kawasaki Z1 aficionados

[Guest]

Hi all,

About to start the Aoshima Kawasaki 900 Z1 kit and wanted to ask a question regarding the two base colours i.e. the Brown & Green. Can anyone tell me if these colours where in fact metallic? the reason I ask is that every photo I have downloaded as reference seems to show the tanks, side panels and seat cowl as containing "flecks" similar to that of metallic paints or is this a trick of light on film??

Be very grateful for any help you can give me on this matter.

Doug S.

[takeslousyphotos]

I seem to recall they were "solid" colours and not metallic.............. I'd suggest, if you want any info on these bikes drop a line to the VJMC (Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club) VJMC - The Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club. The Classic Bike Club for all classic and vintage Japanese motorcycles. Expertise in Classic and Vintage Bikes: Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, Bridgestone and all other Japanese Marques

They have a contact page with the email addresses of the committee ............ I would have thought the "Archivist" my be a good start.

Good Luck Doug.

Peter

[Guest]

Its all right here

Kawasaki Z1, Z1A, Z1B and Z900 motorcycles - Kawasaki Z1

[ojays]

Having repainted a friends damaged Yellow Green Z1 back in the late 70's, I can tell you that the predominant colours Green/Brown Candy were applied over a metallic Silver/Gold basecoat. The inlays Orange/Yellow were applied over a white basecoat, these being a solid colour not metallic!

From production, the inlays were actually a vinyl decal that was applied, and then laquered over.

Unfortunately they were very expensive, hence I matched the colours and painted them on for him!

Hope this helps

Gregg

[Guest]

Hi Ojays,

Ah now this makes sense to me as every photograph of the Z1 and Z1A I have ever seen seems to show a metallic base to the colour although the base colour itself is not listed as a metallic. I assume that as paint is thinned prior to application the metallic undercoat would still show through the solid colour top coat! Now all i need work out is in 1/12 scale would the metallic effect still be visible.

TreyZX10r, Hi, oddly enough found this site late last night and managed to save it so will read through as the build progresses as it's full of great information. thanks for sending me the link, very much appreciated.

Doug S.

[ojays]

Almost right Doug.

The colourant over the metallic basecoat is called a Candy. This is a transparent medium designed as it says, to allow the base metallic to be seen through it.

To get a better appreciation of what I am trying to explain check out this site www.specialistpaints.com and see how the different metallic bases influence the tint of the candy etc.

You may even find an appropriate colour in aerosols in their range.

Gregg