Planet Minis

big pete · 10-07-2008, 12:30 AM

So as most of you know, I picked up the ZB50 that was on Craigslist a week or two ago. Decided to part the Panda build and start the ZB since it's a bit more rare and holds it value a bit better if I did decide to sell it (not that I would).

The bike looked good from afar but up close, you can tell it needed some tlc. There was surface rust on parts of the frame and inside the tank, the tank needs some body work, the seat needs to be recovered, motor could use a cleaning and maybe rebuild, and just about everything else needed to be cleaned up.

However, the bike did have some good parts: NSR forks/swingarm/wheels, shock relocating bracket, and the wiring harness is in pretty good condition from the subframe forward (I think it's missing some plugs for the rear signals).

big pete · 10-07-2008, 12:47 AM

Picked the bike up in the middle of last week and started to tear it down this past weekend (finished tonight).

* don't mind the front of the house. The beam, stucco, and doors will be replaced.

I wanted to paint the frame since I did it on my past YSR's and it held up pretty good (not to mention I'm trying to keep a budget lol). Figure I'd give it a try and if it doesn't come out good, I can take the bike apart again and powdercoat it. So on Saturday I took some time to sand and paint the swingarm to see how it would come out. The paint came out great (just like powdercoating) and I let it cure for 2 days.

Got home today and checked to see how hard the paint was. Pressed my nail into the paint and it sank in a little. I was able to scratch off some of the paint with my nail. Since it failed my nail test pretty easy, I decided it'd be best to do it right the first time. Called around and found a place by my work and they have pretty good prices. The owner also said it would be a 2-3 day turnaround . So the frame, swingarm, triple clamp, and clip-ons will be dropped off at the powdercoater's tomorrow. I plan to pick up the frame on Friday so I can start putting it back together

BAJAZBR · 10-07-2008, 07:30 AM

Its gonna be a nice machine.You gonna bring her out to Laguna Seca next year?Its over 4th of july weekend I believe.

Z · 10-07-2008, 07:39 AM

Pete,

I look forward to the project. Do yourself a favor and get a new petcock as the old ones like to leak. Bobby V also has a trick how to rebuild the original ones if you drill out the rivets and install some very small machine screws in their place after replacing the original gaskets.

MiniRacer959 · 10-07-2008, 07:48 AM

EddieNewYork · 10-07-2008, 10:31 AM

Pete, what color are you getting the parts powder coated?

mikev · 10-07-2008, 10:36 AM

Florescent pink!

big pete · 10-07-2008, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z

Pete,

I look forward to the project. Do yourself a favor and get a new petcock as the old ones like to leak. Bobby V also has a trick how to rebuild the original ones if you drill out the rivets and install some very small machine screws in their place after replacing the original gaskets.

Thanks for the tip Dan. I'll probably just order a replacement one. Any suggestions on where to get one?

Quote:

Originally Posted by EddieNewYork

Pete, what color are you getting the parts powder coated?

Decided on a semi-gloss black. I kind of wanted to bling it out and powder coat it a block chrome finish (the SBC finish on Work rims) but the guy didn't have that color.

While I wait for the powder coating to be finished, I have to order some new head bearings and polish the forks (which I don't look forward to doing).

EddieNewYork · 10-07-2008, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big pete

Decided on a semi-gloss black. I kind of wanted to bling it out and powder coat it a block chrome finish (the SBC finish on Work rims) but the guy didn't have that color.

While I wait for the powder coating to be finished, I have to order some new head bearings and polish the forks (which I don't look forward to doing).

Black is good.

I'm excited!

big pete · 10-07-2008, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EddieNewYork

Black is good.

I'm excited!

Me too!

I figure I can't go wrong with a black frame. Now I just need to start taking stuff off the Panda

EddieNewYork · 10-07-2008, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big pete

Me too!

I figure I can't go wrong with a black frame. Now I just need to start taking stuff off the Panda

Are you going to electrolysis the tank? If you are, then start now cause it takes forever!

big pete · 10-07-2008, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EddieNewYork

Are you going to electrolysis the tank? If you are, then start now cause it takes forever!

I need to start today or tomorrow. I'm hoping to coat the tank this weekend and have the bike running by next weekend.

Z · 10-07-2008, 11:13 AM

Petcock - Honda Dealer

Replace the rubber brake lines ASAP and have some made out of braided stainless. You will thank me later.

EddieNewYork · 10-07-2008, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big pete

I need to start today or tomorrow. I'm hoping to coat the tank this weekend and have the bike running by next weekend.

Start electrolysis today or going straight to the por15 3 step system?

big pete · 10-07-2008, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z

Petcock - Honda Dealer

Replace the rubber brake lines ASAP and have some made out of braided stainless. You will thank me later.

