last pics before restoration

kawtoy wrote:

Any engine work, frame mods and such or are you just making everything else look as good as the chrome and paint? It is going to be a killer. 2007 calendar contender for sure!

No engine work planned, but you never know I could always change my mind on that.

No frame mods - I love the KZ styling and see little that could improve on that. I like the period hot-rod look.

Yes - making everything else look as good as the chrome and paint.

OKC_Kent wrote:

do you have other plans for it, other than adding the chrome parts?

Painting the frame, cosmetic chroming & plating are the main goals.

as it is the bike runs great.

Post edited by: jtmcculloch, at: 2005/12/28 01:39

Alex_KZ1K wrote:

I'd like to trade my LTD mags for standard mags like those. I don't like the look of the small back wheel...

So install an A1 18" rear wheel.

Maybe I'll start looking next time I need a tire... I just got a brand new one on the 16". Good luck on the restoration... make sure you take lots of pics during the job, and after... keep us posted!

Graet looking bike. Black chrome would look killer on there also. Thinks thats what i,m going to do to my next one.

The chrome looks great as do the Lester wheels which are probably the strongest best looking wheels ever. If it was me the yellow would have to go, or at least some factory type pinstripes. That could look good. I had a yellow 1975 Yamaha DT400 for my last yellow bike, so maybe just me.

Those Lester's help give the bike a classy look. Maybe I am just partial to them as they are close to the same style on my '77Kz 650 Custom. Just curious, did the Lester's come out first or did the Kawasaki rims hit the market first? Anyone know the answer to this? For the record I like the yellow, it is the same color as my 2000 Jeep Wrangler, another classic looker.
Cheers-Colin Firth-Ontario Canada

1977 KZ650 Custom. Brought back from the dead after 13 years of neglect. Totally rebuilt from frame up. Wiseco 700 kit (soon to be 750 jugs with 810 kit.) Ported, polished heads. Triple angle valve job. Properly re-jetted rebuilt carbs, Filters, MAC Pipe, Barnett Clutch, Shortened Signal Light Stalks, Sculpted Seat, Painted Speedo/Tach Collars and Brake Calipers, Recessed Licence Plate, Polished Headlight Bucket, Bridgestones, Bead blasted rims, 14 tooth sprocket front, Superbike Bars, Magnum Red with silver and gold stripes. Only 13,000 miles on bike. Runs and looks like new and does it ever jump off the line!

Post edited by: reborn650, at: 2005/12/29 00:04

reborn650 wrote:

Just curious, did the Lester's come out first or did the Kawasaki rims hit the market first?

The Lesters came out first, then kaw had morris make thiers for the 1976 900LTD.

JT, can you give me some details on the chrome? Did you have it done or purchase the parts already plated?What was the cost? I think your bike will look incredible and it looked pretty kick ass to begin with!!! I miss my 1000...never should have sold it....

ten6 wrote:

JT, can you give me some details on the chrome?

it cost about $500.00 to have the following parts of mine chromed:

clutch cover
points cover
stator cover
front sprocket cover
front sprocket cover spacer
2 - carb tops
2 - carb bowls
4 - exhaust collars
2 - rear chain adjusters
clutch cable to frame clip
rear drum brake hub
rear break arm lever
side kickstand
kick starter lever

Wow ! What a beautiful bike. It looks restored already. I hope my bike turns out that nice when I am finished. No chrome for me though, I have a pretty tight budget.

Ohhhh, what lovely chrome bits you have!