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Old School BMX 1980 - 1988 => Old School Race (riders ready, pedals ready... GO!!) => Topic started by: Gnarlyscoots on May 05, 2015, 02:19 PM

Title: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: Gnarlyscoots on May 05, 2015, 02:19 PM
Hi guys.

I picked this frame set up last year after seeing it come up for sale on another forum. I loved the 'survivor' look of it and the fact it was original and had the original decals, I wanted to 'rescue' it and stop it from being stripped. It is a chrome Akisu stamped frame and fork, the same frame used by MT for the Superfox, and has a red superchrome covering and Lotus branded decals. It is 100% chromoly and is really quite light. I bought it from the original owner who had it hanging in his garage for the past 15 years or so.

I had found most of the parts I wanted to build it with but, I am space restricted, so had it up for sale in parts a few months ago. A couple of people pm'd me on this site and a few on Facebook saying they would like to see it built before I sold it. I had a couple of things still to find and had the wheels to build, but decided to finish what I actually started.

The Frame and Fork....

(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/1_zpsvipiq1wq.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/1_zpsvipiq1wq.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/4_zpstmbyrctn.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/4_zpstmbyrctn.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/9_zps0d5x2sud.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/9_zps0d5x2sud.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/8_zpsjrabuedv.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/8_zpsjrabuedv.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/3_zpsotjiifeh.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/3_zpsotjiifeh.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/2_zpsssjutmsw.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/2_zpsssjutmsw.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/7_zps3y6ee3ei.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/7_zps3y6ee3ei.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/6_zps82y1ibe8.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/6_zps82y1ibe8.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/5_zpsx9wvz3hh.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/5_zpsx9wvz3hh.jpg.html)

I picked the seat clamp and headlock up from a member on this site and had a genuine used Tioga Beartrap II headset at hand. I also had a very used Cal-Lite padset which would suit this build....

(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/12_zps6u8qzwrp.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/12_zps6u8qzwrp.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/11_zpspinfsjbq.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/11_zpspinfsjbq.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/10_zpscirgxygf.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/10_zpscirgxygf.jpg.html)

I managed to source a good used wheel set, black Z rims and red High Flange ACS hubs. The spokes were rotten and very loose, so sadly had to be replaced....

(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_165002_zps5efnnvla.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_165002_zps5efnnvla.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/20150326_134044_zps2uubwtff.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/20150326_134044_zps2uubwtff.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_165135_zpsqx6afrev.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_165135_zpsqx6afrev.jpg.html)

I then changed my mind with the seat clamp after picking up the Z rims, deciding to get as many parts from ACS that I could, that would suit this build, in keeping with the early 80's era. This included the pedals, seat clamp and stem....

(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_164822_zpspqju0b4x.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_164822_zpspqju0b4x.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_165053_zpslxnkc7ac.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_165053_zpslxnkc7ac.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_165100_zpsdgvyidtt.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_165100_zpsdgvyidtt.jpg.html)

A few other items I picked up for the build, and some I had laying around....

(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/14_zpsx6ycyk3w.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/14_zpsx6ycyk3w.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/20150326_152609_zpspvd1mtpa.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/20150326_152609_zpspvd1mtpa.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/20150326_152601_zpsslvj8dhb.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/20150326_152601_zpsslvj8dhb.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_165046_zpstcu79qpp.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_165046_zpstcu79qpp.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_164917_zpsgpwogqre.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_164917_zpsgpwogqre.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_164832_zpswidoblqb.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_164832_zpswidoblqb.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_164905_zpslhjqzpa8.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_164905_zpslhjqzpa8.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_164841_zpsgqrrvsqi.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_164841_zpsgqrrvsqi.jpg.html)

Ariake Jaguar seat, dated 1979, original Oakley decals came on it....

(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_165022_zpstqcfb47z.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_165022_zpstqcfb47z.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_165034_zpsnp0x0c9z.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/20150310_165034_zpsnp0x0c9z.jpg.html)

SR stamped bars to match the SR OPC....

(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/20141003_140012_zpsubninvll.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/20141003_140012_zpsubninvll.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/20141003_140108_zpsdnw1gmvd.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/20141003_140108_zpsdnw1gmvd.jpg.html)

and a pre build picture....

(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/13_zps6jecdiay.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/13_zps6jecdiay.jpg.html)




Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: Gnarlyscoots on May 05, 2015, 02:26 PM
I got the wheels built and was waiting on a brake lever to arrive. I also had a silver Tuf Neck disc, Tuf Neck chainring, and a used KMC chain kicking around that I decided to use on this bike.

