Good From Afar

[MattiThundrrr]

After reading about your power tool event, I actually felt quite relieved to read this....

Yeah, we're outta the woods regarding physical harm. Now it's just the fumes

 

[MattiThundrrr]

With just a couple of working weeks to go, this is going to be tough, a sprint to the finish. I don't think I'll be able to get everything done that I had planned, so now I'm focusing on just completing it. Will attempt to get it to a rideable state with the parts I've got. We'll see what happens. Deadlines are why I avoid competition, not conducive to the high quality levels you have come to expect from Matti

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Let's do something. Plans were to rebuild the coaster hub, skipping it for now, it still works, sorta. Front was rebuilt for the Wonky Donkey, it's fine. Going with some slim (for me, anyhow) 1.75s I've been holding for a couple of years. You know it's a bargain when you keep the receipt so you can enjoy it later.

There were no rim strips either, so 52" of electric tape later...

... and we're good to go!

 

[MattiThundrrr]

I never have run tires this slim on rims this wide. Lotta work stretching em over the rim. Thanks, trusty tire levers. Also tough stuffing that much tube in such a small space. I'm sure there's a joke there...
Anyhow, here's what I wound up with

Actually looks kinda....hawttt

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Had an extra minute, so I tried two possibilities for the stem.
Stem from my Nishiki project:

That cable hole might bug me later, but I like the longer look

And here's the one that came on GFA. Cleaner, but don't lik

 

[kingfish254]

Does Matti have enough parts for the Imelda Barcos portion of the build?

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Dragged out the frame to check up on the fermentation. Not bad, not perfect

I like this golden tone of patina

but most turned more brown

Don't hate the brown either, but it is pretty dusty, might lose some of it in the wash when I prep for paint. At least, I hope so, some spots got pretty thick, looks like moisture was attracted to a handprint or something

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Plan is to wash it with dish soap and a soft brush, hopefully clean off the dusty stuff whilst maintaining that golden tone. Then a few coats of clear and assembly can begin. I haven't done a mock up outside of my head yet, curious about how this all comes together

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Also busted apart the bottom end of that curb find Mongoose MX to clean up the bearings and crank

Two minutes after the photo, disaster and sadness. Simple Green wrecked the finish on the chain ring. I sprayed it directly on, it sat for less than a minute, and then the black started flaking and peeling. Rinsed it immediately, but the chrome on the back got messed up too. No pics, I need to think

 

[MattiThundrrr]

"Spot test a hidden area first" it said.

 

[GeePig]

Also busted apart the bottom end of that curb find Mongoose MX to clean up the bearings and crankView attachment 167871
Two minutes after the photo, disaster and sadness. Simple Green wrecked the finish on the chain ring. I sprayed it directly on, it sat for less than a minute, and then the black started flaking and peeling. Rinsed it immediately, but the chrome on the back got messed up too. No pics, I need to think

I feel for you, that must be really annoying!

Was it done in that aluminium tray? Maybe there was some kind of electrolytic reaction?

 

[MattiThundrrr]

I think it was a film, not paint. Maybe an industrial version of Plasti dip? The black just peeled, and the surface came off the chrome like packing tape. Just went to the lab and grabbed some pictures

Who cares how the back looks, I just included it to show how it would look without the black. Here's the front

Options include stripping it to chrome and clear coating, covering the whole deal with flat black and using Dremel to reveal the steel, or leave it as is and just spray it clear. I'll make that decision after mock up, taking into consideration peer input

 

[toro1978]

I would leave it like that. It gives it a used look.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

We'll see if it looks Good From Afar when I put it on the bike. I knew that was the right name for this one

 

[kingfish254]

I think it was a film, not paint. Maybe an industrial version of Plasti dip? The black just peeled, and the surface came off the chrome like packing tape. Just went to the lab and grabbed some picturesView attachment 167874
Who cares how the back looks, I just included it to show how it would look without the black. Here's the frontView attachment 167873
Options include stripping it to chrome and clear coating, covering the whole deal with flat black and using Dremel to reveal the steel, or leave it as is and just spray it clear. I'll make that decision after mock up, taking into consideration peer input

You could always tape off the areas that you want the chrome to show and paint it.
Or just touch up with a brush the areas where black is chipped.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Today is the day of the painting. Go!

Hit it with some worn out sanding sponges to remove the dry dust, then into the bin with Dawn, and scrubs with a dish brush, steel wool, and a hand towel.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Ready to go

Some parts came along for the ride

This guy got a little bit wet too

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Scuffed, scraped, sanded, sudsed, and sprayed. Hanging in a hot, dry corner to rest

I was supposed to be able to sell this one. That might not happen

PS if you don't like the narrow shoes, would it surprise you to know that we have plenty of wider options in the 26" size?

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Took Duck Norris out this morning to scout locations

Probably too distracting.

this one too.

too ugh. 98% chance that's pee on the wall. Guy doing tai chi behind me thought I was going to rob him.