Waxing 37 year old paint

  • dkoz
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Waxing 37 year old paint

28 Feb 2017 12:14
#755455
I've acquired a very nice original paint ltd.
The tail decal has some very fine spider cracking. I'm what's a good /best wax to preserve said paint. .
I'm sure this question is like asking what's the best oil to run lol
1978 LTD B2 smashed
1978 Z1R D1
1978 A2

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  • Nessism
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  • 650ed
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Re: Waxing 37 year old paint

28 Feb 2017 13:21 - 28 Feb 2017 13:21
#755457
I’ve owned my 1977 KZ650-C1 since it was new. A couple years ago I noticed the tailpiece had developed very minor hairline cracks on the surface. I used CS-100 Cycle Restorer on a soft cloth to gently polish them out, and I was very pleased with the results. It is a very gentle polish. The paint on my bike is all original, and it has the original clear coat on it. I don’t know if your model has clear coat or how well S-100 will work on your paint. If you decide to try it I recommend you first do a small spot that doesn’t show in case you’re not happy with the result. It also works extremely well on the engine side covers, cylinder head, etc., so if you decide not to use it on the paint it won’t be wasted. You can buy it on Amazon, eBay, and lots of cycle shops. It comes in a tube; below is an image of it.

When I finished polishing the paint I waxed it using Meguiar’s #26 yellow wax to protect it. Ed

1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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Last edit: 28 Feb 2017 13:21 by 650ed.
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  • apollojm
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Re: Waxing 37 year old paint

01 Mar 2017 03:01
#755495
Another +1 on Nu Finish. It provides instant shine, and not too expensive.

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Re: Waxing 37 year old paint

01 Mar 2017 07:52
#755508
I have heard story's of guys rolling out a nice original paint bike that's sat inside for ever and the clear and or paint went south after ahalf a summer. I don't think that'll be the case for this bike the guy did ride it a little every year but not much.
1978 LTD B2 smashed
1978 Z1R D1
1978 A2

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  • 650ed
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Re: Waxing 37 year old paint

01 Mar 2017 08:33
#755510
That may depend to some degree on the paint color. My 1977 "Metallic Regal Blue" KZ650-C1 has not faded even a tiny bit in 40 years even though It's been outside (ridden) for more than 60,000 miles. However, many of the 1977 "Candy Super Red" KZ650's faded very quickly within the couple years. Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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  • slmjim+Z1BEBE
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Re: Waxing 37 year old paint

01 Mar 2017 10:08
#755518
Two things we look for when dealing with vintage paint:
1) UV protection
2) absolutely no abrasive component, no matter how fine.

We've been happy with Protect-All for many years.


Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE
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1973 ('72 builds) Z1 x2
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  • Maxacceleration
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Re: Waxing 37 year old paint

02 Mar 2017 08:22
#755606
After an initial wash, I would clay bar it. That will take out impurities from the atmosphere and leave a baby smooth paint. Then on to your favorite waxing & sealing.
Clay bar did wonders on our black original paint '78 Camaro.

I have to do this to my '83 KZ550...
'83 KZ550 'Mini Superbike'
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