RADBMX.CO.UK

Technical & Reference Section => Tech and Restoration => Topic started by: Retrodan72 on November 25, 2011, 02:11 PM

Title: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 21/12
Post by: Retrodan72 on November 25, 2011, 02:11 PM
A few of these popping up at the mo, but knowing you lot, you don't mind seeing another.

Here is my 1984 survivor chrome DP Firebird Freestyler No.0490 bought from Rick70. The chrome is in a very good survivor state, main tubes are excellent with the usual dulling around some welds and BB area etc, etc.

I'm building this up as a winter rider, not sure what to do with it eventually, possibly a rechrome??

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/rr359/Retrodan72/Picture034.jpg)

Parts so far : Generic Cro-mo layback and CW type bars (until a better set show up), Dominator seat, Tange/Tioga SC-2 seatclamp, Polished SR stem drilled for Potts Mod (again, prob swap for better stem), Nikyo haedset with Tange headlock and A'me Tri's.

Parts bought to go on are : Dyed ACS Z rims laced to NOS Suzue hubs, polished Tange BB, rechromed Sugino 1 piece, re-powdered Sugino 44t chainring with machined teeth, Kenda Comp ST copy tyres, NOS MKS MP-202 pedals, KMC chrome Kool chain, Dia Compe Tech 3 levers with MX1000 calipers and a set of Scotty's awesome custom retro valve caps.

Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build
Post by: webbie on November 25, 2011, 03:06 PM
Nice build it up and leave it  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build
Post by: brakedancer on November 25, 2011, 03:30 PM
crome and black should look sweet ;)
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build
Post by: lk_97 on November 25, 2011, 04:45 PM
Looking nice at the minute 8)
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build
Post by: brettypeeps on November 25, 2011, 04:53 PM
Looks great Dan :daumenhoch: bet you can't wait to get your hands on the Z's :smitten:
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build
Post by: Retrodan72 on November 25, 2011, 05:12 PM
Looks great Dan :daumenhoch: bet you can't wait to get your hands on the Z's :smitten:

I know, with your wheel building and Del's decal making skills together with Scotty's awesome valve caps and the Kenda tyres, they'll look the bollox!! :smitten:
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build
Post by: rad_pitt on November 25, 2011, 05:58 PM
Sweet that Dan  :coolsmiley:
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build
Post by: In2 bmx on November 25, 2011, 06:02 PM
Looking good that mate Dan  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build
Post by: NORTY40 on November 25, 2011, 06:13 PM
Looking good that mate Dan  :daumenhoch:

 :LolLolLolLol:


 Looks good Dan , don't think i would re chrome that , doesn't look bad at all  :-\

Looking forward to seeing it built  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build
Post by: brettypeeps on November 25, 2011, 07:12 PM
Looking good that mate Dan  :daumenhoch:

 :LolLolLolLol: Very good mate :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build
Post by: rollin72 on November 25, 2011, 07:20 PM
very nice Dan, liked it when Rick had, firebird with z's...cant beat it, nice1 :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build
Post by: griff on November 25, 2011, 07:41 PM
nice  :daumenhoch:
look forward to seeing it built Dan
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build
Post by: brummie on November 25, 2011, 07:42 PM
nice dan
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build
Post by: Jaymz on November 25, 2011, 07:50 PM
sweet, lets have a few more pics
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build
Post by: Retrodan72 on November 25, 2011, 09:57 PM
this is about it for now Jaymz, crank's only just gone to the chromers and Brett's not bringing my wheels up till the 10th. Will put some up then.
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build
Post by: eagmeister on November 25, 2011, 11:35 PM
Look forward to seeing this Dan, looking good so far  :coolsmiley:
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build
Post by: bobafett on November 26, 2011, 01:39 AM

 Looks good Dan , don't think i would re chrome that , doesn't look bad at all  :-\


Got to agree with Joff there Dan - chrome looks fine survivor stylee to me mate  :daumenhoch:

Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build
Post by: punkdSICO on November 26, 2011, 10:00 AM
I got my Firebird re-chromed at Hockley in Southend-on-sea.  Cost about 120 for F&F and is as good as you could possible want..

