Z1000A project

[Johno23]

Following on from the Commando last year which I was very pleased with,I’m now starting on another bike that has been hanging around in the back of the garage now for a few years.
Now this one is in a bit of a mess, so I’m not sure how this is going to go
It is a 1977 Z1000A1, it’s an original U.K. bike registered in March 77. I believe these U.K. bikes are fairly rare now which is why I chose to give it go at getting it looking good and back on the road.
Sadly, as I said it’s in a bit of a mess and already in bits.Now, it only owes me just over £1k so it’s got to be worthwhile trying to sort it out. Whoever has done work on this previously should never touch a fecking bike again? He obviously had a love of blue hylomar! And didn’t really mind what bolts he used.........

Anyway, here are some pics as it is now. Any tips what I can do about the head cam caps. I understand they’re made to match each head.
Gratefully for any input!

[8 Valve Mark]

it looks like the previous owner got the cam cap screws from a ***** at a boot sale!! that said; if the dowels are intact it'll probably run OK as is, so easy enough to rectify with a bit of tidy tig welding. a well viable candidate to restore as it seems mostly complete and original I reckon. there's currently a couple of a1s under resto or recently finished on here so plenty of advice available. go for it. m

[8 Valve Mark]

traveller

[Johno23]

The previous guy had used 4 different bolts on the cam caps 1 of which is a type I’m sure I’ve used on IKEA furniture
Thanks for the response. You think that cap can be welded? Is that better than trying to find one that fits ok?

[Philippe]

Hi John

just go for it! She can be restored, I've done worse cases.
Find the correct parts and use good bolts.
You can find the correct camshaft cap n°2 but take good care and make sure it's the same because there are many details to look after.
Good luck!
GrtZ
Philippe

[zed1015]

The cap is only broken on the bridge and not the shell holder and is also one that doesn't control end float so can still be used as is.

[Johno23]

The cap is only broken on the bridge and not the shell holder and is also one that doesn't control end float so can still be used as is.

That’s good to know thanks for the info. I was wondering if that might be the case but wasn’t sure.

Ps. I’m guessing I’ll have some more choke plungers for you to sort out for me!

[Johno23]

As a matter of interest. What do you guys recommend when it comes to paint or powder coat. I guess you’ve all discussed this to death and perhaps it just comes down to personal preferences. The reason I ask though is because someone has told me definitely not to as the “frames are made of chocolate and the flex will crack the powder coat “

Thoughts please.............

[zed1015]

As a matter of interest. What do you guys recommend when it comes to paint or powder coat. I guess you’ve all discussed this to death and perhaps it just comes down to personal preferences. The reason I ask though is because someone has told me definitely not to as the “frames are made of chocolate and the flex will crack the powder coat “

Thoughts please.............

“frames are made of chocolate and the flex will crack the powder coat “
Utter bollocks.. all my zeds are powdercoated with no issues.

[Garry.L]

As a matter of interest. What do you guys recommend when it comes to paint or powder coat. I guess you’ve all discussed this to death and perhaps it just comes down to personal preferences. The reason I ask though is because someone has told me definitely not to as the “frames are made of chocolate and the flex will crack the powder coat “

Thoughts please.............

Powdercoating is no good as the hinge in the middle of the frame wears it off every time it moves. I know this 'coz my mate used to live next door to a woman who's pet Cat used to know a dog who's owner met a bloke in his local pub who's postman told him this..... so it must be true.

[Johno23]

Excellent, I did suspect as much, but have never done one of these before. It would have been stupid not to ask on here first before going ahead with it.

[ADRIAN H]

Someone has told me definitely not to as the “frames are made of chocolate and the flex will crack the powder coat

My Z1000 - has a powder coated frame. The frame does not flex enough to crack the powder coat. Do'nt think it flexs much at all to be honest. Think the bloke is talking out of his A***.

[ADRIAN H]

As a matter of interest. What do you guys recommend when it comes to paint or powder coat. I guess you’ve all discussed this to death and perhaps it just comes down to personal preferences. The reason I ask though is because someone has told me definitely not to as the “frames are made of chocolate and the flex will crack the powder coat “

Thoughts please.............

Powdercoating is no good as the hinge in the middle of the frame wears it off every time it moves. I know this 'coz my mate used to live next door to a woman who's pet Cat used to know a dog who's owner met a bloke in his local pub who's postman told him this..... so it must be true.

Mine does nt

[kev edwards]

I think we got the powder coating part of done and out of the way, mine's powder coated too.

[ADRIAN H]

I think we got the powder coating part of done and out of the way, mine's powder coated too.