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I know you guys love pictures, so here are some:











Its a 1983 kz550 LTD (I think). I bought it for 100 dollars so obviously it wasnt in prime condition. It was covered in grease and dirt, and I spent a day with some gunk and simple green and cleaned it up. The paint on the tank is bad as well, needs a repaint. The seat, oh its terrible, has more duct tape than cloth. I was thinking of either buying a new seat or trying and making a new one. (? - How hard is making a new seat. I read a few threads about it, and it doesnt seem too bad, but I don't want a bad seat, and it would be plain jane looking. A new seat would cost nearly half the price of the bike.) The bike also needs a good polishing. (?- Can i just get some polish or must I sand it down first? )

Post edited by: JjSwee, at: 2006/09/10 02:07

Post edited by: JjSwee, at: 2006/09/10 02:08

Its a beaut! If it were me I think I would polish first. Maybe check ebay for a seat? Or possibly recover that one? Maybe a member has one in the classifieds here on the site?

As far as polishing goes, it can be a lot of work but well worth it when you see the end result. Caswell, Inc. sells a complete aluminum polishing kit that can be used with any electric drill for about $45:

www.caswellplating.com/buffs/alpolkit.htm

I am currently using it to polish up my KZ650 and man does it work great!! If there are any obvious scratches, especially deep ones, you will want to sand first but the kit will pretty much take care of really fine, superficial ones. Hope that helps and send more pics as you go!!

Nice find. I like the shot of the tank with the city in the backround.

GO FLYERS!

recovering isnt that hard if you know how to use a sewing machine (or know someone that does)

carefully remove the old cover, and just as carefully take it apart at the stitched seams, use these pieces for patterns to cut new ones, sew the new ones together, install on your seat, and enjoy.

Heartless, you have never seen me try to run a sewing machine! (It ain't pretty)

well, not every one is coordinated enough to use a sewing machine!!

And I did mention those magic words: "know someone..."

My other half knows how to use a sewing machine, pretty well actually. and he knows how to crochet too!!!

Post edited by: heartless, at: 2006/09/10 22:22