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Technical & Reference Section => Tech and Restoration => Topic started by: phantom photon on July 10, 2006, 01:26 PM

Title: Firebird resto opinions please
Post by: phantom photon on July 10, 2006, 01:26 PM
Just about to start on this Firebird. The chrome is fairly pitted at the bottom bracket and rear brake bridge. The decal on the frame itself are pretty good and complete but the ones on the forks are knackered. The way I look at it I have 3 options:

1) Clean the frame up as best as possible with oxalic acid etc and leave decals as is (i.e. a survivor).
2) Get frame re-chromed - only problem is black and gold decals are not available to replace.
3) Get frame powdered in a yet to be decided colour and make up some custom decals and do a custom build.

Ideally I would like to get the frame back to original with original decals but realise that's not an option  :(

(http://www.maj.com/gallery/bodderick/Bikes/firebird_10-07.jpg)
Title: Re: Firebird resto opinions please
Post by: gmac on July 10, 2006, 02:13 PM
It's always an option, just depends how much you want to spend. You can get the decals reproduced, but would be expensive
Title: Re: Firebird resto opinions please
Post by: oberonspacefruit on July 10, 2006, 02:15 PM
survivor.

there are LOADS of re finished firebirds about.
Title: Re: Firebird resto opinions please
Post by: harris on July 10, 2006, 02:18 PM
leave it as it is put some genuine parts on that will do.
Title: Re: Firebird resto opinions please
Post by: Stodgy on July 10, 2006, 02:20 PM
Autosol, elbow grease and leave it original IMO. But you do what will make you happy - don't build for other people!

 :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Firebird resto opinions please
Post by: bodamus on July 10, 2006, 02:56 PM
I say clean and polish it up the best you can and build it up as a Survivor to the original spec. It's always nice to see something as it should be.

But at the end of the day you must do whatever makes you happiest.

From bodamus ;)
Title: Re: Firebird resto opinions please
Post by: Bananaman on July 10, 2006, 03:03 PM
I say clean and polish it up the best you can and build it up as a Survivor to the original spec. It's always nice to see something as it should be.

But at the end of the day you must do whatever makes you happiest.

From bodamus ;)

I second that, my Nora is original and gave me most pleasure once I had done it, polish away :daumenhoch:

Nice Delta, my old one is about three miles from here and can I get him to give it me back, can i fook :knuppel2:
Title: Re: Firebird resto opinions please
Post by: Mattdub on July 11, 2006, 10:58 AM
Survivor  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Firebird resto opinions please
Post by: aaronsat on July 11, 2006, 11:04 AM
Survivor for sure - But if you do get it re-chromed and get the stickers reproduced, let me know as would be happy to pay for some copies.... I had to settle for some red/black freestyler ones
Title: Re: Firebird resto opinions please
Post by: phantom photon on July 11, 2006, 11:33 AM
Thanks for the advice guys  :daumenhoch:
Will get the autosol out this weekend and give it a good rubbing.
Title: Re: Firebird resto opinions please
Post by: Preston Pirate on July 11, 2006, 11:47 AM
I think you're doing the right thing by keeping it in survivour condition but cleaning it up best you can. You'd be deleting the history of the frame if it was stripped and re-chromed etc.
Title: Re: Firebird resto opinions please
Post by: Dr Skyway on July 27, 2006, 04:13 PM
SNAP - Not sure how to build this one up, survivor or re-chrome which will hit the walett hard :'(

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/h168/hillburner/IMG_0052.jpg)

P.S. no it isn't the worlds largest BMX, they are kids chairs in the background ;D

Also got this one which i am not sure whether to re-build using top line stuff, or rebuild using whats on it. What do you guys reckon.

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/h168/hillburner/100_0140.jpg)

This bike hasn't been ridden for getting on to twenty years :(
Title: Re: Firebird resto opinions please
Post by: ronnie360 on July 27, 2006, 04:18 PM
i would build them how you both feel happest doing and like has been said they are for you not overs  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Firebird resto opinions please
Post by: pickle on July 27, 2006, 04:23 PM
I think the firebird would look great polished and done as a survivor.........but the freestyler? you should get rid of that to me!   :)

I want one!!   :smitten:
Title: Re: Firebird resto opinions please
Post by: P0LL0 on July 27, 2006, 04:33 PM
SNAP - Not sure how to build this one up, survivor or re-chrome which will hit the walett hard :'(

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/h168/hillburner/IMG_0052.jpg)

P.S. no it isn't the worlds largest BMX, they are kids chairs in the background ;D

Also got this one which i am not sure whether to re-build using top line stuff, or rebuild using whats on it. What do you guys reckon.

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/h168/hillburner/100_0140.jpg)

This bike hasn't been ridden for getting on to twenty years :(

Chrome frames always give great satisfaction once restored by your own fair hand, do your best as already said with elbow grease and much gusto.

As for that other white piece of sh!t i'd drive over it with a big 4x4 or a massive truck then throw it in the sea to happily dissolve over time.

Glad offer advice  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Firebird resto opinions please
Post by: Dr Skyway on July 27, 2006, 04:36 PM
 :LolLolLolLol: the handle bars are almost there. I originally swapped a quadangle frame for the freestyler F+F which my mate was selling for.............wait for it £14  :LolLolLolLol: stupid kids eh.
Title: Re: Firebird resto opinions please
Post by: selfpreservation on July 27, 2006, 08:12 PM

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/h168/hillburner/100_0140.jpg)


ill take the wheels at the right price   :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Firebird resto opinions please
Post by: phantom photon on July 30, 2006, 06:40 PM
Went for the suvivor option in the end ;)

From this:
(http://www.maj.com/gallery/bodderick/Bikes/firebird_ch_1.jpg)

To this:
(http://www.maj.com/gallery/bodderick/Bikes/firebird_july_06_1.jpg)
(http://www.maj.com/gallery/bodderick/Bikes/firebird_july_06_2.jpg)
(http://www.maj.com/gallery/bodderick/Bikes/firebird_july_06_3.jpg)
(http://www.maj.com/gallery/bodderick/Bikes/firebird_july_06_4.jpg)
(http://www.maj.com/gallery/bodderick/Bikes/firebird_july_06_5.jpg)

Quite happy with the end result  - would have liked to use a straight Renthal seat post but I was buggered if i could find one in red (could chop the bend off this one I suppose)  ::)
Title: Re: Firebird resto opinions please
Post by: slowpoke24 on July 30, 2006, 07:47 PM
Superb looking ride mate.........defo right decision made!!
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