The brake line is on my to do list. I'll have to give Team Calamari a call. This build is making my wallet shrink faster and a night at the strip club. I still need to order a Z50 headlight, figure out where I'm going to mount the ignition, get new headlight brackets, and pick up some tires.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EddieNewYork

Start electrolysis today or going straight to the por15 3 step system?

Electrolysis today/tomorrow and then I'll do the 3 step POR treatment. Is that over kill? Should I just go straight to the 3 step POR?

shw911 · 10-07-2008, 12:09 PM

Has anyone tried this?
Linky>>>Evapo-Rust rust remover description page

It says:
"EVAPO-RUST is an amazing award winning rust REMOVER which is utilized by the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, FBI, NATO, Government Contractors, Engine Builders, Auto Enthusiasts, Gunsmiths, Forensic Labs, OEM’s, Farmers, Antique Restorers and more.

EVAPO-RUST is non-corrosive to steel and does not harm brass, copper, aluminum, gold, lead, titanium, steel, cast iron, chrome, solder points, vinyl, plastic, rubber, silicone, glass, cork, or wood. EVAPO-RUST has an indefinite shelf life* and can be used over and over until it absolutely stops working. On average, one gallon de-rusts up to 300 pounds of light to moderately rusted steel."

Eddie, I was right...to prevent flash rust next time...
quote from Evapo-rust site:

"YES, EVEN MOTORCYCLE GAS TANKS
You can use Evapo-Rust to remove the rust from a gas tank in one of two ways described below, depending on if your tank is still attached or has been removed:

1) Completely fill the tank with Evapo-Rust and allow to sit for 2 – 4 hours. Drain completely and rinse well with water. Air dry and fill with gasoline immediately to eliminate flash rust.

2) Pour in 1 gallon of Evapo-Rust and rotate gas tank every hour until the rust has been removed. Drain completely and rinse well with water. Air dry and fill with gasoline immediately to eliminate flash rust."

EddieNewYork · 10-07-2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big pete

Electrolysis today/tomorrow and then I'll do the 3 step POR treatment. Is that over kill? Should I just go straight to the 3 step POR?

From my experience, electrolysis will take several weeks to probably a month if not more by looking at the conditon of your tank. Once you start the process, you may change your mind to start the por15 this weekend as you will see so much stuff keep coming out.

However, if you don't want to wait that long, I would just skip the electrolysis part all together and go straight to the por15 system as it wasn't intended for a rust free tank to start with (I think).

EddieNewYork · 10-07-2008, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shw911

Has anyone tried this?
Linky>>>Evapo-Rust rust remover description page

It says:
"EVAPO-RUST is an amazing award winning rust REMOVER which is utilized by the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, FBI, NATO, Government Contractors, Engine Builders, Auto Enthusiasts, Gunsmiths, Forensic Labs, OEM’s, Farmers, Antique Restorers and more.

EVAPO-RUST is non-corrosive to steel and does not harm brass, copper, aluminum, gold, lead, titanium, steel, cast iron, chrome, solder points, vinyl, plastic, rubber, silicone, glass, cork, or wood. EVAPO-RUST has an indefinite shelf life* and can be used over and over until it absolutely stops working. On average, one gallon de-rusts up to 300 pounds of light to moderately rusted steel."

Never tried this stuff, but it looks promising.

Z · 10-07-2008, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big pete

The brake line is on my to do list. I'll have to give Team Calamari a call. This build is making my wallet shrink faster and a night at the strip club. I still need to order a Z50 headlight, figure out where I'm going to mount the ignition, get new headlight brackets, and pick up some tires.

Electrolysis today/tomorrow and then I'll do the 3 step POR treatment. Is that over kill? Should I just go straight to the 3 step POR?

I wouldn't be buying brake lines from Team Calamari. You'll want to get some lines made for your application rather then have generic lines that will be too long.

shw911 · 10-07-2008, 12:28 PM

Z, where can we get these brake lines or get custom brake lines made?

10-07-2008, 12:30 AM	#1 (permalink)
big pete 2nd Gear Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Norcal Posts: 306	big pete's mini build #2 - ZB50 So as most of you know, I picked up the ZB50 that was on Craigslist a week or two ago. Decided to part the Panda build and start the ZB since it's a bit more rare and holds it value a bit better if I did decide to sell it (not that I would). The bike looked good from afar but up close, you can tell it needed some tlc. There was surface rust on parts of the frame and inside the tank, the tank needs some body work, the seat needs to be recovered, motor could use a cleaning and maybe rebuild, and just about everything else needed to be cleaned up. However, the bike did have some good parts: NSR forks/swingarm/wheels, shock relocating bracket, and the wiring harness is in pretty good condition from the subframe forward (I think it's missing some plugs for the rear signals).

