RADBMX.CO.UK
Technical & Reference Section => Tech and Restoration => Topic started by: The VW Doc on April 05, 2011, 10:49 AM
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I have known of this bike since the late 80's as it belonged to a friend of mine at shcool.
Here are a couple of photo's of the bike, back in the day
(http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/4419/69142438052186926602616.jpg)
(http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/5700/40742438052386926602616.jpg)
Well towards the middle of last year I bought the bike, and have now, after a few months riding and enjoying it, started a sympathetic restoration/refurbishment of it.
This is more-or-less what it looked like when I bought it
(http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/8571/17062010022.jpg)
And here is it with my '73 Bay Camper at the first VW show I took it too
(http://img857.imageshack.us/img857/2771/img2367.jpg)
And with Martyn Ashton, at Eastbourne Xtreme towards the end of last year
(http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/5892/img2947n.jpg)
Well, Saturday afternoon I started stripping the bike, because brakes were virtually non-existant and the whole thing needed a general overhaul to find a few things that need doing.
The forks (not the original ones) have a stripped thread on them, the top nut (not sure what it is called) is also split - looks like it has been overtightened in the past. The 1-piece crank is very rusty as are the (believed to be) repro CW handlebars - hence I have wrapped them in black tape. I am also missing a ball from one of the headset bearings, and these cages seem very stretched (as the balls fall out!)
I will take some more photo's of it if the weather is good this weekend and start the re-assembly
I am after some inspiration of completed bikes so I can see what I am aiming for.
Not sure what to do with the wheels - keep the Star-X mags (I am 6'1 and not the thinest person in the world) ir change them for some spoked wheels.
The Star-X's do feel a little "flexible" under load - but this also could be the very bald & perished tyres!
All coments and suggestions welcome please :)
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i liked it in its rusty state lol.
i've not long built a 500a but painted that in white.
have a mooch in the museum section.
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/v229/dordymush/redline%20500a/PIC_0626.jpg)
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Cheerd dordymush! You have made a lovely job of that bike!
Woudl your forks be the same as mine would have been?
I would like to get some replacements that are right, or as close to as possible
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The chainstays on your frame look like those on a DP Firebird. ???
Have a look in the museum at Firebirds one & at his excellent website. http://www.dpfirebird.co.uk/#/firebird/4531782089
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Agreed, it does look like it's a DP Firebird frame ???
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Dude, don't wanna rain on your parade or be the bearer of bad news but that isn't a Redline 600a Frame & Forks ya have there.
Check out the dropouts on the Frame and the forks against Dordy's white one.... waaaaay different :-\
Have a mooch through the museum buddy and see if ya can find out what ya have man :daumenhoch:
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If my eyes aren't playing tricks on me, it has a flat brake bridge on it aswell,
So as said before it's not a Redline
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Thats deffo a bird mate :daumenhoch:
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Cheekythirtysix - thanks for the info - I did notice that the chainstays were different to the 500a but assumed different models, different frames!
I have had a look in the "Museum" and it isnt the same as nosnod's - which says it is a Series 3, 600a
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/b389/nosnod/DSCN0909.jpg)
I wonder what it is then?? Any help with identification would be very greatfully recieved :)
It is odd though, because the bike is definately 80's, which I am pleased with, as I have known of it as it is since at least 1987! I guess someone bought the frame & stuck stickers on it?
Now, I would definately likt to try and find out what it is, and get it back to looking as it was - HELP!! :)
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If my eyes aren't playing tricks on me, it has a flat brake bridge on it aswell
Yeah, the rear brake bridge is flat
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I wonder what it is then?? Any help with identification would be very greatfully recieved :)
It is odd though, because the bike is definately 80's, which I am pleased with, as I have known of it as it is since at least 1987! I guess someone bought the frame & stuck stickers on it?
Now, I would definately likt to try and find out what it is, and get it back to looking as it was - HELP!! :)
I'm 99.99% sure it's a DP Firebird :daumenhoch:
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Looks to be a DP Firebird as mentioned above ^^ , shown here ... http://www.radbmx.co.uk/forum/index.php'topic=53.0
Not the Freestyler .
Del or Steve ( username Firebird ) might be able to help with the gold decals ;)
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I have to agree - It does look to be a DP Firebird, but there are an aweful lot of bikes with the twin top-tube?
