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Mid School BMX (>87) 1989 to 2003 (<05) => Mid School ( Keep the faith ) => Topic started by: midschooljon on February 20, 2016, 10:20 PM

Title: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: midschooljon on February 20, 2016, 10:20 PM
With the Reynolds now finished Im getting stuck into this build. Those who follow my instagram will have seen a few pics of this already but I thought Id start a thread here as a lot of members dont seem to be on Instagram.

I had my eye out for a Morales for a while before I picked this one up. I really wanted a first gen with the small rounded read dropouts. The later ones with the big dropouts never looked as nice to me, so after almost giving up (and passing out at the prices Morales seemed to be changing hands at) I managed to get this one more than a year after I first started looking. The paint is really rough but under the paint everything is perfect. After getting it I went over it with a fine tooth comb and there isnt a single dent, crack or grind mark on it which was a relief.

Anyway, its now sitting at SBD's waiting for a fresh coat of black paint. I have collected a few parts for it already and will take some pics of them as I update the thread. The plan is to build it up as a really early 90's build inspired by the likes of Edgar Plascencia and Richard Zabzdyr. For now here it is as I received it.

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_4137.jpg) 

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_4138.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_4139.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_4140.jpg)
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: skidmark on February 20, 2016, 10:59 PM
Glad you finally found one Jon.  These look nice in black, look forward to seeing it  :popcorn:
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: gary4130 on February 20, 2016, 11:49 PM
looking forward to seeing this built john  8)
what forks/bars are going on it ?
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: midschooljon on February 21, 2016, 08:35 AM
looking forward to seeing this built john  8)
what forks/bars are going on it ?

I have some 1 inch kore forks for it. You can see them on the work bench behind the frame in the first pic. I have actually been slowly collecting parts for the bike long before the frame, so luckily I have most of what I need. Just a few things like pegs, seat, pedals, and grips to track down now.  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: gary4130 on February 21, 2016, 08:42 AM
ahh,i can see them now-is that a reaction mega brake on there too?
was goinhg to mention i had a set of kore forks if needed.
a set of graveyard bars would look awsome on there
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: OllyHall on February 21, 2016, 09:00 AM
I wish I didn't sell my chain reaction boa now :( nice build Jon looking good!
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: midschooljon on February 21, 2016, 09:03 AM
ahh,i can see them now-is that a reaction mega brake on there too?
was goinhg to mention i had a set of kore forks if needed.
a set of graveyard bars would look awsome on there

Yes thats a Mega Brake. To be honest I was planning to run a Nippon on the front, but as the forks were drilled for this brake Im going to stick with it. I also have some Graveyard OG bars to go on and a Graveyard 28t sprocket.  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: OllyHall on February 21, 2016, 09:08 AM
You can still run a Nippon Jon just needs a spacer tube for the forks
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: OllyHall on February 21, 2016, 09:08 AM
Or a captive nut that slides in the forks, which is nicer on ya foot when you do tail whips lol
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: kayla on February 21, 2016, 03:39 PM
Nice! I really wanted one of these BITD.
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: midschooljon on February 21, 2016, 07:58 PM
I have been busy sorting out bits and pieces for the build while its off getting painted. I really wanted radial spoked Peregrines for this bike and thanks to no less than 4 people I managed to get these built. You all know who you are so thanks for the help! The Nankai shell was donated by a very kind fellow in Australia who saw my wanted request on Instagram. :daumenhoch:

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_4157.jpg)

I also got these bars off of Jaymz a little while back and decided to hold on to them for the day when I got an early Morales.

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_4225.jpg)

Strangely Im also genuinely excited to be building a bike with a 1pc crank for a change.  :LolLolLolLol: I hated 1pc back in the day but they just look so right on flatland bikes from the early 90's. These are 165s so should give clearance with the Kore fork.

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_4224.jpg)

Will dig some more bits out during the week and update the thread.
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: ED209 on February 21, 2016, 10:17 PM
Who did you get those lovely tyres off eh??????  :angel:

oh and Olly... whats a Chain Reaction Boa  ;D
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: Jaymz on February 22, 2016, 09:35 AM
Warming up to be a great build Jon
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: midschooljon on February 22, 2016, 08:14 PM
Who did you get those lovely tyres off eh??????  :angel:

Its a secret Ed. :whistle:
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: chubby on February 24, 2016, 10:12 PM
Looks Ace Jon, nice collection of bits n bobs aswell  :smitten:
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: outriding on March 05, 2016, 11:20 PM
looking good so far  :slayer:
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: midschooljon on March 06, 2016, 06:20 PM
It always feels like Christmas when SBD sends you pics.  :smitten:

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/12825427_1694142687468600_1205082292_n.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/12270086_1694142674135268_408535654_n.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/12803982_1694142667468602_1882319833_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: OllyHall on March 06, 2016, 06:40 PM
Looking good mate
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: ED209 on March 07, 2016, 08:24 AM
can you smuggle this into the new Madame Tussauds Star Wars sets for the finished pictures Jon ... I'd love to see Vader holding this :-)

