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Kuwahara Laserlite

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Avro:
A lot has been going on in the man-cave lately regarding BMX. I have so many side projects on the go that it can be a little overwhelming; trying new things, experimenting etc. More about those in time. I have also started to fill in some blanks for some of my builds. Today I scored a set of Nitto bars, I think SX bars?, from this site. These are for another build which pretty much completes the parts list with the exception of a left-hand DX brake lever in silver. The bars are a compromise but a good one. Other scores I will share soon as the builds progress. I digress, to the Laserlite.

Today I built the wheels for the Laserlite, the first set of wheels I have ever built so well-chuffed. Lacing is actually easy peasy it is the fiddling about afterwards trying to get the imperfect perfect that drives you potty.

I have had to compromise a little and use Shimano MX25 high-flange hubs. I bought these ages ago and the rear came with a Shimano 333 freewheel attached, bonus I thought until I came to try and remove it. I laced a rim to give leverage: nothing. Local tyre shop and air hammers: nothing except a mashed tool. In the end I had to cut and spread it to remove. Fortunately the threads were fine. I have painted these as the steel bearing seats will not budge preventing me from anodising them.

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I had planned to get the rims chromed but the quotes I received for the job were out of the question. Instead I have stripped and polished them. They were a rather scabby gold set with very bad brake surfaces and a couple of nasty flat-spots. The flat spots have been much improved with various persuaders. The usual procedure of palm sander, wet and dry and various grit polishes later (hours and hours) and they look super. One step closer to completion.

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Avro:
At a bit of a loose end today so thought I would do a little to the Laserlite. I am still waiting for the handlebars to return from chrome, once they land I will be able to complete the build. Not a lot of progress but something to show at least.

Suntour VX cranks installed with new repop VX end caps and Suntour chainring bolts. I have a sealed in bag set of chainring bolts but this bike is taking on a rather 'lightly used' look, which I am liking a lot, so I have gone with a very nice used set.

The chainring is Sugino 44T which I anodised black myself.

Avro:
...I have also fitted the brake, a 1983 Dia-Compe MX900 with the new for 1983 'Centron Centraliser'. This innovation was actually specified for the Laserlite as detailed in a test in BMX Action Bike dated June 1983. Some sources also say that the caliper was also an MX900 but I do not know for sure.

The caliper was restored by yours truly. I anodised it black in my kitchen and fitted a new quick release, the rest of the hardware is og simply put in a citric acid bath and then into light oil. It fits so well with the other 'used but very nice parts' this build is getting.

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BMX1973:
Taking shape now  :)

How did you anodize the chain ring with the teeth staying polished. I know they came like this originally but credit to you yours looks great.

Avro:
Keeping the machined teeth clear of anodising proved too difficult. I tried professional anodising masking tape: failed. I tried liquid mask: failed. Multiple attempts with both techniques. I will return to the problem one day.
In the end I anodised the whole piece and then stripped the anodising from the teeth with a fine paintbrush and caustic soda.

http://www.radbmx.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,189845.0.html

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