Polecat (BO17)

[SSG]

You know what they say,"1st is the worst".

 

[SSG]

5/2/22. Frame starting point.

6/30/22. Frame finished and painted.

8/24/22

8/26/22 "done"

 

[kingfish254]

No build from you is ever worst!

 

[OddJob]

Welcome to the fray, @SSG ! Polecat, I like it.
Kickin' Class 2 into gear!

 

[Glen]

Polecats are go...

 

[SSG]

I got the frame mostly stripped down. The pedals may need some heat to come loose.

The frame isn't in bad shape except the bottom of the chainstays look pretty rough. Some holes might open up if I wire wheel them.

 

[dropstep]

Yeah when I wire brushed this frame it had a hole that kept getting bigger

 

[SSG]

I finally got the pedals loose with a bit of heat and got the crank out. Now that the frame is stripped down I can start work on it. You can't really see in the photos, but I straightened out the seat post tube.

 

[SSG]

I've got the frame cut today, so no going back now.

I started to get the frame mocked up. The total length might change, and I will probably bring it a bit more forward and upright at the top. Probably need a little more straight section at the end for the seat post as well.

 

[BartRidesEternal]

No build from you is ever worst!

Well worst means sausage in Dutch and thats a good thing!

Great start on your build, can't wait for assembly!

 

[SSG]

I decided I don't need to work outside today. 35.5 c

 

[SSG]

We had a cold front come through and cool it down to a brisk 84f/29c with low humidity so I was able to get some work done this afternoon. I managed to get the seat post welded in.

 

[SSG]

I took a few minutes after lunch and got the top tube welded in. It's the original top tube extended with part of the seat post tube. I wanted to retain the tapered end. So far all the tubing is OEM murray.

 

[SSG]

I need to extend the seat stays 4" so I found some scrap stays from another freesprit that are the correct size and turned two ends from 1/2" solid bar stock in the lathe. I'll probably grind the ends at an angle.

 

[kingfish254]

I'm digging the GT MTB vibe with the seatstays crossing the seattube.

 

[SSG]

I finished the seat-stays and got them welded in. I'll probably tie them into the seat-tube for additional rigidity.

 

[SkyknightJohn]

It looks fast just standing still!
I dig it.

 

[SSG]

It looks fast just standing still!
I dig it.

Thanks. It's something a bit different from what I normally build.

 

[SSG]

I started on the paint in the areas I modified. I want to get it done now so it has time to season.

 

[SSG]

I worked a bit more on the paint. I though I'd try another color to break things up a bit.