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Vintage BMX pre - 1980 => Vintage Bikes => Topic started by: Tobesvw on November 02, 2022, 11:03 AM

Title: Pre-Serial PK Ripper. To weld or not to weld?
Post by: Tobesvw on November 02, 2022, 11:03 AM

Hi all, I'm new to the forum but hope I'm in the right place to ask a question about a pre-serial PK Ripper...

I've recently been helping my parents clear our their garage, and in there was a PK Ripper basically in bits (it was my step-brother's back in the day, not mine). The wheels/pedals etc were all in a cardboard box next to the frame. They've asked me to try and sell it so I have a few questions if you guys don't mind!

1. It has a small crack on the frame at the rear.  If I'm going to try and sell it, should I get that welded, or is it best in its original condition do you think?
2. Should I try and do a light restoration on the bike - i.e replace tyres etc and put it back together or is it just best to sell it as is for the next owner to do what they wanted with it?  I should imagine some of the parts are replacement to original.
3.  Do these have value and if so where's the best place to sell?  Is there any demand for these older bikes.  After a bit of research I think it's a 1979 bike as there is no serial number on it, but I'm far from an expert on this kind of thing.

I've (hopefully) attached some pics to show what I'm talking about  with the crack in the frame but have loads of others too if needed.

Basically any help/advice appreciated.

Thanks for looking guys.

Title: Re: Pre-Serial PK Ripper. To weld or not to weld?
Post by: Taipan on November 02, 2022, 04:18 PM

Hiya fella
I'm no expert on Rippers or any other make tbh lol but there are a few guys on here who are a font of knowledge on SE Rippers etc but unfortunately this site is not as busy as it was but have a look thru here and the museum part of here and you'll spot who is the expert on your particular bike.So if nobody comes along to answer try messaging them thru here you may have to post about 5 or 6 replies before you can DM a member not sure?
 But welcome in fella  :daumenhoch:

Title: Re: Pre-Serial PK Ripper. To weld or not to weld?
Post by: hotdog on November 02, 2022, 04:35 PM

It appears to have already been re-welded where the crack is. If it were mine then I'd stick it on ebay as it is,don't clean it up and see what she fetches. Let the new owner deal with all that. And yes,there is a demand for damaged items.
Good luck.

Title: Re: Pre-Serial PK Ripper. To weld or not to weld?
Post by: brettypeeps on November 02, 2022, 10:39 PM

You are going to need to get a specialist aliminium welder to do that.  I is not a difficult job but can be done with standard welding kit as it will melt the frame.  if you put it on ebay make sure you point out the crack.

Good luck with your decision  explosion

Title: Re: Pre-Serial PK Ripper. To weld or not to weld?
Post by: Tobesvw on November 03, 2022, 07:32 AM

Thanks for your help so far guys. I must admit I was thinking just to try and sell as it is as I know someone might want to do something particular with it and sort the crack out themselves.

Thanks for the advice though.