RADBMX.CO.UK

Technical & Reference Section => Tech and Restoration => Topic started by: Faze 3 on March 14, 2007, 09:03 AM

Title: GT preformer question
Post by: Faze 3 on March 14, 2007, 09:03 AM
Hi fella's

Hopefully there are plenty of GT performer experts on the forum today. Cos I have a chance to buy what I think is an 83 / 84 pro performer.

It has all the early signs of being an early frame, three holes and cut rear drop outs, rear seat tube stays are low & it has no support bar behind the crank case.

What I'm not sure about is the small stamped GT plate behind the seat post, its stamped GT 4130, but the plate looks welded on? Is this right? I can't remember the serial no, any ideas what they would be for this year, so I can check.

Thanks
Mark
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Waxintaxin on March 14, 2007, 09:11 AM
PICS?

Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Faze 3 on March 14, 2007, 09:45 AM
I don't have any pic's I'm afraid.
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Stodgy on March 14, 2007, 09:55 AM
In a nutshell:

They came out in Feb 84 with 3 holes in the drop outs and the seat stays meet the top tube in the middle (i.e. they are not level with the top). Forks have 4 holes in the drop-outs.

The Feb 84 was unstamped, stamping started in March/April 84 (GT 4130)...the serial number is on the outside of the rear drop out and will be something like (684XXXX - which would be June 84).

Level seat stays and came in late 84/early 85, with 4 holes and a cable guide on the forks.

Hope this helps!



Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Stodgy on March 14, 2007, 09:58 AM
This is my June 84:

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/b292/stodgy1/gt_spray.jpg)

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/b292/stodgy1/biggtsidetop.jpg)

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/b292/stodgy1/biggtback.jpg)
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Faze 3 on March 14, 2007, 10:12 AM
The frame is as you described, the serial number, level seat tubes etc. Its just that I already have an 85/86 performer (4 holes on rear drop outs) & the GT stamp on the end of the top tube is not visibly welded on! The frame I'm looking at looks from the pics you've posted exactly the same. Expect your's looks nifty in white & the one I'm looking at has been hand painted bright pink!!

The guy selling it has no idea what it is, just that its a GT. Although I'm no expert, I was thinking that the earlier frames are considerably rarer than the (4 hole drop outs) 86 frames, is that right.

He also tells me that the frame was chrome, before his lad sprayed it!

Sorry but I have to say it again, that bike is soooooooooo sweet ;D
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Stodgy on March 14, 2007, 10:45 AM
Yep, the 84's are a fair bit rarer than the 85's (unless you go round to Pete's house)  ;)

So, grab it now! The main giveaway is the position of the seat tubes in relation to the top tube (i.e. NOT level) and the three holes.

Here's a closer pic of the rear plate, it is welded on and the 'T' has an extra stroke to the right, halfway down:

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/b292/stodgy1/gt_resto_3.jpg)
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Faze 3 on March 14, 2007, 11:15 AM
Thanks for your help mate. That's what I wanted to know. Think I may be making a purchase this evening!!

Are those pics of the rusty old bike, the very same one after a make over? If so I looking forward to getting it restored to its former glory, the removal of pink paint a priority.

Funny about the small tick on the GT stamp, thats on my 86 performer as well.
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Moose on March 14, 2007, 12:45 PM
Go buy it, '84 or not it deserves to be rescued........... and post pics of it as it is now - it'd be cool to see what it's like  :coolsmiley:

There aren't a huge amount of genuine '84's out there and they're definately the one to get, but they're not what I'd call 'rare'.

The early unstamped one's are quite rare  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Faze 3 on March 14, 2007, 04:23 PM
Yeah, I'm off to make an offer this evening, Ill post some pics so you can see how bright the paint work is!!

I really wanted an earlier performer, with the rear stay's lower than the top tube, Maybe I've become a little obsessive here!

