Z1 renovation

[Paul Mc]

Hi Guys I'm about to take a very deep breath and start the restoration of my tired but solid 73 Z1.the frame needs powder coating, so everything's coming off/out obviously including the engine.
Does anybody have any recommendations as to how I should prepare and then colour the engine. Eg what type of blasting/stripping and then what type of covering. I've been told that the powder coating process may warp the head with the heat and when on offers too much heat insulation compared to paint.
I'm going to give the top end a refresh as required,maybe new pistons,rings,valves etc. but wonder if there's a dead clever way of refinishing the black on the crankcase halves without splitting them and stripping everything out.this is perhaps a very deluded aim,but would save a lot of faf as the bottom end feels fine.
A lot of question,sorry. But any input gratefully received. I'm in Cheshire by the way if any workshops are recommended. Big thanks and happy Zmas

[zed1015]

Powder coating won't warp the head as it is only baked to 180 degrees and there's plenty of people done it with no overheating issues later on BUT I recommend blasting and painting with Wurth or PJ1 fast black satin as these give a very original looking finish and will last years if done right.
As for the crankcases, my own opinion is that for a restoration you need to totally strip the motor.
The cost of gaskets and seals for the bottom end is very little compared to the top end anyhow and it's worth taking the opportunity to check it over properly while it's apart.
Painting the bottom end in one piece is a bit of a bodge which you might regret as it will probably stick out like a sore thumb when the bike is back together.

[weaver]

I used Martin here http://arcticblastcleaning.co.uk/index.html to remove the paint on my engine using soda blasting,this was done with the engine complete,you can find pics on my elr thread in projects

[malmojoe]

I think it's worth getting some decent engine paint if your going to go to the trouble of getting it out of the frame and blasted. There was a thread on here with lots of suggestions. I would go for a VHT paint which is silicon, or ceramic based. These are the latest VHT technologies and won't white in the sun.
Many people blast/spray their engines assembled, or part assembled. Make sure everything is airtight.

here are some paints I would use.
VHT ceramic engine paint
http://www.caswelleurope.co.uk/Paints_Coatings/high_temperature_coatings.htm
Duplicolor ceramic engine paint
http://www.caswelleurope.co.uk/Duplicolor-High-Heat.htm
Duracoat firearms paint
http://www.caswelleurope.co.uk/Paints_Coatings/Duracoat/duracoat_firearm_finishes1.htm
1 litre for spray guns - I use this
http://www.indestructible.co.uk/IP9036R1/

I would also think about painting the frame rather than powder coating, as it will effect the value of your bike - no one wants a powder coated 73 Z1 - just use satin black 2K instead.

[wilsonsjw11]

Strip the motor and paint the cases yourself or send them to Doug Cox or similar for blasting/painting for a first class long lasting job.
I cannot see the point of carrying out a part resto as the motor is 40 years old and there will be some components within that need attention.
Do not kid yourself that all will be ok then you end up with a smoker or maybe worse.
Regards
Steve

[Paul Mc]

Thanks very much for all the info. It's definitely steered me to a more professional approach! Ill get on with it just as soon as I can bend in the middle
After Christmas.
Cheers Paul