Steel frame project

TheBlaaMan

Renovating a old steel (531) frame.

Can folks offer estimates for the following :

1. Re-chroming front forks OR
2. Changing from threaded to threadless fork (would rather keep original, but may not be an option)
3. Stripping, re-priming and repainting frame (should be able to do all bar the last bit myself....or maybe not?)
4. Modifing frame to convert from downtube to STI shifters (not the cost of the shifters etc, just the cost of modifying the frame)

I've been scanning on here and reading Sheldons Browns stuff......


Thanks

studiorat

Have a look here : http://www.merciancycles.co.uk/renovation I reckon you'd buy a new fork for the cost of re-chroming.

Planet X are a good source for 1" stems and the like.

I'm still in two minds about the whole STI thing on old bikes. It's possible to get a bracket that fits 'round the head tube, or braze-on's. But then going to 9 or 10 speed opens a whole new set of issues with spacing etc. I don't see the point of STI for only 7 sprockets on the back.

Mycroft H

Have you ever tried friction shifters? They work quite well.

And you can still get threaded headsets so why change?

I stripped and painted my frame with nitromoors and painted it with car paint. It was a long job and I put in tons of effort into it to do it right. It came out rather well, However, the finish is not strong enough, its chipping far far too easy and its really letting the bike down. Total cost circa 50 euro.

I am considering getting it powdercoated by the summer, which would have been a better investment in the first place. Tallaght Powder Coating does a frame and forks for 90 euro. More for a dual colour

Harrybelafonte

BX 19 wrote: »

Tallaght Powder Coating does a frame and forks for 90 euro. More for a dual colour

Do you know if they would they be able to accommodate you if you wanted the decals under the lacquer? I also presume they don't strip it?

happytramp

TheBlaaMan wrote: »

[*]Re-chroming front forks OR
[*]Changing from threaded to threadless fork (would rather keep original, but may not be an option)

Okay, re-chroming is going to be a bit pricy so you could track down a 1' threadless fork and headset, although they're not that common (since the vast majority of forks are 1 1/8' ) So probably the best option is to get a replacement 1' chrome fork and use a stem adapter if you want to use modern stems and handlebars. If I recall correctly Dara from 'Beecycles' on the south circular road recently ordered a chrome fork for a customer that didn't pick it up. So he may have one or could at least get one for you.


http://www.beecycles.net/

Mycroft H

Harrybelafonte wrote: »

Do you know if they would they be able to accommodate you if you wanted the decals under the lacquer? I also presume they don't strip it?

No and nope.

Powder coating has to be done to bare metal. Nothing left on the frame.


You may be able to paint round decals but it will always look a crap job.

happygoose

I think what he means is that can they apply the decals after they powder coat it but before they apply the clear lacquer.

What colour are you getting done BX19? I've a frame ready for coating, normally these places reduced the price for 2+ more of the same colour.

Mycroft H

happygoose wrote: »

I think what he means is that can they apply the decals after they powder coat it but before they apply the clear lacquer.

What colour are you getting done BX19? I've a frame ready for coating, normally these places reduced the price for 2+ more of the same colour.

Ahhh right, well then I'm not too sure, you would have to ring them for a final answer. Though there is not much problem in applying your own decals afterwords and then lacquering it again if they dont.

Colour? Perhaps a blue.

This is the original colour, although I might get something a shade lighter.


(massive photo, not going to link it)

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_whtVpXkKwlQ/R1oNwuqjMSI/AAAAAAAAAH0/0iKphCrNeYY/s1600-h/img044.jpg

EDIT:

I'm really quite open to colours in all honesty. As long as its not pink/yellow or any mad colours. A nice subdued classic colour would do.

TheBlaaMan

BX 19 wrote: »

No and nope.

Powder coating has to be done to bare metal. Nothing left on the frame.
.

OK, thanks for the guidance so far.

I've learned something I didn't realise before - that you do not prime a frame before power coating.....:o



I guess this is already on the point of becoming a labour of love rather than any sort of commercial venture, but thats no problem.

G rock

intriguing stuff, where'd you get the frame?

good luck with it!

funkyjebus

I recently put 8 speed sora onto an old steel frame. If the frame had downtube shifters, just take them off and put on cable stops, they cost about a tenner. Then just run outer cable from the stops to your sti shifters.
You'll need to cold set the rear spacing as it will likely be 120 or 126mm and you need 130mm for 8,9 & 10th speed iirc. Sheldon browne will tell you more on the subject. I was able to just pull the frame apart and put in the wheel and over time its spaced itself nicely.
Does the frame have a rear delrailleur hanger?

Pics?

gman2k

Tallaght Powder Coating do frame and forks foe e80, and that includes them stripping the paint.
You can decal the frame yourself afterwards and then lacquer over.
For 80quid, I wouldn't go through the hassle myself again of stripping and sanding and painting.
If you want a proper paint finish, then you need to bake it, I'm not sure if anyone in Ireland still does this.
On a 531 frame with a 126 spacing, I'd definitely cold set it to take modern gearing.

lennymc

happygoose wrote: »

What colour are you getting done BX19? I've a frame ready for coating, normally these places reduced the price for 2+ more of the same colour.

Ive also got a frame and may be interested in getting it done depending on colour if thats ok?

to prep the frame & fork I assume you just completely strip all components from it?

happygoose

There was interest before on this but it kinda petered off..a place called Barelle Ltd and Tallaght were the options being looked at.

OP I didn't reply, I think you should paint it the same blue colour the original looks great, I have a couple of frames but I was going to go black or racing green.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=68148352

studiorat

Forgot to mention earlier. I got a "quote" for between £250 and £300 for getting a steel frame properly enamel sprayed & baked with the rear cold set and braze on hardware for STI levers.

I think it was closer to £300 to get the lugs highlighted.

Apart from the price it was the possibility of re-introducing cabling on the handlebars using the lower end STI shifters that was an issue.

gman2k

studiorat wrote: »

Forgot to mention earlier. I got a "quote" for between £250 and £300 for getting a steel frame properly enamel sprayed & baked with the rear cold set and braze on hardware for STI levers.

I think it was closer to £300 to get the lugs highlighted.

Apart from the price it was the possibility of re-introducing cabling on the handlebars using the lower end STI shifters that was an issue.

It would want to be a special frame to justify that sort of money!

studiorat

Specialé .

The modern version of the frame is in the region of £800 for the 631 version and over £1,000 for a 531(LTD) version . So bringing a 20 to 25 year old frame up to date sizing wise, plus a new paint job and the once-over from the original manufacturer may be worth it.

I'd like to think it would give it another 25 years. I've seen pairs of shorts costing more!!!

MungoMan

what's better, a powder coat finish or an "enamel spray and bake" finish ?

For new bikes, what painting method do they use ? Powder coating ?

gman2k

Better doesn't mean much here....
If you want the frame to be as original as possible - then don't repaint, or failing that, if the frame is 'worth it' a proper paint, bake etc.
Powdercoating is good for durability, but you would not do it to a frame with heritage so to speak.