I'm going to offer £80, for frame & fork, which I think is a little cheeky but heh, he can only say no.
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Moose on March 14, 2007, 04:29 PM
Don't forget to check out the serial number on the dropout - if it's not there and it's under the bottom bracket offer less  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Faze 3 on March 14, 2007, 04:57 PM
Why is it worth less if serial is under bottom bracket?  ??? ??? Much less?  :-\
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Moose on March 14, 2007, 05:04 PM
If the serial number is under the bottom bracket it's not an '84 and made in Tiawan
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Faze 3 on March 14, 2007, 05:15 PM
Ok mate, thanks for the advice. Very handy to know when you're off to do some haggling!!

I'll really sound like I know me onions tonight won't I, serial numbers, made in taiwan it all helps!

If it turns out to be a taiwan frame, should I give it a miss then, are they a bit duff!? ???
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Moose on March 14, 2007, 06:11 PM
Don't give it a miss - just don't pay big for it :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: rarman1 on March 14, 2007, 08:51 PM

dont forget the pics :knuppel2:

gt performers :smitten:

i've got 4 now :crazy2:
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: QUADROPHENIA on March 14, 2007, 09:46 PM

dont forget the pics :knuppel2:

gt performers :smitten:

i've got 4 now :crazy2:

bloody hell, any picks?
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: SaMAlex on March 14, 2007, 11:45 PM

dont forget the pics :knuppel2:

gt performers :smitten:

i've got 4 now :crazy2:

bloody hell, any picks?


Ohhh, someone else with more than one performer!!!! Pete is starting to feel insecure!
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: rarman1 on March 15, 2007, 12:49 AM
there you go
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/q290/rarman1/ff-gt87pf-chr.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/q290/rarman1/114_1488.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/q290/rarman1/113_1336.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/q290/rarman1/gt3qa8.jpg)

 :coolsmiley:

Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: QUADROPHENIA on March 15, 2007, 07:17 AM


sweet i do like a performer
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: SaMAlex on March 15, 2007, 08:47 AM
How cool is that? Its got spray painted RATT decals!!! Lovin that!

I have been spending too much time with Quadrophenia cos I think I can tell the age of those frames!! Ahhhh
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Faze 3 on March 15, 2007, 10:10 AM
I'm getting concerned myself, I've 3 GT performers in the garage now!! (Yes I bought it last night) paid £65 in the end :-\.
It did come with forks but these are not performer, look like pro series with GT stamp (maybe 86).

I'm really not sure what year it was made, the serial number is under the BB. maybe you guy's might be able to tell me.

Pics below as promised.
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/w92/faze3_photo/IMG_5104.jpg)

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/w92/faze3_photo/IMG_5103.jpg)

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/w92/faze3_photo/IMG_5105.jpg)

I've stripped some of the very thick hand painted pink paint off & the primer & so far the chrome underneath looks good.

You guy's have given me loads of useful advice, thanks very much. All my mates think I'm turning into a GT BMX nerd!!!

Come on fella's tell me the truth, I've got it haven't I  ;D :P
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: QUADROPHENIA on March 15, 2007, 10:35 AM


o yes you got it, but you couldn,t get a better bmx, so whats the number
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Stodgy on March 15, 2007, 10:41 AM
Ooo a weird one that...by the position of the seat tubes and the serial number on the BB Looks like an 85...but the drop outs would say 84.

Either way, fecking good find.

Nice one.

 :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Stodgy on March 15, 2007, 10:42 AM

The early unstamped one's are quite rare  :daumenhoch:

You not been to Pete's house then?!  ;D
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Faze 3 on March 15, 2007, 10:53 AM
Like I said I can't tell what year now, I is proper confused ??? Don't remember serial number off top of me head, But its not anything obvious like 0038468.

Something like GD 01221 from memory. Thats probably as useful as a bag of frogs, sorry & all :idiot2:.

Not sure wether or not to put all my efforts into restoring this one or my 86 now, more confusion.   

No I've not been to Pete's house, is Pete Quadrophenia :-\ How many GT's you got than Pete. Lets see some pics, I'm in need of inspiration ere :daumenhoch:

Any suggestions of best way to get paint & primer off without destroying the chrome underneath ???
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Moose on March 15, 2007, 11:39 AM
I'd say an '85 frame and it sounds like you've a mis-matched fork  :-\ ???
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Faze 3 on March 15, 2007, 12:00 PM
Yeah the forks are definitely from a later bike I'd say 86-88. I've a set of performer forks from my 86 that'll I'll be using with this frame if I decide to keep it.

