Rusty Ol' Firebolt

[sdframe]

Just acquired this old mess. The plan so far is to make a nice multi-speed rider out of it. Not sure if it will be fully dressed or stripped down. It'll speak to me over the next few weeks. I hope it's done by April 1.

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Awesome!

 

[Funkme]

A pile of bits & bobs. Should look like a whole new bike when your done.
Goodlooking frame and i don't mind the patina.

 

[OddJob]

+1 ^ on the patina with the like-minded Grecian gal!

Welcome to the fun SD ! With the gears and that 'tail feather' chain guard, perhaps "Road Runner" might be a good tag for this build?

Just dodged one on South Mtn the other day!

 

[sdframe]

First things first; some welds were broken, so I had them spot welded:

 

[sdframe]

Removed lots of rust and paint, but it still needs more attention. I'm thinking the original fenders will clean up ok, but may detract from the looks of that bold frame.

 

[sdframe]

Can your frame stand up on its hind legs?
Good boy, Firebolt, good boy!

 

[SSG]

Good job getting it solid again. I've always liked these frames.

 

[sdframe]

Decisions, decisions . . . one of these or the original?

 

[sdframe]

I also discovered that some sweet 2.125s off a Nirve just were too fat. Gonna look for skinnier ones.

 

[Schwinnspastic]

I have really never been into the Columbia's but this is one cool frame with the built in rack !
So many possibilities with this oldie but goody.
Mark

 

[SSG]

I'd be tempted to use the stock fork and install those truss rods that attach at the fork crown so they would be in line with the frame bars, but that's just me.

 

[sdframe]

Good idea. I have some truss rods somewhere. I may just dig them out.

 

[sdframe]

It got over 50 degrees today, so I hung it from the ol' paintin' tree, and applied some white primer. I'm gonna paint it florescent yellow. The last time I painted a bike that color, I did it over a gray primer, and it came out florescent green. I need to redeem myself.

 

[sdframe]

Yeah Boi!! Just applied two coats of florescent yellow, and it's really yellow! One more coat and it's ready for an Effex prismatic clearcoat, then a gloss clearcoat!

 

[sdframe]

I have to laugh at the contrast between the florescent paint and the bland desert flora.

 

[sdframe]

I'm going with a bunch of black trim; seat, handlebars, seat post and I don' know what else.

 

[OddJob]

That color does break the mold of the Sonoran desert! They'll see you coming for sure. Should keep the coyotes at bay.

 

[johnp.smith]

I like this frame, a new one for me. Cool bike

 

[sdframe]

That color does break the mold of the Sonoran desert! They'll see you coming for sure. Should keep the coyotes at bay.

I figured Firebolts should be BRIGHT! I'll keep the patina on the chain guard just as a reminder.