1993 Kawasaki Restoration

Staffy23
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Staffy23
Edited Date/Time 9/11/2015 1:06am

Hello Vital MX members

My name is Broderick and I am from Perth, Western Australia. I have been a huge fan of Motocross and Supercross over the last 25 years.

I recently purchased a 1993 KX 250 that is rough but worthy of a restoration. My dream is to restore closely to original/ stock condition but perhaps with some slight improvements similar to Mike Kiedrowski's SR 250 of that year.

I would like to ask for some help regarding clean up of the swingarm and engine. The swingarm has the usual scratches and I am not sure if it was painted from factory or had the brushed aluminium appearance. If brushed aluminium, what is the best way to get the original look?

Are there any tips for motor clean up? I have used the red scotch pads in the past but have read that soda blasting may have a better effect? I am all ears for suggestions and to share my limited knowledge in return.

I will also post some photos of the bike as it is now and as the build progresses.

Keep up the great work guys!

Brod.
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Stoop 6/24/2015 2:42am
6/24/2015 2:42am
Vapour blasting is the way to go, gets stuff looking like new again
Staffy23
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Staffy23 6/24/2015 2:51am
6/24/2015 2:51am
Thanks for the tip Stoop. I want to get all that old alloy looking new again.
Can you do the motor with vapor blasting as well?
chuckdavies 6/24/2015 4:38am
6/24/2015 4:38am
Vapour blasting all day! Check my 1992 Peak CR125 build thread and you'll see my vapour blasted parts. Just got all my 94 KX125 bits back from Vapour too, no extra work required - ready to go!

Swingarms weren't painted in 93. You're best off cleaning it up the best you can, sanding the tubular parts to get rid of the scratches and back to a smooth finish, then red scotchbrite to finish it off and put the brushed look back into it.

The Shop

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Staffy23
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Staffy23 6/24/2015 5:15am
6/24/2015 5:15am
Wow Chuck they look new! Thanks for the time, I would be stoked if my parts looked like that!
Staffy23
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Staffy23 9/1/2015 9:12pm
9/1/2015 9:12pm
Does anyone know where I can find a nice pipe and silencer for this bike? I saw some beautiful Old School Pro Circuit pipes on here and have tried to contact the seller but I am sure they have since been sold as I have had no reply.

I am looking for a decent standard pipe (1992 or 1993 KX 250) or a nice Pro Circuit. Failing this, I will buy a new FMF one but would like to go for an Old School pipe if possible.

Thanks and regards

Broderick
MXtoXS
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MXtoXS 9/8/2015 6:27pm
9/8/2015 6:27pm
I really thought the swingarm was painted silver.....
Jmcd1988
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Jmcd1988 9/8/2015 7:33pm
9/8/2015 7:33pm
I have used sand paper, wire wheel and steel wool to give the swing arm the brushed look. Have it blasted and take your time. You can you wd40 as a lubricant. Start at one end and pull towards you over and over again until you get the look you're after.

Rovalova
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Rovalova 9/9/2015 4:16am
9/9/2015 4:16am
The swingarms were painted in 93. I have some paint here I used on my resto Ill have a look and let you know the brand and colour name for you if you like. Its pretty much an exact match. I did a 93 splitfire replica (thread on this site) although not to the extent some of these guys have gone too. Am currently finishing a 92 kx250. Vapour blasting as mentioned is the best, although for some pieces soda blsating gives a slightly more dull finish on some parts of the KX that I think look more orginal. I think Ihave a spare muffler Ill check for you.
Staffy23
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Staffy23 9/9/2015 8:40pm
9/9/2015 8:40pm
Rovalova wrote:
The swingarms were painted in 93. I have some paint here I used on my resto Ill have a look and let you know the brand...
The swingarms were painted in 93. I have some paint here I used on my resto Ill have a look and let you know the brand and colour name for you if you like. Its pretty much an exact match. I did a 93 splitfire replica (thread on this site) although not to the extent some of these guys have gone too. Am currently finishing a 92 kx250. Vapour blasting as mentioned is the best, although for some pieces soda blsating gives a slightly more dull finish on some parts of the KX that I think look more orginal. I think Ihave a spare muffler Ill check for you.
Hello Rovalova

Thanks for the reply and advice. It isn't very easy finding information on the old mxers. I think I have seen your 1993 Splitfire Replica and it looks amazing. If I can achieve the same level of detail on my KX, I would be very happy.

