Beginning a 75 Z1 resto

So I'm finally gettng around to restoring the Z1 my father bought new in 75. I have contacted Paintworkz to have the body repainted, seeing they are pretty knowlegeable on the Z1's.

At this point, I'm just gathering a list of items I'll need. So far: Shock and foot rest bushings, emblems, exhaust (not sure whether I should go for stock), stainless steel spokes, steering bearings, carb kits, levers, seat cover and the rear brake pull rod.

I may need new shocks if they don't polish up and the forks rebuilt.

The bike is stock except for some things my father added: K&N cone filters(I have the original airbox), 4-1 exhaust, I think he changed the jets, I have to check the numbers when I get them apart, and a set of Koni shocks, I still have the originals.

The only thing I decided on was to paint the frame instead of powdercoat. It still has the decal on the steering stem and I would like to keep that in tact.

Any words of advice from you guys? I'm trying to keep the bike as close to original as possible. I do have a factory service manual too.

Thanks.

i114.photobucket.com/albums/n248/Jeekinz/900007.jpg
i114.photobucket.com/albums/n248/Jeekinz/900006.jpg
i114.photobucket.com/albums/n248/Jeekinz/900005.jpg
i114.photobucket.com/albums/n248/Jeekinz/900004.jpg

Post edited by: Kidkawie, at: 2007/06/25 09:18

Post edited by: Kidkawie, at: 2007/06/25 09:41

My advice would be to move it out of that nice neat workshop where it is clearly very lonely, over to my house where it can be comfortable amongst it's own kind.:laugh: :whistle:

Looks like you're in for some fun. I'm well into restoring a 75 Z1B myself.

I see your seat is split. You can get a very nice replacement cover, with good mounting instructions, from - of all places - J C Whitney. about $60.

One question that will determine what parts you get, is whether you just want a good bike to ride, or if you're going the show bike restoration route. If the latter, then spring for the original exhaust and put the airbox back in.

Good luck. I hope you keep us updated.

Oh, and I like your woodworking shop. Two table saws with outfeed suppport; nice. Be careful about getting oil on surfaces that will meet wood, it'll make finishing it impossible.

Thanks for the replies. I glanced over on eBay and found ALOT of stuff there. The idea is to have as close to original as possible but ride it once in a while. It has 12k orig miles on it.

Is there a difference in the aftermarket parts? Should I hunt for NOS?

What should I use to paint the frame? Brand?

What cleaners work good on the aluminum?

There is green tape around the tank rubbers on the frame, is there a good replacement for that?

Post edited by: Kidkawie, at: 2007/06/25 10:08

depending on how carried away with it looking like a show room bike you want to get be carefull with replating parts.the oigional plating was more of low grade production work and any kind of show quality plating will definately stick out as non origional,just make sure your plater knows what you have in mindB)

Post edited by: PLUMMEN, at: 2007/06/25 12:53

i used single stage nason (industrial line of dupont) on my frame, its much shineyer than the crap emron i used to shoot when i was painting trailers.

Finally oranizing the basement to continue with the project. I'm making notes as to what parts need replacing, re-chroming and such.















Post edited by: KZCSI, at: 2007/09/26 13:45

Many of the photos are for reference upon assembly. It's now down to the bare frame. Will be painting the frame to save the build decal on the steering stem.

While that's being done, I'll be cleaning and polishing the engine. Any tips on that? Should I remove the chain oiler to keep the bike clean?

The chain oiler was not in mine; just an empty hole behind the cover. Anyway, you don't need it.

The are lots of tips about polishing the engine here and there on this site. One fella recommended a rope, some polish on the rope, and beer, for polishing between the fins. A Mother's mag polisher will work on other areas. However you go, it takes a bit of elbow grease.

what state are you in? i have a rear fender that is a lot less rusty than that

Wow...would have never thought of using a rope. What a great idea! Thanks alot!

I'm in Jersey. I'll most likely get everything chrome replated being all the parts are original to the bike. I should be able so save the rims, but the spokes have to be replaced. The front brake lever is bent, so I'll need a close replacement for the levers. I was thinking about using clear rubber tool dip to put the coating back on the levers. Any thoughts on that?

There are still alot of parts listed on Bike Bandit, any other sources for NOS?

I found this with my Fathers original receipt for the bike and some other paperwork.