 :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: midschooljon on March 12, 2016, 11:24 PM
Bike is Back from SBD and I made a little progress with getting it back together. As always Dan's work is faultless. What was a really rough looking frame now looks virtually NOS. Its been said a million times but Dar really is the only place to send bikes to get painted.  :daumenhoch:

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_4351.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/FullSizeRender.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_4353.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_4349.jpg)
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: griff on March 13, 2016, 07:33 AM
Shaping up very nicely Jon  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: gary4130 on March 13, 2016, 08:56 AM
very,very  8)
 :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: fugazi on March 13, 2016, 04:33 PM
That looks so good  :daumenhoch: Spot on with the chrome front end!
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: midschooljon on March 13, 2016, 05:22 PM
Cheers for the compliments folks. Got a bit more done today. Cranks are now on and all the brakes are in place. Only issue I have is that I dont have brake pads for the 990, so haven't been able to dial them in properly. I did manage to shorten the upper cable with a DC 990 knarp, so its all set up and ready to go when I find some pads.

I was also luck to get hold of a genuine decal set from the US so started sticking that on as well. Just need to track down the last few bits to get it finished off. Really struggling to find the right pegs but something will turn up eventually.

pics of the progress so far.

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_4363.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_4375.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_4371.jpg)

Trimmed down the upper cable by about 3 inches and it now works much better with the Graveyard bars.

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_4373.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_4374.jpg)

Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: flatpro on March 15, 2016, 08:00 AM
 :daumenhoch: looks great so far.
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: ED209 on March 15, 2016, 08:23 AM
looking dope  :smitten:

a Morales is the only other frame I'ver ever been tempted by  :4_17_5: other than a Zima & WaL... I've done too many Sports ha
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: chubby on March 15, 2016, 05:12 PM
looking dope  :smitten:

a Morales is the only other frame I'ver ever been tempted by  :4_17_5: other than a Zima & WaL... I've done too many Sports ha

Had your chance  :yahoo_silent:
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: chubby on March 15, 2016, 05:20 PM
You gonna resto them bits Jon ???
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: midschooljon on March 15, 2016, 09:45 PM
You gonna resto them bits Jon ???

Nope. I repainted the frame as it was too far gone, but everything else is staying as found.  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: poolysheriff on March 16, 2016, 09:04 PM
I love those frame sets  :4_17_5:
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: ED209 on March 22, 2016, 03:15 PM
[attachment=1]
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: McQUEEN on March 22, 2016, 04:32 PM
great build thread. I was out of bmx when these bikes were new, but really love the look of this.
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: midschooljon on March 22, 2016, 08:05 PM
Love that little news clip Ed.  :smitten: As many of you know Im really passionate about the early 90-94 mid school era, when bikes and riding transformed from the goofy full factory race kit freestylers into really raw DIY bikes and riding. That little news clip really sums up that shift in attitude for me. Jesse always rode rad bike, really low and completely different to the tall east coast / plywood hoods style flatland builds. This build of mine is heavily influenced by the west coast flatland fugitive crew that jesse was a part of.

My bike definitely isn't a tribute build, but is definitely influenced by the bikes those guys rode.

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/moraleshistory1.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/moraleshistory2.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/moraleshistory3.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/moraleshistory4.jpg)
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: midschooljon on April 02, 2016, 08:04 PM
After buying buying way too many odd sets of pegs for this bike I finally landed a set of Standard Grenades today that will make up a set of 4 for this bike. All I need now are a nice set of GT DX pedals and its done. If anyone has a set knocking about that still has all their pins please let me know.  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: outriding on April 20, 2016, 02:23 PM
Black & Chrome looks real nice, I would get rid of the white 990 and use a polished one.

What kind of hand grenades did you get? Steel or aluminum?
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: 20to26 on April 20, 2016, 06:44 PM
Purdy Schweet Jon!
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: midschooljon on April 23, 2016, 08:19 PM
Finally got this finished today. Will get some pics tomorrow if the weather holds out.

Black & Chrome looks real nice, I would get rid of the white 990 and use a polished one.

What kind of hand grenades did you get? Steel or aluminum?

Sticking with the white. I have silver and black on all my other builds.

I have steel pegs front and rear.

 :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Winter Project 2 - 94 Morales Flatland build.
Post by: midschooljon on April 24, 2016, 09:49 PM
After driving to the spot to take pics I got out the car and realised I had left the camera at home.   :uglystupid2:  :LolLolLolLol:

A long round trip later here are some snaps, although my patience and humour were long gone by the time I finally started snapping. Thanks to all the radsters who helped out with the build, you all know who you are.  :daumenhoch: A special shout out needs to go to Ed, who helped me find a few bits that really made the build for me. He even sent me a set of white 990 pads that I had been hunting for at no charge. Little stuff like that makes or breaks a bike for me and without his help a few items like that wouldn't have been on this bike.