If you could look for the colour and brand of the swingarm paint that would be very helpful! What colour did you use for the frame? Definitely interested in the muffler if you have a spare one also!!

Do you have any pics of your 92 KX 250? What is the theme, original or a works bike?

I look forward to your reply!

Many thanks

Broderick
Rovalova
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Rovalova 9/10/2015 3:03am
9/10/2015 3:03am
Rovalova wrote:
The swingarms were painted in 93. I have some paint here I used on my resto Ill have a look and let you know the brand...
The swingarms were painted in 93. I have some paint here I used on my resto Ill have a look and let you know the brand and colour name for you if you like. Its pretty much an exact match. I did a 93 splitfire replica (thread on this site) although not to the extent some of these guys have gone too. Am currently finishing a 92 kx250. Vapour blasting as mentioned is the best, although for some pieces soda blsating gives a slightly more dull finish on some parts of the KX that I think look more orginal. I think Ihave a spare muffler Ill check for you.
Staffy23 wrote:
Hello Rovalova Thanks for the reply and advice. It isn't very easy finding information on the old mxers. I think I have seen your 1993 Splitfire...
Hello Rovalova

Thanks for the reply and advice. It isn't very easy finding information on the old mxers. I think I have seen your 1993 Splitfire Replica and it looks amazing. If I can achieve the same level of detail on my KX, I would be very happy.

If you could look for the colour and brand of the swingarm paint that would be very helpful! What colour did you use for the frame? Definitely interested in the muffler if you have a spare one also!!

Do you have any pics of your 92 KX 250? What is the theme, original or a works bike?

I look forward to your reply!

Many thanks

Broderick
This is what Im staring with. Woohoo Thought it would be fun to attempt a basket case.....F*ck was I wrong, dumbest thing ever... Sad




Staffy23
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Staffy23 9/11/2015 1:06am
9/11/2015 1:06am
Rovalova wrote:
The swingarms were painted in 93. I have some paint here I used on my resto Ill have a look and let you know the brand...
The swingarms were painted in 93. I have some paint here I used on my resto Ill have a look and let you know the brand and colour name for you if you like. Its pretty much an exact match. I did a 93 splitfire replica (thread on this site) although not to the extent some of these guys have gone too. Am currently finishing a 92 kx250. Vapour blasting as mentioned is the best, although for some pieces soda blsating gives a slightly more dull finish on some parts of the KX that I think look more orginal. I think Ihave a spare muffler Ill check for you.
Staffy23 wrote:
Hello Rovalova Thanks for the reply and advice. It isn't very easy finding information on the old mxers. I think I have seen your 1993 Splitfire...
Hello Rovalova

Thanks for the reply and advice. It isn't very easy finding information on the old mxers. I think I have seen your 1993 Splitfire Replica and it looks amazing. If I can achieve the same level of detail on my KX, I would be very happy.

If you could look for the colour and brand of the swingarm paint that would be very helpful! What colour did you use for the frame? Definitely interested in the muffler if you have a spare one also!!

Do you have any pics of your 92 KX 250? What is the theme, original or a works bike?

I look forward to your reply!

Many thanks

Broderick
Rovalova wrote:
This is what Im staring with. :woohoo: Thought it would be fun to attempt a basket case.....F*ck was I wrong, dumbest thing ever... :( [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/09/10/104533/s1200_IMG_1422.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/09/10/104534/s1200_IMG_1418.jpg[/img]
This is what Im staring with. Woohoo Thought it would be fun to attempt a basket case.....F*ck was I wrong, dumbest thing ever... Sad




Hey mate, thanks again for the info.

Wow the chassis of that KX 250 looks very original! I love the 1992 Graphics and seat combination and can't believe they are pretty much in tact on that bike.

Have you done any more to the bike? I will send some pics of my 93. It is a pig but finding this vintage of bike in good condition (in WA) is close to impossible. Is it ok if I rack your brains here and there regarding my resto?

Thanks again and enjoy your weekend!

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