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Technical & Reference Section => Tech and Restoration => Topic started by: mattbloke on March 03, 2012, 05:35 PM

Title: 1980 Kuwahara KZ1. finished 23/04
Post by: mattbloke on March 03, 2012, 05:35 PM
What have you bastids done! I built my DP, that's it. No, hang on, i used to have a Mongoose FS1... il get one of those. Right. That's it. Hmm kuwahara KZ? ah fook it why not!

got the frame off of Andy (58delray) this week, as well as a nice set of NOS win V bars and a minty NOS suntour power stem. a very nice set of UKAI HE's off of Mark j, and some kuwahara Tange TRX forks coming from Norty40 :) hopefully a set of polished sugino super maxys coming this week also from andy. You lot have a lot to answer for!!!

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/IMAG0202.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/IMAG0204.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/IMAG0205.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/IMAG0209.jpg)
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ. yes another bloody bike!
Post by: animal on March 03, 2012, 06:40 PM
Good man  ;) very nice . They breed these OS bikes  :LolLolLolLol: I was only having 1 originally   :2funny:
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ. yes another bloody bike!
Post by: NORTY40 on March 03, 2012, 06:47 PM
Good stuff Matt  :daumenhoch:  ..... it is bloody addictive though  ::)

Frame was a good deal and will clean up nice  8) , i was so tempted with that myself when Andy offered it me . In fact Andy wanted my TRX's when he was going to build it  :D  They should be with you Monday , posted yesterday Matt as per PM  ;)

Looking forward to seeing it finished .

Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ. yes another bloody bike!
Post by: Retrodan72 on March 03, 2012, 07:32 PM
Nice one Matt, i've been toying with the idea of doing a Kuwie myself this year. :-\ :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ. yes another bloody bike!
Post by: monkian on March 04, 2012, 10:08 AM
Lovely bit of kit. Looking forward to this 8) :daumenhoch:
Kuwies seem to be 'on-trend' at the moment.
 ::) ;D 8)
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ. yes another bloody bike!
Post by: markyp on March 04, 2012, 10:41 AM
oh dear,wait till your in over £10,000,then you can call yourself a collector,youre just a pretender at the mo,welcome to the addiction :LolLolLolLol:
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ. yes another bloody bike!
Post by: Retrodan72 on March 04, 2012, 12:13 PM
oh dear,wait till your in over £10,000,then you can call yourself a collector,youre just a pretender at the mo,welcome to the addiction :LolLolLolLol:

I'm getting close now. :shocked:
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ. yes another bloody bike!
Post by: 58 delray on March 04, 2012, 12:44 PM
another one i was sad to see go, but its gone to a good home  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ. yes another bloody bike! (getting pic heavy)
Post by: mattbloke on March 08, 2012, 02:08 PM
well the parts are coming thick and fast, so time for some progress! first job was to get the bloody seat post out. now, being a mechanic, i cannot understand why people never put just a smear of copper grease on an ali post to stop it seizing into a frame!
before:
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0202.jpg)
After:
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0232.jpg)

still about an inch stuck in, but that will have to wait for the caustic soda...
so time to remove the (very slight, cheers Andy  :daumenhoch:) amount of rust. i got a wire wheel on a high speed drill, and got some coarse cutting compound....
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0236.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0235.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0238.jpg)


Just kidding Bendy! after using coke and foil on my DP (didnt know better) i have followed the bendycat ways with an oxalic acid bath. lets show it some love  :smitten:

also had a mid school redline OPC so chucked that in aswell
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0241.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0243.jpg)

now the wait begins :)

for the rest of the bits,
kuwi tange forks from Norty40
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0224.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0225.jpg)

 i got a set of UKAI HE's on suzue hi flange hubs from markJ and apart from a little wet and dry for the shine sides they dont really need anything doing (http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0227.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0230.jpg)

a set of minty win V bars and nos suntour power stem off of 58delray
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0245.jpg)
and good survivor suntour seat clamp
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0250.jpg)

and brakes taken care of by some 1020/890's in black
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0222.jpg)

not much now and it will be a full bike! might even be able to use it on the 'fools' day out instead of my FS1
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ1 updated 14/03 (getting pic heavy)
Post by: mattbloke on March 14, 2012, 01:15 PM
few more bits turned up, so some more pics. got the last of the seatpost shifted, so got round to putting on the new decals and the headset/forks
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0252.jpg)
bars, stem and calipers mounted
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0255.jpg)
fat and skinny skinwall combo came this morning, still not convinced by the look though, always think the front looks to chunky..
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0267.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0268.jpg)

