New project intro: Meet Barney - some before pics!

I am a fairly new member her- been lurking for the most part. I finally started some work on my KZ project. This bike has been named Barney due to the odd purplish color the tank faded to. As you can see Barney has not had many friends in recent years - rather neglected.

Overall, the bike is pretty complete. All I have really done so far is to tear the carbs off and start cleaning them. I attempted to start the bike previously - at one point it seemed close... but just could not get there. At least I know I have spark and good commpression. Stuff I have identified in need of attention so far are:

- Carbs need cleaning, and rebuild. Seems I can find rebuild kits to fit the 1980 models though - up to 79 are easy to find. Any suggestions as to source for carb rebuild kit for a 1980 KZ750G? I attempted to remove the black paint from one of the carbs - got the majority off (the sides of the carbs facing inwards were not painted fortunately). It will be a total pain though to get the last bits of it off. I am open to suggestions as to how to best do that.

- Brake master cylinders and calipers, I assume need rebuilds. that will come after I get the beast running though.

- A prior owner painted the motor flat black. Sprayed right over the carbs etc. You can see in the pics where yet another prior owner attempted to get the paint off the side case. I am not sure which way to go - do I mess with trying to get all the paint off? or do I clean it up, and touch up the paint? What paint is on there, seems rather well attached! Again - open to suggestions on which way to go - and if it is to strip the paint - how to best get it all from between the fins etc?

- Exhaust was painted as well - same issue - repaint or strip? Dunno yet! One pipe someone tried to remove baffles - the other is not molested. I am not sure if I will try to get a baffle back in, or replace the system. I dont care for loud bikes.

- Lots of detail work needed to - new paint on the body parts, tires, etc etc.

Anyhow - there he is in all his purple glory! My time on this project will be limited, so it will drag on for quiet some time I am sure - but I will periodically post back here my progress.

Mike