Planet Minis

cole210

just picked this up from a friend and im wanting to restore it. i have a complete 88cc motor to bolt in it but its missing quite a few other parts, and the tank is pretty dented and has some holes in it. this is my first restore, so im kind of lost. where should i start? any tips and advice is greatly appreciated. thanks

Z

Get the bike functioning correctly including the engine running good and not leaking gas. Then make it look nice after it rides nice.

LoudFastUgly

Heck, even throw a temporary tank on it. Install your engine, get it running and identify what doesn't work on the frame. The sooner you complete a parts list the sooner you can start shopping around. Parts are not getting more common over time.

507 brett

mod that bitch out! ive always wanted a modded z with 88 motor, kitaco +4 swinger, extended shocks/forks...

cole210

thanks guys, ill start on it tomorrow. but yea i think im gonna mod this one a little bit, ill post pics of it.

50rider340

If you can just patch the holes in the gas tank with a welder very carefully and its rusty inside theres a trick to get rid of it and you can get the stuff at like auto zone. It used to be called navel jelly but now its called marine clean or somthing, put it in the gas tank and let it sit for a long time like 4 to 5 hours throw some sheet rock screws in there and bounce it around and then wash it out with water and PRESTO absolutely clean inside like brand new clean. I just did it with my z50

btw awesome find, i love bringing things back to life.

cole210

thanks a lot, ill check into it for sure

FastMC

Start with a plan, then make a shopping list. You can play with it in stock from while you collect parts.

cole210

i know powdercoating would be the best way to do the frame, swingarm, forks, and anything else that needs redone, but i would like to do it myself. since im not a powdercoater, is there any type of paint i could use that is good for this. it needs to hold up and not chip and scratch easily. thanks again

LoudFastUgly

What you're looking for is a baked on finish. This means either hiring a pro to shoot it for you (honestly not a bad plan, should be relatively inexpensive if you do the prep) or sacrificing your families stove.

Otherwise, base and clear is the best you'll do.

billwas1

If you try welding the tank, please rinse it thoughly. No go boom boom.

jkline805

If you know someone who does body work, see if they have a stud gun. I just repaired my z50 tank last night. We welded about 20 studs on it and pulled the dents with a slide hamer and then took a little body filler and filled the remaining imperfections and used a dual action sander to take the bondo down and it is all good now. It will almost be as good as new. If you dont know anyone with a stud gun, you could just use body filler, but if the dents are bug, I am not sure if you want to do that. As far as painting goes, I would save your money up and have the frame powdercoated. That is really the best way to coat a frame.

mxr33

nice bike, great thread i just picked up an 81 z about two weeks ago and have some questions also. anyone know where to find the tank sticker. is the blaze red the color that looks like it has more orange in it versus the tahitian red.

cole210

alright thanks a bunch for the advice