Saying that, your bike really does not look like it needs it.

There is something so special about old school chrome bikes.  I think its because we are all slowing painting them so the remaining chrome bikes are becoming rare..

Looking forward to some more pics..!!

Paul
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build
Post by: deeman on November 29, 2011, 10:35 PM
cant beat OG chrome!! :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build
Post by: GTnumber1 on November 29, 2011, 11:00 PM
keep it og chrome  :4_17_5:
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build
Post by: rick1970 on November 30, 2011, 12:55 AM
Dan that bird is coming along very nicely as ive already said and cant wait to see her again  :daumenhoch: but dont re chrome it as that is original surviver chrome with no flakes and the fading around the welds is common so keep it OG she's stunning as it is  :daumenhoch: perfect a mundo  ;)
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build
Post by: Retrodan72 on November 30, 2011, 01:02 PM
I've gone with your advice boys and as nice as Rick's build was, I wanted to add my own little twist, so with a pm to Del, these arrived this morining...
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/rr359/Retrodan72/Picture050.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/rr359/Retrodan72/Picture051.jpg)

Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 30/11
Post by: rad_pitt on November 30, 2011, 03:09 PM
Nice twist with the green Dan  :daumenhoch: looking forward to seeing what you dress her with mate  :Great_Britain:
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 30/11
Post by: brettypeeps on November 30, 2011, 03:12 PM
The Green works Well :smitten:  you going to put some green cables on the old girl :smitten:
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 30/11
Post by: Retrodan72 on November 30, 2011, 03:33 PM
The Green works Well :smitten:  you going to put some green cables on the old girl :smitten:

I'm not sure yet Brett?? :-\
Nice twist with the green Dan  :daumenhoch: looking forward to seeing what you dress her with mate  :Great_Britain:

Just keeping it simple Tom at the mo, been chatting with Steve about a Custom padset though. ;) :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 30/11
Post by: deeman on December 04, 2011, 12:43 AM
The green is cool as fook! :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 30/11
Post by: Retrodan72 on December 05, 2011, 11:46 AM
Cheers mate, I wanted to do something a little different. :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: OK Then Another Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 11/12
Post by: Retrodan72 on December 11, 2011, 03:48 PM
Now with Z Rims build by awesome wheel builder Brettypeeps, cheers pal. :daumenhoch:
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/rr359/Retrodan72/Picture076.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/rr359/Retrodan72/Picture077.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/rr359/Retrodan72/Picture078.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/rr359/Retrodan72/Picture079.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/rr359/Retrodan72/Picture080.jpg)
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 11/12
Post by: punkdSICO on December 11, 2011, 04:47 PM
Cool!  You now have a BMX Balance Bike!!  Somewhat nicer then the one's the rich-mums bring to Greenwich Park..

When do you think you will have it finished?

Looking good..

Paul
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 11/12
Post by: Retrodan72 on December 11, 2011, 04:55 PM
Cool!  You now have a BMX Balance Bike!!  Somewhat nicer then the one's the rich-mums bring to Greenwich Park..

When do you think you will have it finished?

Looking good..

Paul

I have all the bits to finish it Paul, just waiting for the padset and some rim decals off Del and it's good to go then.

Will be putting Tuffs on it when it's being ridden though. :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 11/12
Post by: punkdSICO on December 11, 2011, 06:28 PM
I have all the bits to finish it Paul, just waiting for the padset and some rim decals off Del and it's good to go then.

Will be putting Tuffs on it when it's being ridden though. :daumenhoch:
Cool..  Would you ride it if the Zs did not have decals?  I had a set of Zs which I loved (prob my favourite wheel) but, they were in fabo condition and had rim decs so, I could not ride them..  If I ever get another set of Zs they would have ride-able, so defo no rim decals..

