Another Illinois rider

Hello guys and gals
My kids have grown up and moved out and I have decided to drag out my 78 KZ1000 with 92 plates and get her running again.
I am thrilled to see that there are a lot of parts still available and all this support, very cool.
I've already sprayed all the nuts and bolts with penatrating oil and put an oz. or so of Marvels mystery oil in the cylinders next I plan on removing the valve cover and squirting them with mystery oil, then it's on to the carbs.
The fork seals are shot so is the clutch and the brakes are dry,the tires look good but can they be trusted, who knows ?
I would like to lower the bike a couple of inches and I don't have a lot of money I can throw at this thing right now.
When I take the fork tubes apart can I cut them down or do I need to buy new tubes, and whats available to bring the back end down that's not real pricey.
I also have a 77 KZ parts bike and 18" back rim with a drum brake I was considering changing to a 16" hog if I can find someone to do it that knows what their doing.
I don't trust too many people working on my bike.
In the past there have been problems and as a result I have leaned to do most of my own work, but lacing up a rim
is something I would rather leave to a pro.
Any way enough for now, thanks for reading this, and I'll keep you posted and take lots of pictures Thanks, JD

Where are you at in Il? Springfield here.

if you want to lower the front end you can do it without cutting the tubes you just put a spacer tube that is the lentgh that you want to actually lower the bike by over the damper rod before you reinstall it in the tubes you can safly lower it up to around 2.5" and that way also you can put it back to stock someday as well with out buying new tubes i use p.v.c tubing that is the same i.d as the outside of the damper rod or as close as i can get it. by the way welcome to you.

Jack,Welcome to KZR nation,there are a few of us"kids are grown now"riders here,something over 50,nice to hear that you just packed that 1000 away and kept it, shows the loyalty we K owners have for our brand.sounds like not to much wrong with her luck getting her on the road, a lot of talk about harley,varigo,and vulcan short shocks for lowering our Kaws,look on our board for needed posts about lowering.nice to have you aboard,The Invasion continues. regards Duke

bluej58, Welcome from the western edge of the state.

Congrats on the decision, you will find lots of support here. Some like them stock, some like them chopped, some like them cafed, some like them hot (speed related as opposed to ownership)and some just like them all.

There are several good posts about bringing back stored gems. Post up your questions, sort thru the responses and apply what fits your needs.

Good luck.

Hey thanks for the tips guys.
I think I remember hearing about the fork spacers trick along time ago.
I live close to Ottawa, about an hour and a half west of Chicago. JD

welcome from Bloomington/Normal.

Welcome form Buda IL about an hour north of peoria

Is there any members from southern Illinois?

I live 46 miles from the Illinois,Missouri,and Kentucky border.

Hwy 3 is a nice ride along the river.

I use to work out of Granite City,Il. Roy

welcome, from peoria il brah!!

I recognize that track. Been there many times. Hell...I even have a reserved parking space there although didn't use it much this year. Watch out next year though...plan on living out there!

I'm in the alton area.