1966 Kawasaki A1 Samurai restoration project

KZ250LTD wrote: Another quick and easy way to take off steering head nuts (although not quite as sympathetic to the bike) is to put a flathead screwdriver/chisel in the slot and hammer it in the direction you want it to go. Cool little bike!

I thought about doing that, but since that thing is very visible, I figured I would be nice to it. And thanks! I think so too. At least, it will be when done

I went back out to the garage for a bit, to test out the wire wheel. Once I saw the results, I kept going until the battery of my drill was dead! It's maybe a 4 inch wheel, but it is WAY better than the sander, and can get in more nooks and crannies. I will still need to hand sand, or break out the dremmel for a couple hard to reach spots, but for the most part, this wire wheel is going to do the trick. I was out there wire-wheeling away for about 30-40 mins and got I'd say, about 10-15% of the frame stripped already! One battery is charging, so I may head back out tonight. At the very least, I will put the other battery in the charger later to have both ready for tomorrow. I figure I will be cleaning and priming the frame by the end of the week :woohoo:


EDIT: BTW, I found another ball bearing still inside the neck while I was shining my work light to check my stripping. Hopefully that's the last one I didn't have in my ziplock baggie!

.

i have had two-strokes my whole life.

i have never had an oil related failure.

i only use



in the transmission.

i only use this




for pre-mix
16oz. to 5 gallons.

leon

Thanks for the info. BTW, do you actually use the 80w? Isn't that stick like super thick...or is that the point?

KZ250LTD wrote: If you misplace any of the ball bearings most bearing supply places usually sell them by the ball so long as you know the size. Last ones I got were $.25 a piece IIRC

If I can find a place close by that does that, and figure out the size of them (will a micrometer/caliper work for that?), I may just replace them all to be sure they are smooth running.

clutch wrote: Thanks for the info. BTW, do you actually use the 80w? Isn't that stick like super thick...or is that the point?

use the GEAR SAVER 80w.(it is thin like atf,alot of folks use atf.not me.i use Gear Saver .

NOT the hypoid 80-90 it is the thick stuff you are thinking of.

i am my own machinist,mechanic and rider.
these are the only two oils that i use,period.
everyone has there opinions.
i short track and tt raced for 8 years on a yamaha banshee.
i mix one jug of fuel and use it in every two stroke i own from chainsaws to weedeaters.

i have never had an oil related failure.

blown em up for many other reasons :sick: ,but not oil.

go with my recomendations and you will never have an oil related problem either .

or go with someone else's experience and see how it works.

there are a myriad of good lubricants out there,but i tend to stick with what has always worked for me.

thats my .02

leon

.

Here's a few shots of the frame stripping in progress. This first set is what I got done yesterday:





And this batch is how far I got today before my batteries pooped out on me again. I may get a little more done before work, but I'm not sure if the batteries will be ready by then.





I should have no problem getting this done by the weekend. Then I can start priming it when the batteries die from stripping the swingarm, side stand and center stand.


EDIT: I have an angle grinder that I could use this attachment on, but would it be too much and do some damage? (grinder is corded, so I could finish up quicker)

i only use them on my 4" grinder.

make sure to wear gloves tho!


leon

I'm trying to track down the proper rear sprocket for the A1. I've found the kawasaki part # but can't find anything current that uses it. Is there a way to run a cross reference to see if anything newer uses it? What are my options as far as finding a proper replacement (take measurements, guess, close my eyes and click one, send a company the old one to make me a new one)? This will be the first part I will need to replace as I put the bike back together, so I'm trying to track one down early.

.