Author Topic: K1 to K0 gauge conversion, how to?  (Read 388 times)

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Online Don R

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K1 to K0 gauge conversion, how to?
« on: September 19, 2023, 09:01:32 PM »
 I read that this can be done, I looked on the 750 faces page and I see the reproduction K0 housing back, dial faces and the plastic housings. Can it be as simple as ordering those parts and swapping the innards? 
 I have assembled a couple K0 lenses on the plastic housings and have never been able to duplicate the silver ring around the edge. The closest I got was a chrome paint pen used on the back side. Any tips for that?
 
No matter how many times you paint over a shadow, it's still there.
 CEO at the no kill motorcycle shop.
 You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.

Offline Lucien Harpress

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Re: K1 to K0 gauge conversion, how to?
« Reply #1 on: September 20, 2023, 04:03:03 AM »
Pretty much that, yeah.  You will need the K0 specific backs- the K1 has a lip for the chrome pinch ring that the K0 lacks.  You could probably grind it off, but for me just getting the backs was easier.

You'll need to figure out the light tubes (for the idiot lights) and deflectors (for the backlights), but apart from that they assemble right up.
-1970 CB750 K0
-1980 KZ1300
-1976 Yellow GL1000
-1965 CA77 "Dream"
-1997 Valkyrie
-1975 Velosolex

Offline 69cb750

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Re: K1 to K0 gauge conversion, how to?
« Reply #2 on: September 20, 2023, 04:54:14 AM »
Quote
I read that this can be done, I looked on the 750 faces page and I see the reproduction K0 housing back, dial faces and the plastic housings. Can it be as simple as ordering those parts and swapping the innards?
Yes, he makes very nice parts, the K0 backing plates differ from K1.

Offline Prospect

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Re: K1 to K0 gauge conversion, how to?
« Reply #3 on: September 20, 2023, 12:31:17 PM »
I'm interested also in converting a k1 set to K0 or sandcast.
Current Bikes

1969 CB750  Sandcast #256
1971 CB750K1
1972 CB750K1
1975 CB400F
1975 GL1000 Goldwing
1954 Harley Davidson Panhead
1957 Harley Davidson Panhead

Toronto Canada

Offline Lucien Harpress

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Re: K1 to K0 gauge conversion, how to?
« Reply #4 on: September 20, 2023, 03:11:13 PM »
While I didn't do much of a how-to write up, I did do this conversion for my K1/K0 half and half bike in the project forum.  I took a couple in-progress photos and may have dropped a bit of information about what I did.  It's honestly pretty straightforward.

The only difference is that I started with K2 (or later) gauges, rather than with K1 gauges.  The K1s are probably easier than what I used- the odometer/trip meter on the K2 and later is a bit wider than the K0/K1s, so it interferes with the light tube for the blinker light.  I had to scallop mine in to clear the gears.  Proper K1 gauges probably won't have this problem.
-1970 CB750 K0
-1980 KZ1300
-1976 Yellow GL1000
-1965 CA77 "Dream"
-1997 Valkyrie
-1975 Velosolex

Offline Kaze

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Re: K1 to K0 gauge conversion, how to?
« Reply #5 on: September 20, 2023, 03:47:23 PM »
Visually, what's the difference? Black vs blue background? I no longer have Wyatt's book and Google is being a git.

Offline Prospect

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Re: K1 to K0 gauge conversion, how to?
« Reply #6 on: September 20, 2023, 03:50:23 PM »
The sandcast gauges have plastic casing vs metal on later bikes. The drive mechanism has a different texture.
Visually, what's the difference? Black vs blue background? I no longer have Wyatt's book and Google is being a git.
Current Bikes

1969 CB750  Sandcast #256
1971 CB750K1
1972 CB750K1
1975 CB400F
1975 GL1000 Goldwing
1954 Harley Davidson Panhead
1957 Harley Davidson Panhead

Toronto Canada

Online Don R

  • My Sandcast is a
  • Really Old Timer ...
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  • Posts: 19,966
  • Saver of unloved motorcycles.
Re: K1 to K0 gauge conversion, how to?
« Reply #7 on: September 21, 2023, 01:55:11 PM »
 I had a broken K0 plastic housing once and sawed the back off behind the flange for the gasket, I think it might have crimped onto a K1 back. I'll dig those parts out also.

 Edit: it appears the parts are around $275 plus shipping
« Last Edit: September 21, 2023, 05:50:14 PM by Don R »
No matter how many times you paint over a shadow, it's still there.
 CEO at the no kill motorcycle shop.
 You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.