1979 KZ650 Restoration

Thanks! Store names sounded familiar

I've never cleaned up engine components like this, how do you dry them after using the power washer? Just ambient evaporation?

I know this won't really help, but I had my engine castings blasted at a local deburring polishing shop. They wouldn't tell me their exact process, but they started with glass beads and I THINK they finished with plastic media (found a piece wedged in the crankcase). My engine parts look 1000% better because of those guys
From this-

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porchev914 your castings look awesome!! It would be interesting to know the process they used. This would not have helped on my project, this will be 100% DIY.

Took friday afternoon off because the weather was so nice to paint the frame on the 650. The painting went pretty well, Now I feel like I am on the downhill run of the project. Here is the painted frame on the rotater in the paint booth.

Today I got a chance to do a little bit of assembly. I installed some new tapered roller bearings in the steering head. Installed the rebuilt, polished and clear coated forks and front wheel. Installed the rear fender and inner fender. I even put the reflectors on for some reason, safety first I guess.

Looking good! Very inspirational.

Best of success,
Bill

It always feels good to start putting things together. What did you end up doing with your engine case reconditioning?

I am sticking with the glass bead blasting. I hope to have the engine bottom end assembled this week. I was waiting for a crank seal to get here and it finally did today. I'll post some pics of the assembled engine. Where did you get your cases done? I might be interested in going that route on my next project.

What paint are you using for your frame?

wow man.its gonna be a great restore

I used Valspar Gloss Black with Valspar hardner. The hardner makes a HUGE difference in the paint. It improves the gloss finish by a factor of 10. I used it on another motorcycle frame and was happy with it, so I thought I would use it again. It is a very low cost solution, I think the paint and hardner cost less than 20 bucks. When using the hardner you do have to take additional safety precautions, you have to have good ventilation and a good respiratior. If I were doing a Z-1 or refinishing my MKII I would probalby use a higher end paint, but I do not want to put a fortune into this 650.