Brat-ish build: '81 KZ-440B

  • Killman
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Re: Brat-ish build: '81 KZ-440B

17 Nov 2012 21:00
#558854
I used Thermo-tec sealant for my pipes. It was a pain to find the Copper stuff up here, but you should have no problem finding the black. Just Google it and look for a distributor near you. Or order it online. Get a couple of cans though, because one of mine just died about half way through.

For the engine. Degreaser (I had the fortunate accident that Seafoam penetrant cleaned most of the hardcore grime off when I hit all of the fasteners on the engine with it), then Aluminum Jelly, then sanding with an angle grinder through a couple of levels of grit and finally buffing. Doing it by hand is a one-way ticket to Hell.
1983 kz440 ltd
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Re: Brat-ish build: '81 KZ-440B

17 Nov 2012 21:05
#558857
Killman wrote: I used Thermo-tec sealant for my pipes. It was a pain to find the Copper stuff up here, but you should have no problem finding the black. Just Google it and look for a distributor near you. Or order it online. Get a couple of cans though, because one of mine just died about half way through.

For the engine. Degreaser (I had the fortunate accident that Seafoam penetrant cleaned most of the hardcore grime off when I hit all of the fasteners on the engine with it), then Aluminum Jelly, then sanding with an angle grinder through a couple of levels of grit and finally buffing. Doing it by hand is a one-way ticket to Hell.

well, i work fast...I just went out and got some DEI silicone sealant for the wrap (in black). Maybe i'll spray the engine down with degreaser and take a wire wheel on the angle grinder to it. I don't think that'll be too hard on the cooling fins.
79 Honda 400 Hondamatic
79 Honda CB650
81 Honda CX500
81 Honda Passport C70
others coming in and out all the time!

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Re: Brat-ish build: '81 KZ-440B

18 Nov 2012 19:13
#559009
I used the silicone sealant on the exhaust wrap and took out the cam chain tensioner to clean it out, well i snapped the adjusting bolt off and had to drill it out. I ate through some of the housing too but managed to get it back on the bike somewhat functional i think, maybe it's just paranoia but the cam chain sounds louder now; so i ordered a new housing for 20 bucks off the bay.

Went for a short ride to cure the sealant and snapped some more pics of beautiful Cleveland:

[IMG


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[IMG
79 Honda 400 Hondamatic
79 Honda CB650
81 Honda CX500
81 Honda Passport C70
others coming in and out all the time!

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Re: Brat-ish build: '81 KZ-440B

18 Nov 2012 19:24
#559010
Nice job, and really nice pics.
1983 kz440 ltd
Quack

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Re: Brat-ish build: '81 KZ-440B

18 Nov 2012 20:28
#559021
Killman wrote: Nice job, and really nice pics.

thanks man, and thank you for the encouragement to seal the wrap, it def looks better.

i tried using an angle grinder with wire wheel on the engine but it's too abrasive. I think i'll just polish the engine as much as possible and maybe this winter take the head off (leave the motor in the frame) and just paint that black. I think it'll look pretty good like that.
79 Honda 400 Hondamatic
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81 Honda CX500
81 Honda Passport C70
others coming in and out all the time!

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Re: Brat-ish build: '81 KZ-440B

18 Nov 2012 21:29
#559036
I think you're right. :)
1983 kz440 ltd
Quack

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Re: Brat-ish build: '81 KZ-440B

09 Dec 2012 20:12
#562225
I had some extra time and i'm a little in-between ordering more stuff (tires, sprockets) so i decided to have a go at shaving the seat down, I think it turned out ok.

Before and after:

577


after about 1.5hrs of messing around with a steak knife...

433


433
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Re: Brat-ish build: '81 KZ-440B

09 Dec 2012 20:50
#562234
Don't know what a pro might prefer, but seat-cushion foam is easily carved with a bread-knife (manual :lol: or electric) or a hack-saw blade.

Good Fortune! :)
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KZ900 LTD

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Re: Brat-ish build: '81 KZ-440B

10 Dec 2012 13:34
#562328
Patton wrote: Don't know what a pro might prefer, but seat-cushion foam is easily carved with a bread-knife (manual :lol: or electric) or a hack-saw blade.

Good Fortune! :)

ooo a hack saw would have been perfect! I used a serrated steak knife.
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Re: Brat-ish build: '81 KZ-440B

13 Dec 2012 18:54
#562846
Took off the cyl head cover this afternoon to paint it with VHT gloss black. Will put it on tomorrow and snap a pic of it on.

[IMG
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Re: Brat-ish build: '81 KZ-440B

14 Dec 2012 01:59
#562919
Looks great! What did you do with the front master cylinder? I just replaced my bars and they are to short for the large master cylinder.
I started changing them tonight but ran into the master cylinder being to large.

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Re: Brat-ish build: '81 KZ-440B

14 Dec 2012 10:24
#562941
cmazzoni16 wrote: Looks great! What did you do with the front master cylinder? I just replaced my bars and they are to short for the large master cylinder.

There is no front MC on it because it has drum brake in front (uses cable). Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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