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Technical & Reference Section => Tech and Restoration => Topic started by: bruggers100 on April 09, 2011, 09:08 PM

Title: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler - Decals Added - Page 1!
Post by: bruggers100 on April 09, 2011, 09:08 PM
Decals added - Thanks Del. Some after shots added to the beginning of the post.

I used to own a Curtis Freestyler that got through in a skip by some girls I used to live with at University one summer when I was away !  Was not a happy bunny.

This has taken me about two years to build due to funds and focus.  I plan to give this to my son when he is old enough.  In terms of the build it may not be to everyone's taste but I set out to do somthing that was in line with what I would have done if I had the funds when I was young (I would have kept the bike and added to it as and when i could).  Please note that the only vintage parts are the frame and forks.

Its been a learning curve to say the least, and I have had some great guidance via the forum.  The forks have been cut down at some point, which has caused issues with running the gyro but I have worked around it and everything appears to be all good at the moment. Ideally i would like to source some new forks at some point but they seem to be very rare.

Parts:

Frame and Forks: 1984 Curtis Freestyler (sourced through RAD two years ago - Cheers Dan Dare)
Bars: GT mid school (sourced through RAD)
Grips:  ODI Toadstool (thought they would be like old school mushrooms - They're not !)
Headset: Nikyo
Gyro 2
Stem: No brand - generic stem sourced through ebay
Brakes: Modern day dia compe (nippon style)
Levers: NOS Tech 77
Crank: 180 Twin pinch Redline Flights (Thanks JT)
Spider and chainwheel: Yes 44t (sourced from RAD cheers snav69)
Chain: YBN
Pedals: Wellgo V12 copies
Wheelset: Alex G303 rims, GT hubs, and Main Drive freewheel - Cheers Gish
Tyres: Kenda whitewalls (new)
Seat and Seatpost: Elina UL
Seat Clamp (non branded)

I have some clear black decals lying around somewhere but I haven't put these on as the chrome freestylers have black and gold decals.  I may purchase these later on but i am liking the bare look at the moment.

Anyway, here are some pics:

(http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n590/bruggers100/CurtisApril2011008.jpg)

(http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n590/bruggers100/CurtisApril2011010.jpg)

(http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n590/bruggers100/CurtisApril2011011.jpg)

(http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n590/bruggers100/CurtisApril2011012.jpg)

(http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n590/bruggers100/CurtisApril2011005.jpg)

(http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n590/bruggers100/Curtis009.jpg)

(http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n590/bruggers100/Curtis004.jpg)

(http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n590/bruggers100/Curtis001.jpg)
Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler !
Post by: bodamus on April 09, 2011, 09:13 PM
Sweet gotta love a Curtis miss mine :'(
Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler !
Post by: Pooch on April 09, 2011, 10:24 PM
Looks lovely mate... ;)
Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler !
Post by: Rodgy1970 on April 09, 2011, 10:49 PM
Great build  :daumenhoch:

Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler !
Post by: dordymush on April 10, 2011, 12:47 PM
nice and shiney  8)
a nice set of stickers will finish it off a treat.
del will have em i bet.
Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler !
Post by: brettypeeps on April 10, 2011, 12:53 PM
Great mix of new and old school  :daumenhoch:  I think decals would finish it.  :4_17_5:
Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler !
Post by: john4130 on April 10, 2011, 06:53 PM
i hope you gave the girls you lived with a proper seeing to.  >:D
Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler !
Post by: Gashead on April 10, 2011, 07:20 PM
Ya gotta love a Curtis  :4_17_5:



That's bling  :4_17_5:


And just for Ian  :P


(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/g243/gashead69/CURTIS/GottaloveaCurtis018.jpg)
Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler !
Post by: bruggers100 on April 10, 2011, 07:53 PM
I think I have just cum in my pants !! They are beauties.

Thanks for the comments and glad you like it. 

