Katit's 1978 KZ650 project

My OCD just won't let me rest. No, I am not going to leave painted parts as is. I did downgrade to spray bombs for frame (VHT frame/roll cage). I tried to use it per instructions but still got runs when did swingarm (it's on picture prepped). 
Prepping - I have to sand every bit now. Orange peel from previous prime/paint is too much for my taste so I sand it all down. Good thing everything is dry and not too bad to sand. 

First tried failed with swingarm. Yesterday painted light casings and few small bits - worked much better. Really need to be careful not to create runs. Layer will be thin, but I have 2 layers under, so it should be just fine. I like finish I am getting though. Will do few more practice batches with smaller parts before tackling actual frame.

 

I’ve had good success with VHT roll bar and chassis paint. Several very light coats.

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I’ve had good success with VHT roll bar and chassis paint. Several very light coats.

Yes, I like finish and I learned about coats. Instruction says 2 light and one medium coat within hour, like 10 minutes inbetween. Spray pattern somewhat narrow, have to keep can pretty far away, at least in my experience. 

Also, Where I sanded with 320 in some places I do see sand marks, this VHT goes very thin. Need to do better job prepping. But results looking good so far.
As soon as I try to put nice wet coat - I get runs. Light coats may not look good when you apply them, but look OK when dry.

VHT caliper paint will cover minor imperfections. It flows out well. Again you need to watch coat thickness, it will run faster than a ding dong dasher!

Frame still not painted (duh). Had to re-sand to remove orange peel. Waiting for better weather (100+ here now)

Question, do I need those bead locks? New rims don't have holes for them and I was just wondering if they really needed..

 

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Frame still not painted (duh). Had to re-sand to remove orange peel. Waiting for better weather (100+ here now)

Question, do I need those bead locks? New rims don't have holes for them and I was just wondering if they really needed..

 

I raced flat track in my past and had tire pressure as low as 12 PSI and never used bead locks. I would ditch 'em.

Thanks! I don't plan to race it, thats what I figured, as long as I ride normally with stock power and good pressure - there is no reason.

Did some work(no pictures, sorry). Rear wheel is done. New rim, spoked, new bearings installed. 

Re-thinking "instruments". I might just keep originals and send them for restoration. I figured it might be more than buying electronics, but probably save a lot of time figuring mounting and and keep it original at the same time.

Progress. Finally frame painted and to my liking. Maybe. Maybe not 100% perfect but 8/10 on my scale and once assembled will be just perfect.

 

More assembly. Ready to go. Some new parts, some cleaned, some painted. 

 

Front wheel is ready to put on a bike (even though to make it a roller for now). Rear wheel spoked and trued. Need to mount a tire and will be ready.
I am moving forward getting roller going so I can install engine and refocus on what else is next.

 

Looking gooood!

Definitely coming along