and then fitted  :smitten:
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0269.jpg)

black fluted post on the way, as are seat, grips and chrome nos tech2 levers. also polished and black sugino super maxy cranks/chain wheel and some black shimano pedals then she is all ready to ride  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ1 updated 14/03 (getting pic heavy)
Post by: monkian on March 14, 2012, 01:18 PM
Very nice indeed 8) :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ1 updated 14/03 (getting pic heavy)
Post by: NORTY40 on March 14, 2012, 01:22 PM
Looking good Matt  :daumenhoch:

Glad the forks went to a good home  ;)
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ1 updated 14/03 (getting pic heavy)
Post by: pickle on March 14, 2012, 01:22 PM
top work! looking great  :coolsmiley:
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ1 updated 14/03 (getting pic heavy)
Post by: Retrodan72 on March 14, 2012, 01:33 PM
Good progrss Matt, keep at it pal. :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ1 updated 14/03 (getting pic heavy)
Post by: Discostu on March 14, 2012, 05:11 PM
oooh nice job.  lets have some close up pics of the gusset area now you have cleaned off the rust  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ1 updated 14/03 (getting pic heavy)
Post by: BMX1973 on March 14, 2012, 05:52 PM

Can't beat a Kuwi, can't wait to see it built.  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ1 updated 14/03 (getting pic heavy)
Post by: Glynnyboy on March 14, 2012, 08:46 PM
Looking good mate. :coolsmiley:
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ1 updated 14/03 (getting pic heavy)
Post by: DJL on March 16, 2012, 07:34 AM
lovely bike  :)

are you having to stick the edges of the decals down with tape?  if you got them cheap from malaysia off ebay they're too thick and will never stick properly - i had some and even used double sided tape but that didn't work,  was a bastard to get off too  ;D

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/v455/daniel_son1/photo3.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/v455/daniel_son1/photo2.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/v455/daniel_son1/photo1.jpg)
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ1 updated 14/03 (getting pic heavy)
Post by: mattbloke on March 16, 2012, 11:05 AM
had to stick them down as used a little too much water to slide them into place. after a few days  :idiot2: they were ok and stick down fine  :daumenhoch:

had a few more bits in the post today  :smitten: nos chrome (not polished) tech 2's and a black fluted ally seat post
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0276.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0277.jpg)
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ1 updated 17/04 (getting pic heavy)
Post by: mattbloke on April 17, 2012, 03:14 PM
few more pics! Grips, seat, sugino super maxy crank, 44T chain wheel and black chain all present and correct now.
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0376.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0413.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0415.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0416.jpg)

all that is left now is for the black shimano SX pedals from andy to turn up and then she is ready to ride  :smitten:
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ1 updated 14/03 (getting pic heavy)
Post by: NORTY40 on April 17, 2012, 05:00 PM
Black and chrome works every time  8)

Turned out real nice mate  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ1 updated 14/03 (getting pic heavy)
Post by: monkian on April 17, 2012, 10:53 PM
Nice, looks solid 8) :daumenhoch:
The one thing not doing it for me is the seat.
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ1 updated 14/03 (getting pic heavy)
Post by: bobafett on April 18, 2012, 12:19 PM

That has come together really nice mate  :)

Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ1 updated 14/03 (getting pic heavy)
Post by: mattbloke on April 19, 2012, 10:22 AM
Nice, looks solid 8) :daumenhoch:
The one thing not doing it for me is the seat.

feel free to lend me 150 quid for an elina and i will change it just for you  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ1 updated 14/03 (getting pic heavy)
Post by: Jaan on April 20, 2012, 12:10 AM
Very nice bike mate  :smitten:  Have I been dropping acid  :buck2: or do I see Suntour VX cranks in one photo and then Super Maxys in the next?
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ1 updated 14/03 (getting pic heavy)
Post by: Rodgy1970 on April 20, 2012, 12:19 AM
nice  :coolsmiley:
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ1 updated 14/03 (getting pic heavy)
Post by: mattbloke on April 20, 2012, 11:30 AM
Very nice bike mate  :smitten:  Have I been dropping acid  :buck2: or do I see Suntour VX cranks in one photo and then Super Maxys in the next?