(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/20150326_152419_zpslmwfh9fr.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/20150326_152419_zpslmwfh9fr.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: Gnarlyscoots on May 05, 2015, 02:30 PM
The lever arrived on Saturday which was just perfect in patina for this bike and I spent this morning building it  :daumenhoch:

I threw an old Zeronine plate and I am extremely happy with how it looks. Thanks for pushing me into building it Guys  :coolsmiley:

(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_120811_zps0nczibf2.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_120811_zps0nczibf2.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_120822_zpsdu3yimr3.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_120822_zpsdu3yimr3.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_120904_zpspefilb5m.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_120904_zpspefilb5m.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_120917_zpsmyisahds.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_120917_zpsmyisahds.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_120927_zpslfjb4et8.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_120927_zpslfjb4et8.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_120936_zps6y37sly3.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_120936_zps6y37sly3.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_120953_zpsmqeazd6s.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_120953_zpsmqeazd6s.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_121020_zpsxeneo6b4.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_121020_zpsxeneo6b4.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_121203_zpsn2sauk6x.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_121203_zpsn2sauk6x.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_121543_zpsgq9imsgj.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_121543_zpsgq9imsgj.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_121124_zpsglmoxsym.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_121124_zpsglmoxsym.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_121604_zpswlzx5w1y.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_121604_zpswlzx5w1y.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_121622_zpsb8npwlvk.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/Lotus%20Cobra/Built/20150505_121622_zpsb8npwlvk.jpg.html)

Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: CustardLips on May 05, 2015, 02:35 PM
Let's have a look at it then.  ???
Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: Gnarlyscoots on May 05, 2015, 02:39 PM
Let's have a look at it then.  ???
Give Photobucket the chance to upload bro  :D  ;D  I only started uploading about 3 hours ago  :crazy2:
Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: CustardLips on May 05, 2015, 02:54 PM
Looks the business that Terry... well worth building.  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: oldschoolace on May 05, 2015, 02:59 PM
Can be quite difficult getting a survivor build to look like a survivor when you are getting parts from all over the place but i think you nailed it there Terry
Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: kdw712 on May 05, 2015, 03:02 PM
nice build  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: Mikku on May 05, 2015, 03:18 PM
Another top build Terry! That finish on that frame was definitely worth saving albeit difficult to match up with other red parts but as said above, you nailed it! :daumenhoch:

One question: are the yellow numbers on the inside of the Z rim the date code, in which case, if I'm reading them properly, they'd be 12th April 1980?? Thanks!
Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: Gnarlyscoots on May 05, 2015, 05:18 PM
Thanks Guys. I am glad I put it together now  :daumenhoch:


One question: are the yellow numbers on the inside of the Z rim the date code, in which case, if I'm reading them properly, they'd be 12th April 1980?? Thanks!
It is the date code buddy but, coming from the US, and they always put the Month first, I would assume it is September 14/24th 1980. The hubs are stamped '80 too  :)
Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: Andy68 on May 05, 2015, 05:46 PM
I'm liking the look of that Terry tho I know f@@k all about them.  :daumenhoch:

Looks a bit rough tho bud, hope ya gonna get it powdered!!!!   :P   :LolLolLolLol:
Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: NORTY40 on May 05, 2015, 06:02 PM
Really like that Terry , looks like you have just pulled it off the street bitd  8) 

Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: Gnarlyscoots on May 05, 2015, 10:06 PM
Looks a bit rough tho bud, hope ya gonna get it powdered!!!!   :P   :LolLolLolLol:
Tart  :D   ;D



Really like that Terry , looks like you have just pulled it off the street bitd  8)
Thanks Joff  8)
Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: Andy68 on May 05, 2015, 10:16 PM
Looks a bit rough tho bud, hope ya gonna get it powdered!!!!   :P   :LolLolLolLol:
Tart  :D   ;D

 :LolLolLolLol:  The only thing tarty round here is that carpet queen stem!!! Get the fooker roughed up!!  :-*
Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: rodriguez on May 05, 2015, 10:19 PM
Cracking   :coolsmiley:
Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: Gnarlyscoots on May 05, 2015, 10:25 PM
:LolLolLolLol:  The only thing tarty round here is that carpet queen stem!!! Get the fooker roughed up!!  :-*
I know buddy. It was the only for sale at a reasonable price. There were worse condition ones on ebay for nearly twice the price  :crazy2:
Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: Andy68 on May 05, 2015, 10:49 PM
 :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: laidback on May 05, 2015, 11:22 PM
looks great :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: MartyC on May 06, 2015, 12:40 PM
I like that, very nice  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: dancetothedrummersbeat on May 07, 2015, 12:19 AM
Looks really authentic, like a proper survivor. Love the decals on it too!
Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: BMX1973 on May 08, 2015, 08:27 PM
Turned out nice  :)
Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: In2bmx on May 08, 2015, 08:41 PM
Very nice that Terry ..  :daumenhoch:

Like the decal on the seat , it's like what we did BITD ..
Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: kungfunky on May 08, 2015, 08:51 PM
Survivor builds are are where it's at for me right now, love this.
Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: markyp on May 13, 2015, 06:31 PM
that's a brilliant build,a proper bmx :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 1984 Lotus Cobra
Post by: oldscool on May 18, 2015, 12:04 PM
Nice to see a good survivor build  :daumenhoch:
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