And finally, Wookie's 82 begins !

More filing and grinding this weekend, had hoped to be done with this by now (didn't get anything done last weekend as I took Mrs Wookie to the coast for a "chill" weekend) I am starting to fight flash rusting now as the weather changes so may have to compromise. I didn't like the "left" swing arm mount as it's like a "billboard" and looked more "John Deere" than "Kaw" the tube I've welded in is the same diameter and location as the hole in the "bolt on" mount from the other side











 

Can’t wait to see it when you’re done I love LTD’s
 they’re my favorite then come the 900’s

VintageKz@63 wrote:

Can’t wait to see it when you’re done I love LTD’s
 they’re my favorite then come the 900’s

Sorry to disappoint but it will be unrecognisable as a Ltd when it's done

Thank you. Dude that's some amazing work you are doing. It appears z650s are quite popular in UK. I purchased my piston and ring set from Andrew at  IMD  bike runs great.

More of the same this weekend !!!! I'm definitely questioning why I chose to start this process of "smoothing" the frame, will look great when done but what a PITA 

The welding and grinding on stock factory KZ frames leaves a lot to be desired. What I have noticed is plenty of weld spatter and often times what looks like shortened weld runs (like they were in a hurry) Not too much after weld grinding if any at all.

I have only even seen examples of what your doing to the frame done on "show" bikes.

I believe your going to be plenty happy with the finished result, as nothing comes good without effort.

I love the smoothed welds. I wish I could weld and do it on my bike. 

Hey Guy, if you make your welds look too good you'll have to leave the frame in "bare metal" to show them off !   
Good job it'll be worth the effort.

Great job Wookie!! That "flash rust" can create a whole other job in itself. Spray it down with this stuff to fend off the rust, ha. 

Thanks Clay, I had hoped to have had it in powder coat before the cold damp weather set in but it's taking soooooooo long

A Z1 bike with smoothed frame welds.

Good powder coaters will media blast the frame, and/or, perform a phosphate dip.  That stuff is great and removes flash rust easily.  It gives the metal microscopic texture also, so the paint will stick nicely.  Urethane powder is much better for durability than polyester also.  The details matter.