When I got back into old school, I only wanted to build a HARO master, somehow I've ended up with 3 performers, 85, 86 & 88!

Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: rarman1 on March 15, 2007, 02:52 PM
yeah mate, that looks like a bargain,

so whats next mate, paint stripper? how about powder coat we all know of superbikedan

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/q290/rarman1/7cca_1.jpg)

go on i dare ya :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: QUADROPHENIA on March 15, 2007, 02:59 PM


i do like a performer
(http://)(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/y166/gtperformer/100_1235.jpg)
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Nosnod on March 15, 2007, 03:06 PM
So do I .....  ;)

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/b389/nosnod/DSCN0906.jpg)
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Nosnod on March 15, 2007, 03:10 PM
Like I said I can't tell what year now, I is proper confused ??? Don't remember serial number off top of me head, But its not anything obvious like 0038468.

Something like GD 01221 from memory. Thats probably as useful as a bag of frogs, sorry & all :idiot2:.




There should be a number after the G - likely to be a 5 or a 6 which signifies 85 or 86

The G is a code that signifies the Far East frame, normally sold as a full bike
The second letter D is the month of manufacture
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: rarman1 on March 15, 2007, 03:34 PM
thats nice pete,  come on then show us all of them, ;)

Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Faze 3 on March 15, 2007, 03:55 PM
Yes Pete very very nice 8) Liking nosnod to ;D. Inspiration there for sure.

I've had a go at mine with the ol nitromorse, but it's heavy goin, there's enough paint on there to cover a battleship.

I can't live with the bright pink, a 38 year old fat bloke riding around on a small pink bike, think about it :LolLolLolLol:

Ill probably keep the chrome if its any good, or go white.

Anyway Pete what else you not sharing with us, lets be avin um!!
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: rarman1 on March 15, 2007, 05:45 PM
Yes Pete very very nice 8) Liking nosnod to ;D. Inspiration there for sure.

I've had a go at mine with the ol nitromorse, but it's heavy goin, there's enough paint on there to cover a battleship.

I can't live with the bright pink, a 38 year old fat bloke riding around on a small pink bike, think about it :LolLolLolLol:

Ill probably keep the chrome if its any good, or go white.

Anyway Pete what else you not sharing with us, lets be avin um!!

ok,











i undare you :LolLolLolLol:

how about black though, dont see many that colour :coolsmiley:
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: dwain dibbly on March 15, 2007, 05:54 PM
oohh can i play the "SHOW US YOUR PRO PERFORMER GAME"??  :LolLolLolLol:

MINE


(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/a158/dwaindibbly/pro.jpg)
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Faze 3 on March 16, 2007, 01:08 PM
Enough already, Inspiration overload ;D That GT is very very nice.

Funny you should mention black, that was my first plan to do it all in black, but I've just gone & bought some orange skyways for it, not sure that black & orange will really work. I loved the orange & white CW that was in the best bike comp, so thought I might go for that scheme ??? Although seeing some of those on this post leaves me wondering :-X

Question, I don't know the best way to get the thick paint off without destroying the chrome, any suggestions??!!
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: rarman1 on March 16, 2007, 01:15 PM
yeah that orange and white cw did look awsome :daumenhoch:

as for paint off chrome i have no idea, start a new thread might be best thing ;
 ;)
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Faze 3 on March 16, 2007, 01:24 PM
Not a bad idea mate, I'll start a new thread now.

bitd I had a white master with orange skyways, guess its the ol nostalgia getting me again :shocked:
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Nosnod on March 16, 2007, 05:22 PM
BITD I had a yellow 84 Performer when they first came out.

After about a year I had it powdercoated orange with black tuffs which looked pretty cool.

Sadly I dont seem to have any pics of it.  :(

Go for black - never seen a black Performer  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: GT preformer question
Post by: Faze 3 on March 16, 2007, 05:36 PM
Don't say things like that cos I was already in 2minds :idiot2:

Already taking nearly a year to get all the black bits I wanted to! All I needed was the black skyways,
but a cheap old set in orange came along & I thought, yeah white/orange that'll be cool.

SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal