Part refinishing

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26 Apr 2020 21:21 #824375 by Stew4706
Part refinishing was created by Stew4706
Hi All,

First off I must say that I have been involved in auto restoration for a long time and belong to similar car related forums, and you all are a cut above! Or the moderators broom out the less desirable quickly.

I have been dipping my toe in the Kawasaki waters and am working on a Z900 and an F9. There are great tutorials on everything from nuts to engine cases but what I am struggling with are items like brake/clutch levers and turn signal housings. Do I vapor blast the levers, clear them and call it a day? For the turn signal housing is rechroming the option?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

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  • DoctoRot
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  • Oh, the usual... I bowl, I drive around...
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27 Apr 2020 09:43 #824404 by DoctoRot
Replied by DoctoRot on topic Part refinishing
are you doing a factory faithful restoration?

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  • hardrockminer
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27 Apr 2020 16:20 - 27 Apr 2020 16:26 #824439 by hardrockminer
Replied by hardrockminer on topic Part refinishing
You can rechrome the turn signal pods and posts if you want to retain the Stanley stamps on them. I have a few set aside for the next time I go to a chrome shop. Or you can buy reproduction ones, or even used ones on ebay. Nothing wrong with a little patina!

The levers came with a plastic coating that a few bikes still have, although the plastic has yellowed with age now...a sign of authenticity. Occasionally you can find one on ebay for an outrageous price, so I've put POR 15 on reproductions. Works for me!

If you want details on period correct parts, date codes, etc you should get the Kawasaki Z1 & Z2 Restorers Parts Book by John Brookes.



Note the right control on this bike for an original lever.


I have several restored bikes along with a 2006 Goldwing with a sidecar. My wife has a 2019 Suzuki DR 650 for on and off road.
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Last edit: 27 Apr 2020 16:26 by hardrockminer.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Mikaw

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27 Apr 2020 17:39 #824449 by Stew4706
Replied by Stew4706 on topic Part refinishing
I have room to move a bit on the faithfulness of the resto. The originals are actually in reasonable shape and I would rather use the original parts if I can. That said, I am not interested is spending ridiculous money for OE parts.

Thanks.

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27 Apr 2020 20:03 #824456 by Mikaw
Replied by Mikaw on topic Part refinishing
Hardrock. Great looking parts.

As to the levers. Reading the OP I was wondering if anyone has tried Plasti Dip clear to replicate the coating on the levers?

1976 KZ 900 A4 kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.

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27 Apr 2020 21:27 #824459 by Stew4706
Replied by Stew4706 on topic Part refinishing
Thanks hard rock!

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28 Apr 2020 06:00 #824479 by astrosail
Replied by astrosail on topic Part refinishing
For the levers, perhaps clear heat-shrink tubing?

1982 KZ440-G1

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28 Apr 2020 06:05 #824481 by TexasKZ
Replied by TexasKZ on topic Part refinishing
There was a thread on this topic recently. As I recall, there were problems with both heat shrink and plasti dip, though I do not remember what.

1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

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