Kona Faux-splosif - project cancelled

Splatter Paint · May 16, 2015

I've been after a 19" 1990 Kona Explosif for ages now but not found one. So I've been thinking about making a replica of sorts. A custom-built frame is out of the question due to cost so I'm considering re-spraying another Kona. A 1990 Lava Dome or Cinder Cone would be visually similar and they ride well but they're not made out of any snazzy steel. Next option is a 19" Kilauea, say 1994 made from Tange Prestige which should have a bit more zing. With a brazed-on brake cable guide a coat of paint I reckon it'd be pretty close to an older Explosif in terms of ride quality. I'd only start with a cosmetically-poor donor so I'm not destroying a perfectly good bike!

What do you think? Are there other options?

SP

unkleGsif · May 16, 2015

Re:

Why not just restore a 19" Kilauea, and badge it up as a Kilauea?

Splatter Paint · May 16, 2015

Re:

My love of Konas is pretty much confined to 1990 and 2005 onwards! I have a 1990 Cinder Cone and Fire Mountain, I had a 1990 Lava Dome but it was too small

so I'd really an Explosif, but in the absence of a real one... Incidentally I have a 1989 Explosif too!

Rampage · May 16, 2015

Re:

Here you go:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=324158

al-onestare · May 16, 2015

Re:

Thoughts? Mutton dressed as lamb. They are different for a reason.

raidan73 · May 17, 2015

Re: Kona Faux-splosif

If it's the paint job in particular you are after then use whatever frame you please and paint to suit. If it's the 1990 frame then hold out for a 1990 frame!

Gaddmeister · May 17, 2015

Re:

No point in building a fake, you wont feel right about it! One will come up eventually, remember patience is a virtue. Think about how you would feel when you finally find one compared to faking it?

Splatter Paint · May 17, 2015

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Isn't this the case for all replicas? I reckon a powder coat and some model kit paint should do the trick, the original ones weren't clear-coated. I've spotted a suitable donor in eBay...

FluffyChicken · May 18, 2015

Re:

If you just want to stick some paint and stickers and pretend then don't get a 94 or 93 as their geometry etc had altered by then iirc so would not be quite right when you look at it.
If you want a similar feel then you'll need the two high end bikes of the 90/91 and maybe 92 check the tube specs as the lower end often had a different geometry, but the gas pipe tubes are also stiffer and less forgiving.
if you're not bothered with that then go for it. It's your money and you dream.

sinnerman · May 18, 2015

Re:

Can we see. Pic of what u want ?

Kona Faux-splosif - project cancelled

Splatter Paint

unkleGsif

Splatter Paint

Rampage

al-onestare

raidan73

Gaddmeister

Splatter Paint

FluffyChicken

sinnerman

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