What colour are your Skyways?

ta,

Paul
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 11/12
Post by: Badbaldie on December 11, 2011, 06:34 PM
Cool!  You now have a BMX Balance Bike!!  Somewhat nicer then the one's the rich-mums bring to Greenwich Park..

When do you think you will have it finished?

Looking good..

Paul

I have all the bits to finish it Paul, just waiting for the padset and some rim decals off Del and it's good to go then.

Will be putting Tuffs on it when it's being ridden though. :daumenhoch:

why Dan  :idiot2:  z rims only ......
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 11/12
Post by: Darren KAP on December 11, 2011, 06:39 PM

  looks the nuts Dan  :daumenhoch:   keep them Z's out of Badbaldies sticky reach or he'll have them  :LolLolLolLol:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 11/12
Post by: Retrodan72 on December 11, 2011, 08:03 PM
i do like the Z's but I think they'll look sweet with Del's custom decals and tuffs are really easy to get. My other option is to try and get another set of Z hoops and dye those too but leave the decals off.
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 11/12
Post by: deeman on December 11, 2011, 10:54 PM
didnt I see a green pair of Z's for sale very recently?would look the nuts on there! :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 11/12
Post by: glenboy on December 11, 2011, 10:57 PM
really nice dan , looks mega  :daumenhoch:  :smitten:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 11/12
Post by: Badbaldie on December 11, 2011, 10:58 PM
didnt I see a green pair of Z's for sale very recently?would look the nuts on there! :daumenhoch:

green zds on green hubs or black zds on green hubs would look the dogs danglies Dan  ::)

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/hh135/Badbaldie/002-4.jpg)
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 11/12
Post by: rad_pitt on December 11, 2011, 11:00 PM
Proper sweet this Dan  :smitten:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 11/12
Post by: hunterdubber on December 11, 2011, 11:24 PM
Those custom decals are better than the originals  8)


Lenny's right green hubs on those black Z's  :smitten:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 11/12
Post by: NORTY40 on December 11, 2011, 11:37 PM
Green hubs would look cool Dan  8)

How's Brett fixed for a strip and re build  :LolLolLolLol:  :-X

Looking good though Dan  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 11/12
Post by: brettypeeps on December 12, 2011, 01:27 AM
Green hubs would look cool Dan  8)

How's Brett fixed for a strip and re build  :LolLolLolLol:  :-X

Looking good though Dan  :daumenhoch:

He will have to rejoin the back of the cue :LolLolLolLol:

Got a few sets of 48s on the go at the moment for Winnie :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 11/12
Post by: Retrodan72 on December 12, 2011, 06:49 AM
Green hubs would look cool Dan  8)

How's Brett fixed for a strip and re build  :LolLolLolLol:  :-X

Looking good though Dan  :daumenhoch:

He will have to rejoin the back of the cue :LolLolLolLol:

Got a few sets of 48s on the go at the moment for Winnie :daumenhoch:

can you add my Pro Class rims to that queue too Bruv?? :LolLolLolLol:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 11/12
Post by: Retrodan72 on December 14, 2011, 07:04 PM
So..it's moving along nicely now and as I get time, adding a few more parts. :)

Today after polishing the Tange BB components, I added said BB, rechromed crank/spider/re-powdered chainwheel, all Sugino, then went to fit my pedals which turned out to be 9/16" :(

Luckily, Dave (Brummie) bought the unwanted pedals off me and at the same time stepped in and sold me a set of nice black SX's, so everything worked out in the end. ;)

The pedals fitted here are the ones off my GT, just to check the threads on the crank after the rechrome, and they're spot on. :daumenhoch:

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/rr359/Retrodan72/Picture085.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/rr359/Retrodan72/Picture086.jpg)
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 14/12
Post by: webbie on December 14, 2011, 07:31 PM
Thats coming along nice  :daumenhoch: its made me rethink mine now tho.
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 14/12
Post by: Retrodan72 on December 14, 2011, 07:51 PM
Thats coming along nice  :daumenhoch: its made me rethink mine now tho.

