Side covers...

Hello all,

I just got a side cover that was missing for the right side of my KZ650... it's got some custom paint on it I need removed though. Any recomendations on how to strip it without damaging the cover? Also, anyone know where I can get the right color of blue for a '79 KZ650C to re-paint it? It's missing the KZ650 decal too...

I just sanded mine didnt seem to do any damage

Brake fluid will strip paint without damaging plastic parts. It's a slow acting process with no caustic chemicals.

An old plastic dishpan or a low sided basin to hold the cover,an old clean paint brush,and a container of brake fluid should be all you need. Wash off the paint residue well with hot water and soap.

The paint is pretty thick and has some deep cracks, so I'll give the brake fluid a try. Thanks!

Caution on the brake fluid.....

It is extremely dangeous stuff. If you use it make sure you ware rubber gloves. Brake fluid will pass right through your skin and will potentially damage your kidneys.

Wow! DUDE! I did not even know about that. Thanks for posting. I remember getting that stuff all over my hands in my youth. I can't believe they wouldn't have posted some kind of warning about that.
KOOL RYDER wrote:

Caution on the brake fluid.....

It is extremely dangeous stuff. If you use it make sure you ware rubber gloves. Brake fluid will pass right through your skin and will potentially damage your kidneys.

Oh snap... I may rethink that one then. I've had it soaking in Simple Green for over 24 hours... I just remember in boot camp simple green eating through the pain on the inside of an ammo can, so... haven't checked to see how it's working yet though.

And all this time I thought it was all the beer I drank! I will no longer stock the brake fluid in my garage, wooh:woohoo: that was close!

Save the brake fluid for your brakes. Buy some real paint stripper. The stuff that you can brush on. Use a soft tool like a bondo spreader to scrape the paint once the stripper does the work. Make sure to clean the part well before painting.

I use aircraft stripper in the aerosol can, and an old paint stick for scrapping. It will remove one layer of paint at a time usually. After most of the paint is removed I finish with a sandblaster, if you don't have access to a sandblaster you can hand sand. I have used this process for many years and have never had a problem. It can be very messy so use protective clothing. On a side note with the aircraft stripper, do not get it on you at all, do not spray into the wind. (Ask me how I know)

Good Luck

on a related note. anyone know where to get replacement rubber grommets for the the side covers? mine are loose. I lost one on the highway yesterday! So I need to get a replacement on ebay.

The grommets (part #92071-056) are still available from Kawasaki so any dealer can order them. They're about $2 each. Ed