Paint finish.

[tlc]

Before I get it wrong does anybody know the correct paint finish for the headlamp shell on a Z1000A1 ?

[GUYZED]

I thought it was satin black - i might be wrong

[Steve Cooke]

There is a thread on here somewhere in which this was discussed, and I think the general consensus was that it was a satin finish but that being said I had a nos Kawasaki shell for an A1 still in it's packaging and that was definitely a gloss finish, also I removed one from a US import which as far as I could tell was original and that was also gloss so I hope that sorts it for you.

Regardless they look much better in gloss.

[mick znone]

i read that thread, think it said headlamp in gloss, so did mine in gloss, but it looks a bit shiny i used to use matt finnish then lacquer it, that gave a deep finnish. im going to try that again. but then there's the original finnish

[Steve Cooke]

Purely from a personal point of view I prefer to have my headlamp shell and my clock cases in gloss as I think it adds a bit of show to the bike, but I have the handlebar gear i.e. m/cyl./clutch perch/switchgear in satin as they're a bit more in your face, but hey, I prefer a Z900A4 to be in brown and not green, and most people don't.

[Keith]

Have tried satin with gloss laquer with good results

[tlc]

Okay thanks Steve. Like you I am rather impressed with Jappens Brown Z900. Unusual and oh so beeeeeaaaaaaauutiful

When Chris did my clocks the finish is like a rather poor gloss black. Chris Smith when he did his frame has a similar finish. I have managed to replicate that finish and after speaking with him I think I will do the following.

Chris recommends undercoat, but the Japs never used that ! so maybe we shouldn`t when we try and replicate. I have a portable sand blaster and will use this to get a clinically clean surface to paint on to. I will then do 3 or 4 thin coats of Acryllic gloss black leaving to a tacky dryness before the next coat and then leave to cure for 2 weeks. (Who am I kidding, I am so impatient ) Alright then until dry before refitting.

What I found whas that thin coats leave a semi matted finish so my guess is that is what the Japs did.

They just didn`t care too much about the paint finish

[GUYZED]

Chris - you can always try painting it matt black then give it a wax,that will give the shell a semi gloss finish.

[tlc]

You mean fighter it

Feck arf