kdxproject90 wrote:Still waiting to get my bike back from the shop and I've been going crazy not having it in my garage to tinker with!! Apparently the piston was back-ordered and was over-nighted yesterday to arrive today. I've had a lot of time to be able to just think about things I'd like to do/try on the bike and I thought I'd run my ideas on the forum and see if anyone else has tried. First off I have some dents in my expansion chamber and I've heard of people fixing them in quite a few different ways (heat and air pressure, freezing water inside and pumping water pressure inside) What is the best way to get my expansion chamber dent-free?? Also, once and if I get it dent-less I bought a spray can of 2000 degree header paint to slap on there to cover up the rusty finish since I just cant justify spending $250+ on a new pipe. And on a final note I'd like to get my swingarm cleaned up and looking good.. should I sand it? aircraft stripper? does it have a finish? Let me know if you guys have any experience on these or ideas for me, Thanks!! -Joel B.
Isn't daydreaming of what to do to your bike such an awesome escape?
JUST FROM WHAT I HAVE READ, and zero first hand experience, the heat and air pressure method is more successful, but somewhat risky. I have read more than one horror story of results from the frozen water method. To me, it seems like with the heat/air method, one is able to focus on just the dented area, whereas the freezing water method affects the whole pipe.
You may want to look at Pacific Coast pipe repair or some other place that offers pipe repair services.
If it is not in the first 6 inches of the pipe, you may want to just leave it be.
Also, on the rust, have you tried a green Scotch-Brite pad, then just lightly oil the pipe? Try to not worry too much about rust or dents. Black spray paint on top of rust and dents is not going to be the prettiest thing.
A new FMF 1989 - 1994 KDX200 pipe is $183.96 shipped from
www.ronayers.com , so $250 is a little high.
On the swingarm, it is painted from the factory, so for me, Aircraft stripper, then prime/prime/paint/paint/paint/clear/clear.
www.colorrite.com if you want to buy the perfectly matched, Kawasaki factory recommended paint. It is priced at "you get what you pay for" and then some prices, however.
Your bike is a 1990 model, correct?
Good luck on the rebuild. Also, congrtaulations on starting out at $200. I have read a few stories of people paying too much, then still having to do a lot of engine work.