What you thinking Bruv?? ???
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 14/12
Post by: Jaymz on December 15, 2011, 06:10 PM
Looking nice dan. Ar you going to go with green DC cables as a colour accent?
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 14/12
Post by: Retrodan72 on December 15, 2011, 06:29 PM
Looking nice dan. Ar you going to go with green DC cables as a colour accent?

I was going to use green DC Jaymz, but the outers are a different green than the decals and Steve's matched the decal green on the padset, so i've got some jagwire outer cable that matches better, I doubt it would've mattered but i'm just a fussy fooker like that. :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 14/12
Post by: deeman on December 15, 2011, 06:33 PM
which tyres have you used Dan?are they the pork chops'they look sweet whatever they are i need a set for mine!! :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 14/12
Post by: Retrodan72 on December 15, 2011, 07:02 PM
which tyres have you used Dan?are they the pork chops'they look sweet whatever they are i need a set for mine!! :daumenhoch:

I used these mate and a bargain imo. :daumenhoch:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kenda-K55-Street-BMX-Tire-20x1-75-Black-Tan-Steel-/400257257661?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d313110bd
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 14/12
Post by: lk_97 on December 15, 2011, 07:10 PM
Looking nice, good score on the tires too :)
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 14/12
Post by: deeman on December 15, 2011, 08:30 PM
ah cool,they were the Kendas,had those in mind!will defo order some now i've seen them on! :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 14/12
Post by: Retrodan72 on December 15, 2011, 08:43 PM
ah cool,they were the Kendas,had those in mind!will defo order some now i've seen them on! :daumenhoch:

I dunno what they're like to ride on, i'll find out at the first Rad ride I go on in 2012. :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 14/12
Post by: webbie on December 15, 2011, 08:52 PM
Thats coming along nice  :daumenhoch: its made me rethink mine now tho.

What you thinking Bruv?? ???
Mines chrome with red tuffs and brakes etc which next to yours looks a bit ott i think.
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 14/12
Post by: rad_pitt on December 15, 2011, 10:24 PM
Looking so, so sweet Dan  :smitten: :smitten: I have a set of MX rub ons you need, I replied in your thread but you ignored me  :knuppel2: :LolLolLolLol:

Send me your address and I'll post them down to you mate  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 14/12
Post by: rad_pitt on December 15, 2011, 10:26 PM
Loving the green accent, not overdoing it which is an easy trap to fall into  :4_17_5:

Can't wait to see it finished  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 14/12
Post by: Retrodan72 on December 16, 2011, 12:25 PM
sorry I missed your post Tom, very rude of me, I do apologise. I'm actually ok for caliper decals now too mate, as Mark @ Retrospect sorted me out. Webbie mate, i'm sure yours looks fine, it would be naff if we all built the same bikes. I've only kept this simple cos I got the Z rims cheap and Del had the decals with the green on, already made. Also, I liked the way Mani's done the Fox, limited amount of green with black and chrome, looks lush.
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 14/12
Post by: Glynnyboy on December 16, 2011, 02:29 PM
That green is looking well tasty Dan.
Looking forward to seeing this done mate.
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 14/12
Post by: Retrodan72 on December 16, 2011, 08:55 PM
That green is looking well tasty Dan.
Looking forward to seeing this done mate.

Cheers Glynn and all of you for your great comments. :daumenhoch:

This should be ready by Christmas, 1st ride is to the old DP factory in Flint for some 'back home' shots. :)
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 14/12
Post by: Retrodan72 on December 21, 2011, 11:28 AM
Ok...so this is 99.9% done now, padset arrived from Steve on Monday and the pedals off Dave (brummie).  :daumenhoch:

I'm not sure about the cables, they're slightly more 'yellow' than I wanted, may swap for black, what do you guys think?? :-\

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/rr359/Retrodan72/Picture091.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/rr359/Retrodan72/Picture092.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/rr359/Retrodan72/Picture093.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/rr359/Retrodan72/Picture094.jpg)
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 21/12
Post by: mattbloke on December 21, 2011, 11:33 AM
keep em green ;) also cos if you swap them for black it will look just like mine......
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 21/12
Post by: punkdSICO on December 21, 2011, 11:42 AM
Wot he said!!  Currently, your green in the decal and pad text is slightly orphaned.  I think the green cables give the green a bit more of a purpose..

