New to Forum need advise from the experts

[tock13]

Hello, I have been a lurker here over the years reading through all the posts and loving every moment, incredible knowledge and creativity around here.

I wanted to get advice on a bike I just bought. I have always loved the classic cruiser bikes of the past and when this one came up for some reason I had to have it. It isn't a vintage bike at all it is the 2004 edition Fat Tire Brewing co. Electra cruiser. It seems like a nice bike and is in really good shape, just looks like it was sitting in a not so great location for years. a few scratches but no dents or dings with the exception of one on the handlebars. I got it for seriously cheap (I think anyway!) and am looking to shine it up.

I guess my first question would be, is this bike some sort of collectors item where me tearing into it and getting it repainted, adding different parts is a bad idea? Is it something that should be kept as is since it is in pretty good shape now?

My vision is repainting with a two tone powder coat in a sort of classic dark red with cream front end like the vintage schwinns. Paint the fenders red with cream pinstripe, main fork legs red. Brooks saddle, different bars...kind of a personal taste deal. I have cream fat franks on the rims now.

I have been building\wrenching on bikes for years but they are all 1989 or newer mountain bikes so this is a new adventure.

I will try adding a few pictures, hopefully they show up.

Thanks for any advise!

 

[Wildcat]

Welcome!
I don't know if it's a collector's item or not. But it looks like it's all original and might shine up very nicely. If so, maybe you could sell it as an original, and have enough money to buy another bike along with enough money left over to spend on modifying it.
Or shine it up and keep it as is and ride it, then find another old cruiser on your local Craigslist and make something out of it. That way, you won't regret the changes you made. I type in the word "vintage" in the search on the bikes for sale page to see what all is there.

 

[deven_science]

Since it looks as good as it does, I would hesitate to repaint it. The Fat Tire stuff is what makes it what it is. Otherwise, it's a non-descript cruiser frame.

 

[tock13]

All good advise, thank you. I stripped it all down today, re-greased everything. first time I ever took apart a coaster brake hub. Everything was like brand new with the exception of the headset, there was no grease at all and the bottom cage and balls were rusted bad. the race cleaned up okay. I put a new cage and balls in and it was good as new. Steel wool took care of all but a couple spots of rust on all the chrome parts. I used some rubbing compound on the frame and it shined right back up.

if it ever stops raining around here I will take it out to see how it rides.

I guess all in all it would be a shame to redo something that doesn't need it. I guess I will keep it as is.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

With it being a New Belgium Brewing branded bike its worth more as it is than it would ever be with new paint. At least for most collectors and hoarders. My two cents at least.


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