"these are not the cranks you are looking for"

well spotted, got some VX's cos thats what they came with, but they are pony only (bit worn) the maxys are for riding and they look identical anyway
Title: Re: 1980 Kuwahara KZ1 FINISHED! 23/04
Post by: mattbloke on April 23, 2012, 05:37 PM
pedals finally arrived from andy, and after staring and staring at the seat (and hating it more each time) i got an Elina...

so here she is  :smitten:
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0422.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0424.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab321/mattbloke7r/kuwahara%20KZ1/IMAG0425.jpg)
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ1 updated 14/03 (getting pic heavy)
Post by: monkian on April 23, 2012, 05:42 PM
Man you've nailed it. It looks bomb-proof 8) :daumenhoch:
That's £150 you owe me.
Title: Re: 1980 Kuwahara KZ1. finished 23/04
Post by: glenboy on April 23, 2012, 06:28 PM
as above looks mega  :daumenhoch: , love it
Title: Re: 1980 Kuwahara KZ1. finished 23/04
Post by: NORTY40 on April 23, 2012, 06:30 PM
I loved it before but the seat is the icing on the cake now  :daumenhoch:

Cool rider  8)
Title: Re: 1980 Kuwahara KZ1. finished 23/04
Post by: kungfunky on April 23, 2012, 07:06 PM
Looks fast as fook, awsome job  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 1980 Kuwahara KZ1. finished 23/04
Post by: NathanRelton on April 23, 2012, 07:12 PM
Stunning!
Title: Re: 1980 Kuwahara KZ1. finished 23/04
Post by: matsoki on April 23, 2012, 07:21 PM
 :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:

V Nice
Title: Re: 1980 Kuwahara KZ1. finished 23/04
Post by: Pooch on April 25, 2012, 10:07 PM
Don't want it to be any faster.. Him and his brother on the London ride!!!! I had to give Griff mouth to mouth... Thanks for that lads.. Love it :smitten:
Right!! Let's sort my puch maxi out!!!! ;)
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ1 updated 14/03 (getting pic heavy)
Post by: Jaan on April 26, 2012, 09:24 AM
Very nice bike mate  :smitten:  Have I been dropping acid  :buck2: or do I see Suntour VX cranks in one photo and then Super Maxys in the next?

"these are not the cranks you are looking for"

well spotted, got some VX's cos thats what they came with, but they are pony only (bit worn) the maxys are for riding and they look identical anyway

Nice ride mate but if you're gonna ride with an Elina you might as well put the VX's on...  ;)
Title: Re: 1980 Kuwahara KZ1. finished 23/04
Post by: Glynnyboy on April 26, 2012, 12:21 PM
That is some turn around, the bike looks awesome (http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ll167/glynn9371/emoticons/LOVIN.gif)
Title: Re: 1980 Kuwahara KZ1. finished 23/04
Post by: rad_pitt on April 26, 2012, 12:27 PM
Mega. That seat finished it off perfectly  :smitten: :smitten:
Title: Re: Kuwahara KZ1 updated 14/03 (getting pic heavy)
Post by: mattbloke on April 26, 2012, 01:44 PM
Very nice bike mate  :smitten:  Have I been dropping acid  :buck2: or do I see Suntour VX cranks in one photo and then Super Maxys in the next?

"these are not the cranks you are looking for"

well spotted, got some VX's cos thats what they came with, but they are pony only (bit worn) the maxys are for riding and they look identical anyway

Nice ride mate but if you're gonna ride with an Elina you might as well put the VX's on...  ;)

the VX's are worn on the left crank, so they sit cocked and would be horrible to ride. as for the elina, its not mint, got some light scuffing on the back. i dont want to be scared of turning it upside down to fix a puncture.. at the end of the day, its a BMX not a Ming vase  :daumenhoch:

Title: Re: 1980 Kuwahara KZ1. finished 23/04
Post by: mattbloke on April 26, 2012, 01:47 PM
That is some turn around, the bike looks awesome (http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ll167/glynn9371/emoticons/LOVIN.gif)


cheers for the props guys  :daumenhoch: i know that at the end of the day, we build bikes for what we want, not what others like (well most of us  ;D ) it always gives me a warm moist feeling when others appreciate the work  :4_17_5:
Title: Re: 1980 Kuwahara KZ1. finished 23/04
Post by: Daletsunami on April 26, 2012, 06:11 PM
Great build  8)
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