Full spec is as follows:
Frame: 94 Morales Flatland
Fork: Kore Zero offset
Bars: Graveyard OG (no sweep)
Headset: Tioga beartrap
Stem: Wilkerson Airlines Inverted
Gyro: Odyssey Gyro (1st gen)
Levers: Dia Compe Tech 77 (Japan Stamped)
Front Brake: Rob Ridge Mega Brake. (Boa converted to run on sealed bearings)
Rear Brake: AD 990
Girps: ODI Attack with flanges cut off
Seat Clamp: Kore
Seat Post: Generic alloy post
Seat: GT freestyle
Cranks: 165mm one piece
Sprocket: Graveyard 28t
Pedals: GT DX pedals
Chain: Izumi
Wheels: Peregrine Super Pro with Graveyard hardware and Nankai coaster
Tyres: ACS RL edge 20x1.75
Pegs: Standard Grenades

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/morales-bmx-94-front-quarter.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/morales-bmx-94-front-quarter-3.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/morales-bmx-94-rear-quarter.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/morales-bmx-94-rob-ridge-mega-brake-kore-forks.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/morales-bmx-94-front-detail.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/morales-bmx-94-dia-compe-ad990.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/morales-bmx-graveyard-sprocket2.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/morales-bmx-94-gt-viscount-seat.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/morales-bmx-94-ODI-grips-bar-end.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/morales-bmx-94-graveyard-bars-odyssey-gyro.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/morales-bmx-nankai-peregrine-wheel.jpg)

(http://www.sirmerlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/morales-bmx-94-left-side-view.jpg)
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: OrgasmDonor on April 24, 2016, 10:00 PM
Cool as fook  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: Blacky on April 24, 2016, 10:29 PM
Beautiful
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: deeman on April 24, 2016, 10:35 PM
Lovely, and great location  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: Gary72 on April 24, 2016, 10:59 PM
Fantastic build and location just seems perfect :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: CustardLips on April 25, 2016, 01:18 AM
Great build, great pics, great location... awesome effort yet again Jon.  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: insectbones on April 25, 2016, 07:21 AM
I always look forward to the 'finished' shots of your bikes Jon, they are great  :daumenhoch:

Another cracking build  :coolsmiley:
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: kayla on April 25, 2016, 11:21 AM
That's awesome :D
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: ED209 on April 25, 2016, 11:37 AM
AAB ( Another Amazing Build )  :slayer:

my pleasure to play a small part in getting it done ... I'll try and find you some white pads for the front now :-)

 fistblump explosion fistblump
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: RBT84 on April 25, 2016, 12:19 PM
Awesome, Looks spot on.
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: pickle on April 25, 2016, 03:12 PM
Superb Jon and amazing pictures as usual  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: midschooljon on April 25, 2016, 08:41 PM
Cheers for the kind words folks. Now on to the next one...
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: ED209 on April 25, 2016, 09:27 PM
you need to build a Zima Jon  :)
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: midschooljon on April 25, 2016, 10:19 PM
you need to build a Zima Jon  :)

Would love to Ed but not going to be able to with them changing hands at the prices they are going at.
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: oldscool on April 26, 2016, 10:54 AM
That looks proper sweet a friend of mine had a purple coated one.
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: paradigm on April 27, 2016, 10:37 AM
That is spot on, love it
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: jonnydiezel on April 27, 2016, 11:36 AM
love it, more so because of the beat up levers  :)
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: ED209 on April 27, 2016, 12:46 PM
you need to build a Zima Jon  :)

Would love to Ed but not going to be able to with them changing hands at the prices they are going at.

well ... you have point. My reply is ... sell something  ;D
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: Robbo on April 29, 2016, 08:42 PM
That is amazing, top job Jon!
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: Jaymz on April 29, 2016, 09:18 PM
Cracking Jon. The opc was a great choice. I'm proud to have helped this build along.. It's stunning.
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: midschooljon on April 30, 2016, 08:56 AM
Cracking Jon. The opc was a great choice. I'm proud to have helped this build along.. It's stunning.

It was buying the bars that kicked off the whole build.  :LolLolLolLol:
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: gary4130 on May 01, 2016, 08:49 AM
fantastic bike jon  :4_17_5:
man ,love those wheels  :smitten:bet they took a while to get
like the fact that the parts are left with a few scuffs/marks on them  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: midschooljon on May 01, 2016, 09:37 AM
fantastic bike jon  :4_17_5:
man ,love those wheels  :smitten:bet they took a while to get
like the fact that the parts are left with a few scuffs/marks on them  :daumenhoch:

Yes the wheels were an interesting one to get built. Dan Harris was a big help in getting them started but a guy in Australia very kindly sent me the coaster shell free of charge after spotting my build on instagram. I had to hunt down a few bits and pieces to get them finished, and have spokes custom cut, but it all worked out in the end.  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 94 Morales Flatland build. Now Finished.
Post by: outriding on May 23, 2016, 11:38 PM
Turned out really great!
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