Finishes for restoration projects

[thewormman]

About to start on my resoration.

What are peoples thoughts on the finish for components?
Powder coat or painted on things like the frame?
I want it to be original but I also want the best if I decide to sell in the future when I get the bug to restore another one.

I know someone will say personal choice but I don't want to go one way and screw up future value.

Thanks

[Philippe]

Hi thewormman

originally the frames and frame parts were painted, not powder coated.
Most of the frame parts received a satin to gloss black (80% gloss) paint.
Some parts like the front light and the rear light bracket were mat to satin (20 to 30% gloss) painted
Brake parts, handlebar switches,...were also satin black
Alloy frame parts (front fork, wheel hubs,...) received a clear coat.
I always advice people to use a two component epoxy paint (paint and hardener 4 to 1)
and to use a special clear coat for the alloy parts. Aluminium is a strange metal, even under the clear coat it can begin to oxidize so it's important to use a special varnish.
If you want some more answers, just ask, don't be shy.
GrtZ
Philippe

[Garry.L]

Most people go powdercoat on the frame etc even though original finish was Paint. Powdercoat is much more durable but some powdercoaters lay it on to thick and it can look 'gloopy'..

I think in the search of perfection we easily forget just how poor the original factory finish was and that these bikes were built down to a price and in places it showed.....

[thewormman]

Hi thewormman

originally the frames and frame parts were painted, not powder coated.
Most of the frame parts received a satin to gloss black (80% gloss) paint.
Some parts like the front light and the rear light bracket were mat to satin (20 to 30% gloss) painted
Brake parts, handlebar switches,...were also satin black
Alloy frame parts (front fork, wheel hubs,...) received a clear coat.
I always advice people to use a two component epoxy paint (paint and hardener 4 to 1)
and to use a special clear coat for the alloy parts. Aluminium is a strange metal, even under the clear coat it can begin to oxidize so it's important to use a special varnish.
If you want some more answers, just ask, don't be shy.
GrtZ
Philippe

Thanks Philippe is there somewhere that lists down all the finishes for individual parts? And do you use a particular supplier/manufacturer for paint so you can get the gloss/satin percentages correct?
Thanks

[Philippe]

Hi thewormman

To my knowledge there's no list of what part needs which % of gloss, it's a matter of experience. I know that in the Z1R book (written by Tony Sculpher), there's a list of parts for the Z1R.

I use the epoxy 2 component paint RAL9005 (black) (North Sea paints) from Cape Coatings.
I think it's a Belgian producer of paint and I get it from my usual supplier.
It comes in different glosses (10, 30, 50, 80, 100 % gloss).
The 10 % gloss is really matt and when it's a fresh 3 litres tin, it's OK but when the tin is almost empty I mix it with a quarter 80% gloss.
If you don't want to mess with the paint, just get a 1 litre tin of 30 % gloss and a 1 litre tin of 80 % gloss. Always use the hardener of the same brand and always use cellulose thinner.
The ratio paint, hardener, thinner is 4 - 1 - 1. When the temperatures are low ( between 10 and 15°), I use 1,5 part of thinner.
I have no idea if Cape Coatings sels their paint in the UK. There is a store in Oostende (Belgium) and if you "google" it, you can contact them and ask if they ship to the UK.
Good luck!
GrtZ
Philippe

[warren3200gt]

Hi Thewormman.
Which bike model are you after?. I have a Z900a4 which apart from servicing hasn't been touched so all finishes are original so can categorically say which bits are which finish.
I also have a Z650 b1 which I have owned since new.

[sean_rfi]

Hello all,

I'm just about to start assembling my Z900 A4. After much deliberation I decided, although not in keeping with the original finish, to have the frame powder coated.
I decided that gloss black was too bright/shiny so in the end chose semi-gloss - I think that this finish looks just about right when compared to the original frame paint finish.
I was concerned about the quality of powder coating compared to paint but was really pleased by how good it looked when I picked it up. It was one of the best value services I had done - about £330 pounds for all the parts including swing arm, steering yokes, stands etc. I live in Essex and had it done at Maldon shot blasting and powder coating. They had masked off all threads, clamping surfaces, internal bores -even the serial number on the headstock. Just for the record I don't have any connection (or shares in) this company.

[thewormman]

Hi Thewormman.
Which bike model are you after?. I have a Z900a4 which apart from servicing hasn't been touched so all finishes are original so can categorically say which bits are which finish.
I also have a Z650 b1 which I have owned since new.

Hi sorry only just seen the latest replies. What I have is a KZ900a4 and would love to be able to see original finishes and exact layout of things like wiring, clips etc. I am in Southend Essex, any chance of being able to come and take notes and pictures as I see you are in Dartford not far from me?

Happy to buy you a beer and talk Z's!

[thewormman]

Hi thewormman

To my knowledge there's no list of what part needs which % of gloss, it's a matter of experience. I know that in the Z1R book (written by Tony Sculpher), there's a list of parts for the Z1R.

I use the epoxy 2 component paint RAL9005 (black) (North Sea paints) from Cape Coatings.
I think it's a Belgian producer of paint and I get it from my usual supplier.
It comes in different glosses (10, 30, 50, 80, 100 % gloss).
The 10 % gloss is really matt and when it's a fresh 3 litres tin, it's OK but when the tin is almost empty I mix it with a quarter 80% gloss.
If you don't want to mess with the paint, just get a 1 litre tin of 30 % gloss and a 1 litre tin of 80 % gloss. Always use the hardener of the same brand and always use cellulose thinner.
The ratio paint, hardener, thinner is 4 - 1 - 1. When the temperatures are low ( between 10 and 15°), I use 1,5 part of thinner.
I have no idea if Cape Coatings sels their paint in the UK. There is a store in Oostende (Belgium) and if you "google" it, you can contact them and ask if they ship to the UK.
Good luck!
GrtZ
Philippe

Thank you Philippe that is very helpful

[warren3200gt]

Hi Thewormman.
Which bike model are you after?. I have a Z900a4 which apart from servicing hasn't been touched so all finishes are original so can categorically say which bits are which finish.
I also have a Z650 b1 which I have owned since new.

Hi sorry only just seen the latest replies. What I have is a KZ900a4 and would love to be able to see original finishes and exact layout of things like wiring, clips etc. I am in Southend Essex, any chance of being able to come and take notes and pictures as I see you are in Dartford not far from me?

Happy to buy you a beer and talk Z's!

Happy to talk Z's and drink beer but the A4 is not at home it's in my man cave which is in my gaff in Cornwall.
If you've got an email I can send you loads of pictures for refence if you want.

[wilsonsjw11]

Procure as many NOS parts as you can, it may be more expensive but there are plenty of restorations out there loaded with pattern parts.
The original parts are out there and it’s all part of the process.
Regards
Steve