Daves 73 Z1 Project

[DaveZ1]

Some of my chromework arrived back from Mikey today which will enable me to torque down the head and get it in the frame, (finally)
Then its up on my newly acquired Bike jack which has been kindly modified to take specifically a Z1 frame by my mate and fellow Zedhead Steve Tate
and things should start to take shape



Also been doing some work on my clocks which were in pretty bad shape and needed some replacement parts which seemed to take ages to find and ended up buying all kinds of crap off ebay before I had what I needed to make a good set of clocks, This topic deserves a lot more detail but I forgot to take many photos of the process to be honest so heres where they're at.....

I picked out the best of what I had bought to have re-zinc plated and they've come back like new.

[DaveZ1]

Surprisingly the hardest bit of the clock resto was getting the finish good on the clock tops, shown here with the greeny/yellow coloured primer.
All the old clock tops I had bought including the clocks on the bike had some pitting due to corrosion and after sand blasting back to bare metal this becomes very visible and after trying to cover the pitting with a few good coats of zinc based gloss black with not very good results I took them back to base metal again and used two or three coats of high build primer rubbing back with 1200 wet and dry between coats unil the finish is now nice and flat just ready for the top coats of gloss black.


The main mounting bracket is just a strip and repaint with some new foam rubber pads stuck on. After my last attempt at removing the pointers ended up in a snapped pin and a replacement speedo internals, I made myself a special tool which makes removing the pointers a lot easier. I have also manufactured a couple of jigs to make the clock re-assembly a bit easier too.
More photos to follow.

[DaveZ1]

Engine in the frame today ...my missus getting an old hand at this frame over engine technique, not a hitch and no nasty paint chips!...
or swearing
Anyway feels like a milestone passed.








Should be able to make good progress over the next few days assembling the electrical bits and pieces, wiring loom etc. just waiting for the rims and mud guards to get her back on her wheels.

[DaveZ1]

Got the rest of my chrome back from Mikey's today and wasted no time getting the rims laced up and trued ready for new tubes and tyres.




Just been pottering on with the chassis rebuild sorting the electrics and wiring etc. cant believe its a month since the engine went into the frame.
Got my paint set back from Hutchy's another cracking job photos dont do it justice so I will post some more later when the badges and fuel cap have been refitted.

[Padders]

Very very nice

[DaveZ1]

Once the wheels come back with new boots there isnt much left to do to finish off, probably a day or two should see her ready to fire up.







Next task is to get the carbs fitted after an on the bench leak test and float height check.
OH and yes that is a set of Doremi pipes in the box bought from Z-Power a month or so ago....Doh!
Should have kept an eye on the forum and waited a while. Oh well whats another three hundred quid in the bottomless pit that is Z1 restoration!

[DaveZ1]

After testing the carbs on the bench for leaks and setting up the float heights they were fitted to the bike. I used a
new set of carb clamps from Z-power only because the olive green finish on the originals is ok but the black clamping screws had gone rusty
and I couldnt find any replacement screws with the correct black finish. So thats two sets of original carb clamps
only requiring new screws sitting in my "spares box". (must have a clearout sometime soon)
Could'nt resist a couple of photos with the bodywork fitted while waiting for my tyres to be fitted.

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[DaveZ1]

Fitted the new battery to test all the the electrical functions were working also set up the static ignition timing and removed
a plug to make sure both coils were producing a spark by manually opening the points with the ignition on.
Nice strong spark on all four so all is well. This is a new wiring loom throughought so I didnt expect any problems
with the rest of the electrics and happily thats how it turned out with only a couple of minor problems with the original oil
pressure switch and the the rear brake light switch not playing ball.
Next test was a bit of a surprise, bearing in mind no exhausts fitted no oil in the motor, one of the plugs removed and no fuel
connected to the just fitted carbs,
After checking lights, indicators, horn etc. a quick stab of the starter button to make sure starter motor and solenoide all
worked ok and the bloody thing tried to start! having me diving for the kill switch. I guess she's as impatient as me to get going.

[DaveZ1]

The last picture above was after finally getting the tyres fitted, and with the wheels fitted, wheeled her outside for a quick photo.
Exhausts should get fitted tommorow and with some fresh oil and petrol in will be going for the big start up.

[A1John]

Well done, superb restoration!

[HARRY4448]

I am very impressed and very jealous.

Paintwork looks very nice as does your chromework.

Any chance of a little Youtube clip when she's going?

No riding shots though.

We don't want other road users to lose their concentration as they see you coming along the road and become distracted by an absolutely gorgeous ................................................................................................Zed 1.

[DaveZ1]

Finally got to work putting the exhausts on the bike last night and finished all the checks ready for the big start up today.
Just double checked all the nuts and bolts for tightness then wheeled her out to a nice sunny day and went for it.
Massive relief when on virtually the first push of the button she fired into life and after a minutes warm up I set
up the tick over gave her a good check over for leaks etc. Wow she sounds amazing
Just for you Harry hope this youtube link works.
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCisE2r_z_6xI7sM0pme8fXw

Anyway here's the finished project... I just sat outside with a coffee and looked at her in the sunshine. Today is a good day

[DaveZ1]

Sorry but could'nt resist this bit of DaveZ1-Ja-Vous




Look Familiar

Comparing the two I can see why I paid twice the price for the seat on the Z1.
Both are replicas but the Z1 seat is far superior in both quality and likeness to the original.
Nice one Hutchy

As much as I adore this beauty and because I aint a millionaire she is going to have to go in order to fund my next project. So if anyone wants a readymade rideaway minter keep an eye on the "for sale" section soon.

[ADRIAN H]

You have done a great job there. She sure is a beauty and a credit to you. Lovely bike. I am jealous.

[ZedHead]

Great project and results