OzVMX Forum

Marque Remarks => Kawasaki => Topic started by: Tahitian_Red on October 01, 2013, 10:43:27 am

Title: Getting Started on KX25 A5 Cosmetic Resto
Post by: Tahitian_Red on October 01, 2013, 10:43:27 am

Getting started on the 1979 KX250.  Just gonna do a cosmetic resto for now.

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g438/Tahtitian_Red/IMG_1311_zpsfd74dd57.jpg)

Title: Re: Getting Started on KX25 A5 Cosmetic Resto
Post by: Tahitian_Red on October 01, 2013, 10:47:30 am

Here is the start on the tank.  Will put a MXM decal on it with new cap and petcock.

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g438/Tahtitian_Red/IMG_1306_zps6e6abde4.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g438/Tahtitian_Red/IMG_1305_zps28bd04c6.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g438/Tahtitian_Red/IMG_1315_zps79480eb5.jpg)

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g438/Tahtitian_Red/IMG_1313_zpsff0cb7b8.jpg)

I will make a few more progressively finer cuts and then apply the full tank decal.

Title: Re: Getting Started on KX25 A5 Cosmetic Resto
Post by: Tahitian_Red on October 01, 2013, 06:32:52 pm

I'm wondering how smooth I should make the tank finish, since I will be using the full tank decal.  Maybe it will adhere better with rougher surface?  Anyone who has used these decals have any input?

Title: Re: Getting Started on KX25 A5 Cosmetic Resto
Post by: Tahitian_Red on October 02, 2013, 03:33:40 am

Here is the starting point:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g438/Tahtitian_Red/A5a1_zps50d07295.jpg)

Here is the twin brother I picked up on the same day.  It was torn down for a parts bike.

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g438/Tahtitian_Red/A5b1_zps697ba36b.jpg)

Title: Re: Getting Started on KX25 A5 Cosmetic Resto
Post by: Hardo on October 03, 2013, 12:01:12 pm

Hey mate - Nice start... gotta love those A5's !

I would say make the tank as smooth as possible. The decal will adhere better if it's smooth.

Also make sure the MxM decal sheeting is perforated (just in case you were considering otherwise). A solid sheet will bubble up due to the fuel "breathing" through the plastic.

If you need to get rid of the 'parts' KX then I know someone that just might be interested....   ;)

Title: Re: Getting Started on KX25 A5 Cosmetic Resto
Post by: Montynut on October 03, 2013, 12:46:11 pm

It is in the US I think Hardo

Title: Re: Getting Started on KX25 A5 Cosmetic Resto
Post by: Hardo on October 03, 2013, 05:13:20 pm

LOL ... yeah I know... I noticed a reference to California about 30 seconds after posting that.....

Ah well...  :(

Title: Re: Getting Started on KX25 A5 Cosmetic Resto
Post by: Tahitian_Red on October 04, 2013, 06:11:52 am

The only items I have left from the parts bike are Control Box, Pipe, Seat Base, Swingarm, Triples, Forks, Hubs and odd mounts and bolts.

Title: Re: Getting Started on KX25 A5 Cosmetic Resto
Post by: Tahitian_Red on October 08, 2013, 05:53:34 am

Funny how these things get out of hand quickly.   ;D

I'm searching for Swingarm bearings now.  Any help on what size they are?  I'm probably going to have to get them from a bearing warehouse and I would like to check availablility before tearing it down that far.  Will probably replace steering head bearings also, but those are easy to get. 

I have replacement cables being made at Motion Pro and the forks are being rebuilt now.  I will leave Fox Shox rebuild and fork spring to the new owner.

Title: Re: Getting Started on KX25 A5 Cosmetic Resto
Post by: Tahitian_Red on October 14, 2013, 11:58:45 am

My original front number plate was mounted with wire, so I'm starting from scratch on mounting the repro one from Nightmare Racing.  How have you guys mounted your front number plates on your A-5's?

Title: Re: Getting Started on KX25 A5 Cosmetic Resto
Post by: John Orchard on October 14, 2013, 12:11:23 pm

On one I have one cable-tie each side around the forkleg with a rubber block between the plate and the fork, the second one I drilled & tapped a hole in the centre of the top & bottom triple-clamp and use screws.  Not sure what I'll do with No 3.

You know, I'm planning on coming over to the US for a holiday, and was thinking of riding in some vmx events, I should buy yours, get you to prepare it ready for me to ride (seeing as you are already doing the work to it ;-) ) and then I could crate it up to send back when I've finished with it?  Hmmmm...........

Title: Re: Getting Started on KX25 A5 Cosmetic Resto
Post by: Tahitian_Red on October 15, 2013, 01:30:23 pm

Hmmmmmm. 

You know a have a rebuilt motor just sitting in the garage.   How much do you weigh?   ;D