Is it a bad thing (he says , knowing nothing about these things) that it's a DP Firebird? albeit masquerading for all these years as a Redline?
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I have to agree - It does look to be a DP Firebird, but there are an aweful lot of bikes with the twin top-tube?
Is it a bad thing (he says , knowing nothing about these things) that it's a DP Firebird? albeit masquerading for all these years as a Redline?
Twin toptube is the freestyler ;)
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I have just found this site:
http://www.dpfirebird.co.uk/#/dp-frames/4531639557
So I shall have a look over tonight (with the frame in front of me) and see if I can find out!
Any more assistance would be appreciated, and also your thoughts on what to do with it would also be appreciated :)
Cheers guys for all your help so far
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If you look under here: http://www.dpfirebird.co.uk/#/firebird/4543954486
:daumenhoch:
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Agreed - It certainly does look like a DP Firebird
ADMINS **Can we get the subject title change please??**
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Glad my Boss can't see my PC!! LOL
Looking over the DP Firebird site it looks like it is a DP Firebird Mk2 (frame drop outs, brake bar's etc) - A HUGE thanks to all you guys that have pointed it out!
So, the forks are wrong - any ideas on where to get some of these? (there is a set on e-bay that arent as the ones on the DPF site)
It looks like I can get a sticker set for it (from the DPFirebird site)
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yep deffo DP mate, and i wouldnt be too dissapointed its not a redline you still have a top draw british built race frame there bud,get some decals of firebird steve job done :daumenhoch:
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Glad my Boss can't see my PC!! LOL
Looking over the DP Firebird site it looks like it is a DP Firebird Mk2 (frame drop outs, brake bar's etc) - A HUGE thanks to all you guys that have pointed it out!
So, the forks are wrong - any ideas on where to get some of these? (there is a set on e-bay that arent as the ones on the DPF site)
It looks like I can get a sticker set for it (from the DPFirebird site)
The DP website is run by Steve ( I mentioned earlier ) whose username on here is Firebird ;) , a good lad .
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Cheers all - I shall get in touch with Steve (AKA Firebird) and see what we can get sorted
At least I can take off those worn out Redline stickers without worry now :D
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the forks dont look out of place on that it may be possible to get the thread re'worked at an engineers for peanuts,dp forks i like hens teeth to get hold of without paying silly money :daumenhoch:
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the forks dont look out of place on that it may be possible to get the thread re'worked at an engineers for peanuts,dp forks i like hens teeth to get hold of without paying silly money :daumenhoch:
Thanks Rick - I have just PM'd Steve to see how he can assist too - and look at what else may be right or wrong with it. I know all the parts must be of similar age because of how long i have know about the bike.
The problem with the firks is that there is no thread left for a band about 3mm wide around the middle of the threaded section. Bar, welding a ring round the forks then re-cuting the thread I don't think much can be done. I need to mock the frame back up again to see if I can space up the headset to miss the damaged thread
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yep deffo DP mate, and i wouldnt be too dissapointed its not a redline you still have a top draw british built race frame there bud,get some decals of firebird steve job done :daumenhoch:
Chers buddy - I didn't notice this reply 'till just now - I am glad it is well worth saving! :D
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nice poject mate - DP it is... :smitten:
as for the pc, be careful IT SUPPORT is always watching - Unless you are the IT SUPPORT then crack on. :2funny:
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:as for the pc, be careful IT SUPPORT is always watching - Unless you are the IT SUPPORT then crack on. :2funny:
Small family business (not my family) so access is pretty unrestricted (as long as no viruses get in then it's all good!) and they dont see what you are looking at ;) it's even better!!
a HUGE thank you to all those on here that have changed my mind about my BMX and I am now starting on the slipery slope of Resto'ing a DP (not a Redline!)
I still think that I got it at a bargain price! even though I did think I was buying a Redline! I wonder what the guy will say when he finds out it wasnt a Redline after all these years!
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lol i looked at the rear stays after and thought that aint no redline ;D.
proberly less of them dp's about than redlines so still a nice find :daumenhoch:
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Right, well I got home, and with soe of the remaining light I managed to get some shots of the frame and most all of the components I have for the bike!
