STBO Gravelina

Wildcat · Sep 29, 2024

"I wonder if one of the Moderaters could transfer this thread over to the Builds section."

Never mind I'll continue on with it right here. I painted the lugs and outlined them in gold, matches the spokes.

Pondo · Sep 30, 2024

Glad to see you continuing this one, it's a cool build!

Wildcat · Oct 2, 2024

I like the weathered bare metal, so I'm going to try to get the fork to match instead of being chrome. My plan is to wire brush it enough so paint will stick then use thinned out black paint to get the same shade as the frame. I might black out the logo on the cranks also. I'm still waiting on the seat that's in shipping between China and here. Then it may be about done.

The fork bearings are binding even though it's loosened so the fork needs to come off anyway.

metalchewy · Oct 2, 2024

Montana gold makes a decent transparent black rattle can. An Airbrush with transparent black works paint works a bit better.

Never tried thinning out black spray paint for the darkening effect. Looking forward to seeing the result.

Wildcat · Oct 2, 2024

metalchewy said:
Montana gold makes a decent transparent black rattle can. An Airbrush with transparent black works paint works a bit better.

Never tried thinning out black spray paint for the darkening effect. Looking forward to seeing the result.

I'm brushing on thinned black acrylic paint, then lightly sanding or rubbing with a wet sponge when it sets, to further thin it out. Then I'll do more if it needs more, if it even works in the first place.
The only spray I can use here is clearcoat. I've got no place to spray, but I could make up a temporary paint booth using cardboard and plastic. But acrylic paint has been working well. Once it is set for 24 hours I clear coat it and it gives a good hard finish. If I don't clear it, it's easy to scratch. From splatter to fake bamboo it works pretty well.

Wildcat · Oct 3, 2024

The seat finally made it. It's not NOS, it looks nice and new. Can't pronounce the name.

It's just what I like, comfortable. They had one more left so I ordered it too. 400 pesos, just over seven dollars.

Screenshot 2024-10-03 at 20-29-07 【D&F】Vintage Faux Leather Bicycle Saddle Rivet Sprung Spring...png

Wildcat · Oct 5, 2024

I found the problem with the fork binding. The bottom race wasn't snug, it had some play so it was changed out along with the fork itself. I'm now using the same kind, only with the bosses removed from an earlier project.

I wire brushed and sanded the chrome fork, but it still will be more shiny than the bare metal frame. I used black acrylic paint and tried to get the same shade and look as the frame.

The fork is still shinier so I'll do some more to see if it gets closer. The cranks are all black also.

The mattress saddle will make the ride smoother and I like the look of it.

Wildcat · Nov 23, 2024

The fork was still shinier than the frame. It looks good in the pic was really stood out. I tried another approach. I used an 80 sanding disc to scuff up the chrome, then used some thin silver paint to get it close to the bare metal look of the frame. When it's dry I think it might do the trick.

OddJob · Nov 24, 2024

Nice work on this one WC! It has a very fast look to it. A perfectly flat bar would finish off the look, but for comfort riding sake I get the rise bar. Cool take on a mixte frame!

Wildcat · Nov 24, 2024

I don't have a flat set, but I have an old set that's close. A little touch up black paint and I'm done with this bike. The forks match up close enough for me. Test ride and vid coming up.

Tintmanpa · Nov 25, 2024

Wildcat said:
I don't have a flat set, but I have an old set that's close. A little touch up black paint and I'm done with this bike. The forks match up close enough for me. Test ride and vid coming up.

View attachment 284128 View attachment 284129

Looks great. How does it ride

Wildcat · Nov 25, 2024

It rides well. No ride vid, but Im took a minute video of the bike:

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