I am starting to come round to the decals thing. Do I go with clear and black which suits the overall style of the bike or for black and gold as per OEM.  Umm, I'll have to have a think.

Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler !
Post by: Gashead on April 10, 2011, 08:01 PM
In that case ............................



Mr Curtis  :daumenhoch:

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/g243/gashead69/BrianCurtis027.jpg)

My babies :smitten:

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/g243/gashead69/CustomCurtis020.jpg)

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/g243/gashead69/MKCurtis002.jpg)

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/g243/gashead69/MKCurtis039.jpg)

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/g243/gashead69/MKCurtis030.jpg)

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/g243/gashead69/MKCurtis048.jpg)




I'd go black and clear  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler !
Post by: bruggers100 on April 10, 2011, 08:28 PM
this is all too much redtube!
the clear and black just looks right doesn't it. will ponder
Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler !
Post by: bodamus on April 10, 2011, 08:38 PM
Luvly :smitten:
Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler !
Post by: curtispro on April 10, 2011, 09:44 PM
Great build :4_17_5: I would go with the clear black decals, and here is another one for ya! (any excuse)  :LolLolLolLol:

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/xx207/curtispro1/009.jpg)
Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler !
Post by: BMX1973 on April 10, 2011, 09:49 PM
loving the curtis bikes  :smitten:


were these 4130 frames?
Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler !
Post by: RichG41 on April 10, 2011, 09:51 PM
I've got an original 1983 chrome freestyler and it came with black clear decals so the ones you have would look great.  :)




 
Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler !
Post by: curtispro on April 10, 2011, 09:55 PM
loving the curtis bikes  :smitten:


were these 4130 frames?

T45 tubes  :4_17_5: super light.
Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler !
Post by: GTnumber1 on April 10, 2011, 10:33 PM
thats pimping mate  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler !
Post by: griff on April 11, 2011, 01:52 AM
very nice and one very lucky son  :daumenhoch:
now all you need is 'just one more' bmx so you can go for a roll together  ;)
Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler !
Post by: bruggers100 on April 11, 2011, 08:17 AM
I wonder if he will be fickle and want something new. Dad can then roll out the Curtis  >:D

Failing that, a chrome expert or pro and I would be in heaven.
Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler !
Post by: mark 2 on April 11, 2011, 10:53 AM
Never had a Curtis, not that arsed about building more bikes but I feel like I've got unfinished business with a few and a Curtis Freestyler's one of them. . Lovely chrome on yours.  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler !
Post by: bruggers100 on April 11, 2011, 08:11 PM
Never had a Curtis, not that arsed about building more bikes but I feel like I've got unfinished business with a few and a Curtis Freestyler's one of them. . Lovely chrome on yours.  :daumenhoch:

cheers. the chrome was very good when i got it.  thats one of the reasons for getting it when i did. its not perfect but certainly fantastic for its age. i was assured its not been rechromed and looking at the bottom where the bb sits it still has original knurled like finish which indicates original chrome.
Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler !
Post by: mark 2 on April 11, 2011, 09:28 PM
There's no way you'd get a decent re-chrome job on that frame. It's too complicated to perform the polishing of those tubes in it's welded (or brazed rather) state.  Or it'd take a daft amount of time, dremmel sized mops and money to do. Costs £30p/h for just polishing who I use.
Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler !
Post by: bruggers100 on April 11, 2011, 09:49 PM
There's no way you'd get a decent re-chrome job on that frame. It's too complicated to perform the polishing of those tubes in it's welded (or brazed rather) state.  Or it'd take a daft amount of time, dremmel sized mops and money to do. Costs £30p/h for just polishing who I use.

you've made me a happy  man. dry storage  and love and affection for the old girl!
Title: Re: 1st and Last Build - Curtis Freestyler - Decals Added - Page 1!
Post by: bruggers100 on April 25, 2011, 11:26 AM
Bumped for decals being added.
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