Some of the frame
(http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/3220/dp017.jpg)
(http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/8508/dp016.jpg)
(http://img852.imageshack.us/img852/5815/dp015.jpg)
(http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/5065/dp014.jpg)
(http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/9650/dp013.jpg)
The handle Bars - which want either replacement or a re-chrome
(http://img806.imageshack.us/img806/2024/dp010.jpg)
Brake Levers - which probably will get a W&D smooth out & a polish
(http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/892/dp022.jpg)
(http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/9351/dp023.jpg)
The Stem - Which again, will probably ger a W&D smooth out & a polish
(http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/5384/dp021.jpg)
(http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/8030/dp020.jpg)
Brakes - I don't know what make they are??
(http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/2923/dp019.jpg)
(http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/83/dp018.jpg)
Saddle - Again, I can't see a make
(http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/6692/dp009.jpg)
Star-X Mag wheels
(http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/7500/dp003.jpg)
(http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/4678/dp004.jpg)
(http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/7161/dp005.jpg)
(http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/1425/dp006.jpg)
(http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/8407/dp007.jpg)
ANd the rear hub
(http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/7217/dp008.jpg)
Last but not least - The Forks, which I don't know wha to do with & hope that you guys can help me out :)
(http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/1591/dp012f.jpg)
And here you can see the damaged thread
(http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/434/dp011.jpg)
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Right - So questions out to all you guys and girls!
What should I keep & what should I change to get this bike back to as it should be? Or are there no rules for this stuff??
Usable parts that I shall be keeping and re-using:
Frame - Obviously!
MX Brake levers
Rear & front brakes - MX (I think)
SR Stem (being polished at the moment)
Star-X Mag wheels (although I may ride it more regularly on spoked wheels)
Parts that I am therefore replacing:
Handlebars
Crank
Front chain wheel
Grips
Front forks
So, that leaves
The saddle
Seat Post
With all this in mind, what sorts of makes/manufacturers should I be looking for for parts?
What would have originally been on this bike from new in the way of forks, bars etc, etc?????
Excuse the, what to you guys, are probably silly questions, but I am looking for some guidance & pgoto's of what I should be looking for so I can start collecting parts
Cheers everyone :D
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This is mine, now with a straight seat post if its any insperation to you!
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/jj262/lambrettalee/014-1.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/jj262/lambrettalee/022.jpg)
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Thats really great stfc :)
Thanks! You have done a great job there!! :4_17_5:
I have a few questions (if I may)
Forks - are they the originals as far as you know? They look very similar to the damaged ones I have
Crank - Yours is one piece. Is the chain wheel 2 piece?
Headset - What did you use? period correct? or does this not matter too much. (i have the one from the bike, but a ball is missing, and the cages seem stretched)
Bars - Again, are these the original ones do you know? I have CW a-likes on there at the moment.
Thanks for the assistance
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Looking at it yours looks like a mk 2
the one I have posted is a mk1 Firebird ,the forks are Tange which are incorrect
Basically they were sold as a frame and fork set, so put some peroid parts on that YOU want on it.. I have a delta 2 so will post a picture of the correct forks for that model which are the same or similar ...
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(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/jj262/lambrettalee/004-3.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/jj262/lambrettalee/007-4.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/jj262/lambrettalee/006-4.jpg)
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Yeah, mine is a Mk2 - The photo's are a really great help! Thanks
Thanks for the ones of the forks too! That will help me out sourcing some similar looking ones :)
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Well, the weather was great today so I cracked out the polishing machine, wet & dry, coke, WD40 & tin foil and went over as many components of the bike as I could.
Have a gander at the photo's and let me know what you think so far :)
(http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/4849/img476311.jpg)
(http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/8249/img476411.jpg)
(http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/5158/img476511.jpg)
(http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/1585/img476611.jpg)
(http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/5156/img47691.jpg)
(http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/7884/img47711.jpg)
(http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/8870/img47741.jpg)
(http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/2365/img47721q.jpg)
it isn't 100% - but it will be a rider!
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Thats come up well.
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I would put some decent parts on it to do it justice, Thats a rare frame nowadays ...
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Cheers guys - stfc, what do you suggest?
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As a rider, leave it chrome or possibly powder coat it white ... add period parts that are good used rather than any new old stock parts, I personally love CW,s so stick with them or similar , I have a pair of genuine Cws powdered white but not mint if your interested , spoked wheels would look better imo , take your time ..
