kept a log. Oh well.

Now that will be magic!

[Nessism]

Thanks for the positive comments guys.

When I started taking apart the bike I put all the hardware in baggies and labeled everything. That lasted about one day. After getting going on the plating everything came out of the baggies anyway and dumped in a box. It's going to be a jigsaw puzzle figuring out where all that hardware came from. With hindsight, should have measured each bolts as it was removed and kept a log. Oh well.

[rustybronco]

Ed, those fasteners.... Freeking awesome work!

Yes, Caswell's. Copy Cad kit, which is zinc. Also have blue, yellow, and black chromate dips. The blue is used on the bright parts.

The parts are not perfect but serviceable I think. Have been struggling to get consistent results. Those parts with the yellow cast need to go into the blue chromate. That removes the dark finish, but it also dulls the shine a little so it's a balancing act. Main focus was to remove the rust and put on a rust barrier. Zinc works pretty well for that, but not as good as cadmium like they used to use.

I'd love to get a Caswell zinc plating kit but just to much for what I think I can do DIY.Might not be as nice as the old Cad plate but they look damned good to me

[gmansyz]

Very NICE Ed! Home/garage work. How much did the kit set you back?
Laters
G

[Nessism]

Yes, Caswell's. Copy Cad kit, which is zinc. Also have blue, yellow, and black chromate dips. The blue is used on the bright parts.

The parts are not perfect but serviceable I think. Have been struggling to get consistent results. Those parts with the yellow cast need to go into the blue chromate. That removes the dark finish, but it also dulls the shine a little so it's a balancing act. Main focus was to remove the rust and put on a rust barrier. Zinc works pretty well for that, but not as good as cadmium like they used to use.

Those are looking REALLY good.How do you get the plating black?Caswell chemicals?

[nvr2old]

Seriously. That's amazing. Those parts look brand new.

That looks like magic, dude.

[Nessism]

Replated most of the chassis hardware. More to come when I tackle the engine...


P1010525 by nessism, on Flickr

P1010528 by nessism, on Flickr

P1010529 by nessism, on Flickr

P1010530 by nessism, on Flickr

P1010531 by nessism, on Flickr

P1010532 by nessism, on Flickr