Your thoughts on replacement fasteners please

Hi guys. I am in the process of restoring a 76 KZ900. Most screw/bolt replacement kits are of the Allen key type. I'm trying to create a 'just left the factory' appearance but feel that Allen bolts for engine covers are not in keeping with that philosophy. Additionally I cannot decide whether to have the original fasteners re-plated or buy new. It's a nice dilemma for sure but want some input from other enthusiasts.

Cheers,
Andrew

In my opinion replating the original fasteners looks best. You might want to get a quote from a plating shop, it's not prohibitively expensive, or look into a Casswell's Plating zinc plating kit. I've got one and it works nicely. A little tricky but once you get a handle on the process the parts turn out nice.

P1010528 by nessism , on Flickr

Thanks Nessism! I just bought the zinc kit and am reading the manual. Will be shopping today for tank heaters and other bits. Looking forward to parts looking that good!

If you don't want to get into plating then new is the best alternative. You can buy direct from KHI or go to a secondary source like Partzilla. One thing I like about new is the head is not distorted by using the wrong screwdriver.

Did you replace all those or send them out?

hardrockminer wrote: Thanks Nessism! I just bought the zinc kit and am reading the manual. Will be shopping today for tank heaters and other bits. Looking forward to parts looking that good!

If you don't want to get into plating then new is the best alternative. You can buy direct from KHI or go to a secondary source like Partzilla. One thing I like about new is the head is not distorted by using the wrong screwdriver.

KHI?

KHI = Kawasaki Heavy Industries

Z1 Enterprises used to stock a complete collection of motor fasteners as a set. Don't see it listed now. Might be worth it to inquire.

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE

If the bike is otherwise pretty much original I wouldn't use Allen head fasteners. Either buy genuine new ones or replate the originals, or if you like you could use stainless of the original size fasteners if you can find them, but I wouldn't use stainless on the engine. Ed