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Well the re-build is gathering a little momentum
I had a visit to see Firebird (Steve) from here yesterday and bought these little beauties
(http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/1764/img49211.jpg)
(http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/5848/img49261z.jpg)
(http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/8776/img49241.jpg)
Yes, probably the last NOS set of forks for the Firebird! :D - I am well pleased with them!
Oh, and they came with this
(http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/825/img49231.jpg)
NOS Tange mx2 headset :D :D
And now here they are - reunited at last!
(http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/2043/img49271.jpg)
This frame hasn't been with a set of these forks since the late 80's/early 90's!!
As you would imagine they fitted perfectly! :D :D :D
I would like to say a HUGE thank you to Steve for the forks, headset & Decals! REally great bloke!! Cheers
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I love those rear stays :daumenhoch:
Looking better and Steve is a nice lad too ;)
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Well, I have been very busy at work recently, but I had a few hours today to get the re-assembly of the old girls completed (all but tyres which I am waiting for), so here are some photo's of how she looks now.
(http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/2372/img494711.jpg)
(http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/4982/img494611.jpg)
(http://img813.imageshack.us/img813/9244/img494411.jpg)
(http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/7885/img494811.jpg)
So, what do you all think?? As my first real restoration of a BMX i am pretty pleased with the results. I know some of the parts arent "top dollar" but brakes, levers & the like have been on the bike since the mid 80's (which is why I have kept them)
I am also pleased with by home made, all stainless steel wheel adjusters that I polished to within an inck of their lives. Very easy to make, and look 10 times better than what I saw in the shops.
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That's excellent mate, very little now to finish her off!! :daumenhoch: 8)
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Well, tyres are now on. I took it out for a quick whiz around the garden last night.
What do you all think?
(http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/247367_10150200450976927_602616926_7659026_5979515_n.jpg)
(http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248774_10150200451011927_602616926_7659027_2051309_n.jpg)
(http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250467_10150200451061927_602616926_7659028_7571204_n.jpg)
(http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250036_10150200451106927_602616926_7659029_7927643_n.jpg)
(http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/260405_10150200451146927_602616926_7659030_206742_n.jpg)
(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249525_10150200451186927_602616926_7659031_2447449_n.jpg)
(http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/260465_10150200451221927_602616926_7659032_2013246_n.jpg)
(http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/252460_10150200451271927_602616926_7659033_5524905_n.jpg)
(http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249669_10150200451311927_602616926_7659034_1931889_n.jpg)
(http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248797_10150200451346927_602616926_7659035_142838_n.jpg)
(http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247363_10150200451436927_602616926_7659036_809273_n.jpg)
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:smitten: :smitten: :daumenhoch: Love the Bike :daumenhoch: :smitten: :smitten:
I think the seat guts are around the wrong way or the seat post looks strange?? Dont know and cant put my finger on it
All the same a lovely restore :4_17_5:
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dude fook that seat post off :-\.
ruins ya bike.
it must be stressing your seat tube something mad.
just a normal straight post will look a million times better :daumenhoch:.
its come out cracking compared to what you started with.
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Good end result :daumenhoch: , gotta agree with dordy though about the seatpost ^^^^ , looks shocking and might crack the frame I reckons ;)
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:shocked:
I thought that was my old DP when I first saw it!. BITD I put the very same Redline decals on my DP until Dave Park pulled me over at Wigan three sisters and asked (very politely) why I had put Redline decals on HIS frame!! I was so embarassed and could'nt say " cos it looks a bit like a Redline and that is cooler". It was a great bike and I rue the day that I got rid of it.
:LolLolLolLol: ahhh it takes me back.
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dude fook that seat post off :-\.
ruins ya bike.
it must be stressing your seat tube something mad.
just a normal straight post will look a million times better :daumenhoch:.
its come out cracking compared to what you started with.
I do kinda like the cranked seatpost - but i can see what you mean about it stressing the frame. I shall see what I can find in the way of a straight post and swap it over. I also liked the feel of riding with that post because it adds a bit more length to the bike (and being 6'1" tall feels better).
I would rather be a little cramped riding that bust the frame though
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Well, I have found myself an ACE seatpost - It has a short section on the top TIG welded to give it a "laid back" appearance - I guess it is worth cutting this off? or will I de-value something worth a few quid by doing that?