Show us your before and after restoration photos

I've just added photos of a recent restoration to another thread and it made me think ... I don't recall seeing a 'before and after' restoration photos thread.

So I'll start one (too bad if one already exists). Let's see the filthy heaps you brought home, and the wonderous beauties your hard work turned them into.

I'll kick off with my '91 Fisher Montare e-stay (apologies to readers of the Fisher thread I just posted in - but it's the resto I'm most proud of).

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Nothing too special but a couple of mine.

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My MBK was saved from certain death, many would have overlooked it and let it go to the scrapyard in the sky for bikes, but i hadnt got the heart to pass on by, it came home and was given a sublte re-build / resto.

A little 24" wheeled Cannondale I rescued.

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Couple of mine which have risen from the dead

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I've had a few tatty projects that worked out nicely, but as far as this year goes I was pleased with how the '88 Fire Mountain turned out

Only got after on these:

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My latest do-er up-er is this Ridgeback.

I paid little money for it and, is just about the worst wreck i have taken on. As i ripped into it the bike grew on me. Despite the filth and rust, I could see an honest bike under there.
The wheels were really beyond any work justification and, the cables in and out were worse than useless. a claw hammer and wire cutters were the only tools i needed for this process!

The paintwork had encouraged rust where cable rub had it's wicked way. There is no way i was going to be arsed trying to match paint so, i cut the paint back with a scourer and then lacquered the lot. times 4 coats! It looks loads better and is sealed up for future outings. I expect this will be my winter carriage.

Before pics. They do no justice to the naked eye experience! More (after stuff) coming.

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So, i was left with this. A fairly tidy frame! Despite the lowish end model number, this bike is no heavy weight and has a nice 'ting' sound to the frame if you flick it.
Overall i have seriously upgraded the bike though. i'm talking LX. FIR, and a general tidy up from stocked parts. Only the cantis/S.T.I. from the drivetrain and stopping power were salvageable. The bars are short but original to the bike so, kept in place for now. seatpost remains too as it's nice and long.

I only need a rear wheel and chain (got a chain ready) and it's rolling. This is the first Ridgeback i've owned and i like it so far. I can tell that this model has typical 90's geometry with the face down-arse up layout, so i will see how i get on with it.


From a freshly lacquered frame......and beyond.

Great topic! I love a good resto or just unraveling all the horribel parts from a bike.

Here is one I rescued years ago:




One more recent and not finished yet:





I've done dozens more, but don't take the before pic a lot.