10-07-2008, 12:47 AM	#2 (permalink)
big pete 2nd Gear Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Norcal Posts: 306	Re: big pete's mini build #2 - ZB50 Picked the bike up in the middle of last week and started to tear it down this past weekend (finished tonight). * don't mind the front of the house. The beam, stucco, and doors will be replaced. I wanted to paint the frame since I did it on my past YSR's and it held up pretty good (not to mention I'm trying to keep a budget lol). Figure I'd give it a try and if it doesn't come out good, I can take the bike apart again and powdercoat it. So on Saturday I took some time to sand and paint the swingarm to see how it would come out. The paint came out great (just like powdercoating) and I let it cure for 2 days. Got home today and checked to see how hard the paint was. Pressed my nail into the paint and it sank in a little. I was able to scratch off some of the paint with my nail. Since it failed my nail test pretty easy, I decided it'd be best to do it right the first time. Called around and found a place by my work and they have pretty good prices. The owner also said it would be a 2-3 day turnaround . So the frame, swingarm, triple clamp, and clip-ons will be dropped off at the powdercoater's tomorrow. I plan to pick up the frame on Friday so I can start putting it back together

10-07-2008, 07:30 AM	#3 (permalink)
BAJAZBR "Minibikedike" Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: san diego Posts: 211	Re: big pete's mini build #2 - ZB50 Its gonna be a nice machine.You gonna bring her out to Laguna Seca next year?Its over 4th of july weekend I believe.

10-07-2008, 07:39 AM	#4 (permalink)
Z 5th Gear Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: KANSAS Posts: 7,278	Re: big pete's mini build #2 - ZB50 Pete, I look forward to the project. Do yourself a favor and get a new petcock as the old ones like to leak. Bobby V also has a trick how to rebuild the original ones if you drill out the rivets and install some very small machine screws in their place after replacing the original gaskets.

10-07-2008, 07:48 AM	#5 (permalink)
MiniRacer959 1st Gear Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Gilbert AZ Posts: 165	Re: big pete's mini build #2 - ZB50 nice

10-07-2008, 10:31 AM	#6 (permalink)
EddieNewYork Buck Fifteen Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 1,452	Re: big pete's mini build #2 - ZB50 Pete, what color are you getting the parts powder coated?

10-07-2008, 10:36 AM	#7 (permalink)
mikev 2nd Gear Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Livermore, CA Posts: 416	Re: big pete's mini build #2 - ZB50 Florescent pink!

10-07-2008, 11:13 AM	#13 (permalink)
Z 5th Gear Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: KANSAS Posts: 7,278	Re: big pete's mini build #2 - ZB50 Petcock - Honda Dealer Replace the rubber brake lines ASAP and have some made out of braided stainless. You will thank me later.

10-07-2008, 12:09 PM	#16 (permalink)
shw911 "Eating Ramen" Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 1,528	Re: big pete's mini build #2 - ZB50 Has anyone tried this? Linky>>>Evapo-Rust rust remover description page It says: "EVAPO-RUST is an amazing award winning rust REMOVER which is utilized by the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, FBI, NATO, Government Contractors, Engine Builders, Auto Enthusiasts, Gunsmiths, Forensic Labs, OEM’s, Farmers, Antique Restorers and more. EVAPO-RUST is non-corrosive to steel and does not harm brass, copper, aluminum, gold, lead, titanium, steel, cast iron, chrome, solder points, vinyl, plastic, rubber, silicone, glass, cork, or wood. EVAPO-RUST has an indefinite shelf life* and can be used over and over until it absolutely stops working. On average, one gallon de-rusts up to 300 pounds of light to moderately rusted steel." Eddie, I was right...to prevent flash rust next time... quote from Evapo-rust site: "YES, EVEN MOTORCYCLE GAS TANKS You can use Evapo-Rust to remove the rust from a gas tank in one of two ways described below, depending on if your tank is still attached or has been removed: 1) Completely fill the tank with Evapo-Rust and allow to sit for 2 – 4 hours. Drain completely and rinse well with water. Air dry and fill with gasoline immediately to eliminate flash rust. 2) Pour in 1 gallon of Evapo-Rust and rotate gas tank every hour until the rust has been removed. Drain completely and rinse well with water. Air dry and fill with gasoline immediately to eliminate flash rust." Last edited by shw911; 10-07-2008 at 12:18 PM.

10-07-2008, 12:28 PM	#20 (permalink)
shw911 "Eating Ramen" Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 1,528	Re: big pete's mini build #2 - ZB50 Z, where can we get these brake lines or get custom brake lines made?

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