Z1OwnersClub GB

thought I'd do a bit of a build thread, just got myself a 1978 z1000 ltd, its in a bit of a sorry state and hasn't been run for over 6 years !!!! I'm going for the standard look as not to keen on the LTD tank and seat, always wanted a Z1000 a1/a2. this is the bike the day it turned up.

I already had an after market new seat, and just got an after market tank. also ordered a load of other bits as well. looking for an 18inch rear wheel (if anyone has a spare ?)

had it started and running today after 6 years !!!! engine sounds good no nasty noises or rattles, so time for a strip down for some powder coat for the frame and swinger.

i will follow this build on here mate,
if its half as good as the last one it should be a corker.

baldrick wrote:i will follow this build on here mate,
if its half as good as the last one it should be a corker.

thanks bud, i'll do my best

engine out, will get the frame to the powder coaters when i can, and in the mean time that engine needs a lot of love but it'll keep me busy for a while

I made a roller stand for my oil cooled Suzuki engines a while back, so adapted it to fit the zed motor, it just makes life moving it around easier.

Best way to do a Z, has been for a while . The savvy way as long as you are not a rivet counter

Will be keeping an eye on this .

Andy M wrote:Best way to do a Z, has been for a while . The savvy way as long as you are not a rivet counter

Will be keeping an eye on this .

no never been a rivet counter, almost every bike ive owned has been modified in some way, i am resisting putting wider wheels and modern suspension on it though that'll come later i think.

the clutch is stuck so thought I'd pull the cover off and clean the plates up and i found a clutch spring snapped in half !!!! more expense so ordered new springs and a gasket, bloody money pits old bikes

been trying to clean up the engine, its in a pretty rough state on the outside, im not gona strip it for vapour blasting just trying to get a bit od a shine on it, what do you guys use ?
im in two minds to paint it black (like a Z1)

i use a green or red scothbrite pad soaked in thinners and cover a screwdriver with said pad for between the fins. it does ok, depends on how mint you want it, but the thinners gets rid of most of the ground in grime.

io got stuff vapour blasted once, what a mistake that was had a cam cover with loads of grit in all the oilways because the blaster decided he didnt need to block any of the oilways, depite being told to.
never again

for the engine covers i take it you will be polishing them, in which case, start at 600 wet n dry then 1000, then 1500 then polishing mops with belgom alu or peek or at a push the autosol

baldrick wrote:i use a green or red scothbrite pad soaked in thinners and cover a screwdriver with said pad for between the fins. it does ok, depends on how mint you want it, but the thinners gets rid of most of the ground in grime.

io got stuff vapour blasted once, what a mistake that was had a cam cover with loads of grit in all the oilways because the blaster decided he didnt need to block any of the oilways, depite being told to.
never again

I do vapour Blasting . Don't get put off because someone hasn't done their job properly. Yes there will be remnants of media but it should always be down to the engine builder to make sure they / you are happy with the item before it goes back together, I always dip items and wash thoroughly, oil ways cleaned with solution but always advise my customer to make sure they are 100 % happy before re assembly occurs . I also build engines so know the score. There are some blasters who happily blast complete engines , I won't do it , ever . I have never had any complaints / problems in over 6 years .

RE the OP engine, if it is going to be painted or Cerakote coating ( I also do that) then it doesn't need vapour blasting it needs dry blasting to enable a decent key for the paint / cerakote . Remember cerakote is impermeable to petrol and brake fluid .

thanks lads, i'm expecting to much i think !!!! ive seen vapour blasted engines and they look great, i know im not gona get that result so will have to do with just a good clean, then polish the outer covers.
what makes it worse is the engine being out of the bike !!!! once its in it won't look as bad.

Cant beat a good hand job -just takes time effort....

Before...


After.....