1981 Kawasaki GPz550: Restoration

[srsupertrap]

I asked Larry (nvr2old) earlier about prepping the engine cases since I wasn't keen on blasting the cases with all those exposed bearing & gasket surfaces. He suggested using a red scotch brite pad to give the old finish some teeth. Then I remembered I had a brand new wire wheel left over from the GS1000 project.

Most productive 15 minutes of this project to date.



That should give the VHT paint something to stick too. I will scotch brite the tight stuff by hand / paint stirrer. . . Engine S/N KZ550DE000030

[nvr2old]

I think going over it all with the scotch bright pad would still help the overall finish, too, Steve. The wire wheel definitely scuffed it up, but you might see the wire wheel marks a bit, especially in black. Might try painting just a small portion first to see for sure.

[srsupertrap]

I think going over it all with the scotch bright pad would still help the overall finish, too, Steve. The wire wheel definitely scuffed it up, but you might see the wire wheel marks a bit, especially in black. Might try painting just a small portion first to see for sure.

Larry, I went over the engine cases with the Scotchbrite 7447 and that did a very nice job of prepping them. Thanks for the help. Today I spent several hours masking the engine cases & gasket surfaces for painting. Weather is humid this afternoon so I will wait till Saturday morning.

I received a call from All Coat Finishes here in Colorado Springs, my GPz frame and all parts here are done.


They did a real nice job for $175, masked all the swingarm pivots, engine mounting points complete coverage but not too heavy. I will tape off the frame surrounding the VIN and blend that in.

[nvr2old]

Shiny new parts is always so gratifying to see. It's gives you the boost you need to move on to the next phase..nice work, Steve.

[tkent02]

That's a Hell of a lot of powdercoating for $175. Looks great!

[Nessism]

Wow, agree in the great powdercoating deal. Amazing! Looks great.

[srsupertrap]

Painted the rest of the engine today . . . my back is killing me

Filed the road rash out of the Generator & Points Cover last weekend


Lot of effort in taping






Used a little more than 2 cans on the engine including the Head & Cylinder

[nvr2old]

Amazing the results when you take your time and prep the parts, eh..? They look brand new. Nicely done.

[srsupertrap]

That's a Hell of a lot of powdercoating for $175. Looks great!

They originally told me one week but their sand blaster crapped out and they didn't notify me. I am thinking they felt guilty and charged me less. Here is a couple of photos of the frame out on the light for a Monday evening



Specks you see are pollen/dust

[Nessism]

I would have paid double that and been happy. Hopefully they fully sandblasted everything beforehand.

[srsupertrap]

They did sandblast everything, I stopped by a couple of days before I picked it up.

Sprockets & Chains: I have to replace my chain because its kaput. I am switching from the 530 to 520 chain because the 84-86 GPz550's which made 65HP were equipped with a 520 chain from the factory.

I also found a set of JT sprockets on Amazon
Front: http://www.amazon.com/JT-Sprockets-J.../dp/B0031702MA $12.50
Rear: http://www.amazon.com/JT-Sprockets-J.../dp/B006SRYIB6 $ $21.62

Any recommendations for a 520 O-ring chain? Never used JT chains I am only experienced with RK630 chains.

[srsupertrap]

The GPz550 rear brake pads were almost down to metal & the disc needed replacement or help. I decided to have the disc resurfaced with a rotary surface grinder.



After





Anyone know of a source for just the black seal on the tire air valve assembly below? GPz 550 has tubeless tires

[Griffin]

You can buy tubeless motorcycle tire valve stems at NAPA for something like $5.00. They fit right in the chamfered hole.

[Nessism]

Those disc's look awesome Steve. How much did it cost you to have them machined?

[srsupertrap]

You can buy tubeless motorcycle tire valve stems at NAPA for something like $5.00. They fit right in the chamfered hole.

I will check it out this weekend, Thanks

Those disc's look awesome Steve. How much did it cost you to have them machined?

Thanks Ed, Not cheap @ $55 per but beats the EBC alternative. It's same guy who used to advertise on EBay around 2009.