Welcome, Guest
Username: Password: Remember me
Forgot your password? Forgot your username? Create an account
Forum
Non-Technical Forums
Projects
Saving a '81 KZ750-E

TOPIC:

Saving a '81 KZ750-E 05 Feb 2020 10:43 #818663

  • 650ed
  • 650ed's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 15344
  • Thank you received: 2829
Have you tried soaking them with Kroil for a few days? I would definitely try that before resorting to heat. Kroil has always worked great for me. Ed

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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Saving a '81 KZ750-E 05 Feb 2020 10:50 #818665

  • Skidmark
  • Skidmark's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 1069
  • Thank you received: 260
Not sure why I was brain farting about penetrating oil... I have some PB Blaster that I will try - soak them for a few days and give it another try.
Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Saving a '81 KZ750-E 05 Feb 2020 10:52 #818666

  • Skidmark
  • Skidmark's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 1069
  • Thank you received: 260
I plan on blasting the emblems a little more - my air pressure was running low and couldn't get all the paint off. FYI
Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Saving a '81 KZ750-E 05 Feb 2020 12:26 #818670

  • calum
  • calum's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 1113
  • Thank you received: 393
I used a bit of heat on the studs without any problems. As long as the case is empty you're only heating the aluminium. I've done this on two cases recently and didn't need that much heat.

BTW: good effort trying to restore the emblems. I couldn't be bothered and tracked down some overpriced NOS emblems on ebay.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Last edit: by calum.

Saving a '81 KZ750-E 05 Feb 2020 16:57 #818684

  • Skidmark
  • Skidmark's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 1069
  • Thank you received: 260
I'm going to let these dry for a day or two before I try greasing the letters.
Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker
Attachments:

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Last edit: by Skidmark.

Saving a '81 KZ750-E 06 Feb 2020 09:41 #818715

  • Skidmark
  • Skidmark's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 1069
  • Thank you received: 260
I am a bit concerned that the edges of the raised letters is a bit rounded, which will make it difficult to keep a straight edge with the "masking" grease. Maybe sanding them down a bit would sharpen the edge making masking a crisp line easier. If they don't come out well, I can always blast them clean and start over. Again. :P
Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Saving a '81 KZ750-E 06 Feb 2020 10:02 #818719

  • calum
  • calum's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 1113
  • Thank you received: 393
If you just want the raised bits to be gold you could put another couple of coats of gold on, then a coat of black over the top. Then sand the black off the lettering and put a final coat of clear on to hide the sanding marks and protect it all.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Saving a '81 KZ750-E 06 Feb 2020 11:10 #818727

  • DoctoRot
  • DoctoRot's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Oh, the usual... I bowl, I drive around...
  • Posts: 2544
  • Thank you received: 664
that's gonna be tough to get a clean line with the grease. I have painted emblems with a small brush, with some patience you can get a reasonably good job, just use a lint-less rag with some light de-greaser to clean up as you go.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Saving a '81 KZ750-E 06 Feb 2020 11:25 #818728

  • Skidmark
  • Skidmark's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 1069
  • Thank you received: 260
I am starting to think it might be easier to brush paint around the letters with the black paint. With a fine brush I could follow the base of each letter better than trying to brush the paint on top of the letters.
Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Saving a '81 KZ750-E 06 Feb 2020 12:08 #818729

  • Skidmark
  • Skidmark's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 1069
  • Thank you received: 260
I tried hand painting the black background. I have found I don't have the hand control to pull of anything decent looking. So, I painted one completely with semi-gloss black. When it is thoroughly dry, I will sand off the paint from the top of the letters. If it comes out with good looking lines I will give it a coat of clear and call it good.
Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Saving a '81 KZ750-E 06 Feb 2020 18:26 #818739

  • Skidmark
  • Skidmark's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 1069
  • Thank you received: 260
I would have preferred the letters to be gold, but the sanding method worked like a charm. I will coat them with a satin clear for the final finish.
Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker
Attachments:

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Saving a '81 KZ750-E 06 Feb 2020 18:41 #818740

  • Skidmark
  • Skidmark's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 1069
  • Thank you received: 260
I got the cylinder studs and pistons removed today. Interesting discoloration pattern on the old pistons.


Here is the comparison shot of the stock piston next to the high compression piston.
Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker
Attachments:

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Last edit: by Skidmark.
Forum
Non-Technical Forums
Projects
Saving a '81 KZ750-E
Powered by Kunena Forum
PDM Custom Fabrications
Half Evil Customs