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PostPosted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 10:18 pm 

Joined: Sat Nov 04, 2017 5:28 am
Posts: 43
Location: Kitchener, Ontario Canada
Recently started to "tune up the appearance" of my "new" 1974 H1E.

First up the rear brake lever.

Was painted gunmetal grey and I decided to remove the paint and maybe chrome it.

The paint came off ok and to my surprise it was not chrome but polished aluminum.

This is good news as I have lots of practice on my 2001 Grand Prix.

The part is not perfect with some warping/distortion on the back side, but good on the side you see.

Second up ordered and received a used kickstart lever and it was advertised as small rust spots but good condtion.

Same matetial as the rear brake lever, cast aluminum.

The kickstarter is in good shape (compared to the rear brake lever) so the polishing is easier.

Just thought folks might like to know as bad chrome damage cannot be polished out normally and must be rechromed.

Cast aluminum however can be polshed/sanded for as long as it takes.

I would post pictures if the forum provided a workable way.

PS have polished stainless steel which is similar to cast aluminum (way more easier than chrome).
There is a reason for chrome being harder but not realative.

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1974 Kawasaki H1E fresh restore (not original pipes or Paint Colour).


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PostPosted: Fri Dec 15, 2017 10:29 am 

Joined: Sat Oct 04, 2014 3:45 am
Posts: 796
Location: Cen Tex
I dont believe the levers are cast aluminium [if they are stock?]

Got pics?

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H2B..... H1E..... Z1B ..... RD350...... X6 Hustler..... TS250.... CB750 ..... CB550...... and a Bomber!!


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PostPosted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 8:17 pm 

Joined: Sat Nov 04, 2017 5:28 am
Posts: 43
Location: Kitchener, Ontario Canada
Can not post pics but used sand paper and did not go to copper so?

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1974 Kawasaki H1E fresh restore (not original pipes or Paint Colour).


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PostPosted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 8:37 pm 
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Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2011 11:34 pm
Posts: 9826
Location: North Central NC
A magnet should answer the question.

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If it surges, that's normal, upshift.


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PostPosted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 9:43 pm 
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Joined: Tue Jun 07, 2011 6:37 am
Posts: 10460
Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Yes, a magnet, the triples did not come with aluminum levers.

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Twist the throttle, tilt the horizon, and have a great time. What triples are all about...........


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PostPosted: Sat Jan 13, 2018 4:12 am 

Joined: Thu Jun 09, 2011 11:25 am
Posts: 3137
Offered as info only, the R series bikes came with cast steel brake and shifter levers. We had problems with them in the usual ways, bending, etc.

We ended up building them from thick wall mild steel tubing, worked a lot better.

There may well have been/are aluminum levers from earlier dirt bikes that fit. We never looked into them.

John has it, magnet, even works to ID the car distributors I work on.


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PostPosted: Sat Jan 13, 2018 3:08 pm 

Joined: Sat Nov 04, 2017 5:28 am
Posts: 43
Location: Kitchener, Ontario Canada
I will check with magnet (good idea before you start machine polishing-I know better).

Took the shift lever off and is same as kickstarter and rear brake lever.

Wish I could post pictures but present system not good.

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1974 Kawasaki H1E fresh restore (not original pipes or Paint Colour).


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PostPosted: Sat Jan 13, 2018 3:49 pm 
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Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2011 11:34 pm
Posts: 9826
Location: North Central NC
ChrisKawi wrote:
Wish I could post pictures but present system not good.


It works well, I don't know why you're having trouble. You select the file attachment function below the text box, browse your computer to find the photo, upload it, and choose where to put the attachment in your post.

Attachment:
129_0_1024.jpg


You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

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If it surges, that's normal, upshift.


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PostPosted: Sun Jan 14, 2018 2:22 pm 

Joined: Sat Nov 04, 2017 5:28 am
Posts: 43
Location: Kitchener, Ontario Canada
Used the magnet and is steel.

Amazed at how high a shine is acheivable on steel.

So all three (kickstarter, rear brake pedal and shifter) are polished steel.

The shifter is currently being finished and I will try the picture thing one more time.

PS. tried to attach "file to big" from my bloody phone no less.

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1974 Kawasaki H1E fresh restore (not original pipes or Paint Colour).


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PostPosted: Sun Jan 14, 2018 3:41 pm 
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Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2011 11:34 pm
Posts: 9826
Location: North Central NC
Unfortunately, if the plating is gone and you polished the steel, it'll need a clear coating of some sort to prevent rust.

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If it surges, that's normal, upshift.


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