Looking good..

Paul
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 21/12
Post by: deeman on December 21, 2011, 01:15 PM
keep the cables,you must be able to find a set that match the green on the frame better,will look the nuts!!the pads look fantastic! :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 21/12
Post by: BENDYCAT ELEVENTEEN on December 21, 2011, 02:03 PM
Is the green a Neon green ?

sorry hard to tell
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 21/12
Post by: brettypeeps on December 21, 2011, 02:29 PM
Have to be green cables for me Dan :smitten:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 21/12
Post by: webbie on December 21, 2011, 04:59 PM
Keep em green dude  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 21/12
Post by: rad_pitt on December 21, 2011, 05:26 PM
Green for me Dan - looks great buddy  :coolsmiley:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 21/12
Post by: Gnarlyscoots on December 21, 2011, 06:21 PM
Looking awesome that dude. Love a well dressed bird  :daumenhoch: A couple of green rear DC cables is what you need for a colour match dude. PM Kappy. I think he may have some  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 21/12
Post by: deeman on December 21, 2011, 09:53 PM
Looking awesome that dude. Love a well dressed bird  :daumenhoch: A couple of green rear DC cables is what you need for a colour match dude. PM Kappy. I think he may have some  :daumenhoch:


I dont think the DC cables are lime enough Terry!more a mid green! :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 21/12
Post by: Gnarlyscoots on December 22, 2011, 10:54 PM
Try this green dude. Savage are really good with their cables  :daumenhoch:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SAVAGE-BMX-MTB-COLOURED-BRAKE-CABLES-8-COULOURS-/380357922578?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&var=&hash=item9758553571
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 21/12
Post by: Retrodan72 on December 23, 2011, 09:15 AM
Try this green dude. Savage are really good with their cables  :daumenhoch:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SAVAGE-BMX-MTB-COLOURED-BRAKE-CABLES-8-COULOURS-/380357922578?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&var=&hash=item9758553571

I got some of those 1st Terry, from Alan's, they're too dark, more like DC green, this is the problem i've got as pics don't really give a true colourmatch on the Bay. :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 21/12
Post by: mattbloke on December 23, 2011, 10:41 AM
how about these?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JAGWIRE-4mm-GEAR-OUTER-CABLE-5mm-Brake-ORANGE-GREEN-/380341639456?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&var=&hash=item97580d8c8d#ht_1035wt_954
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 21/12
Post by: Retrodan72 on December 23, 2011, 03:53 PM
how about these?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JAGWIRE-4mm-GEAR-OUTER-CABLE-5mm-Brake-ORANGE-GREEN-/380341639456?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&var=&hash=item97580d8c8d#ht_1035wt_954

Believe it or not Matt, that's what are on it mate. :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 21/12
Post by: rollin72 on December 23, 2011, 04:05 PM
looks mint Dan, some nice custom touches there mate...nice1 :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 21/12
Post by: brummie on December 23, 2011, 04:05 PM
very nice that dan  :4_17_5:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 21/12
Post by: Retrodan72 on December 24, 2011, 10:10 AM
Cheers fellas, i've tidied the front cable up with zip ties and will fit the rear cable when i've stopped drinking. :buck2:

Sadly when Dave Park designed this frame, he left off the front cable guide on the back of the forks for a Potts mod, I have these on my GT and Skyway. Good old zip ties. :daumenhoch:

Looking forward to riding this now. :smitten:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 21/12
Post by: Jaymz on December 24, 2011, 10:14 AM
 :smitten:
Title: Re: Firebird Freestyler Build Updated 21/12
Post by: Retrodan72 on December 24, 2011, 10:22 AM
 :LolLolLolLol: :daumenhoch:
SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal