Thought you boys might like to follow the exploits of my Z1b rebuild. Bit different to all the others in that it was a minter to start with, but found it has a bent frame. Went to Seastar Superbikes in Norwich last week to get frame straightened, what a great bunch of people they were too. Never met so many helpful and accomodating people in a bike shop in all my life. Service manager Richard sorted me out a date to go down and get frame done same day, quoting ?75 + VAT to set up and then ?40/hr +VAT to straighten frame, allowing approx 3-4 hrs to complete. Chris is the guy who operates the jig, he is well into the older bikes so was interested right away and keen to get the Zed sorted. He let me and our kid watch the whole process and take pictures. Little tip- don't watch it is frightening how far the frame is distorted by the hydraulic rams to get a permanent deformation. My headstock was over to the right by 10mm when measured at wheel, to get back in line the rams pushed the pointer about 75mm the opposite way, the frame top tubes moved from the front of the seat, christ the frames are spindly in these things and no wonder the handling is iffy. After 3 or 4 repeats of the process the pressure was applied to the top of the headstock to remove the 5mm twist, again a frightening deformation applied to get back in line. Voila! one straight frame. All down to the experience of the jig operator and Chris is a master, wouldn't go anywhere else (hope never have to).
So thats the end of the straightening, small matter of 790 mile round trip to sort but it only took an hour and ended up costing me ?135 inc VAT- result. Will post photos when I remember how, frame now at powder coaters, no damage caused in the process but I've decided the finish was a bit ropey so getting it redone, might as well have it right while its in bits. Will post pictures of rebuild if anyone is interested- just let me know.
Our kid and Chris with frame on jig.
Shows headstock over 10mm to rt hand side (Rake OK)
Rams set up to push over headstock (Note mandrel fitted to headstock)
Near enough for me! (And closer than out of the factory says Chris)
AKA John Roscoe. PUM #028
1975 Z1B, 2013 Z800
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I got me nice clean shiney spanners all ready tho 
