The powder coating was something of an experiment, just because a few people told me that the frame would immediately rust if I did it. When I mentioned that to the powder coaters they, reasonably I thought, said that there was no difference between opaque and clear p/c and that it would be as durable as opaque. So far, it's held up well (after 6 months), but it's a weekend cruiser and doesn't get ridden in the rain...ever!
I went for powder coat after getting a couple of quote for a full chrome job. I'm glad I did, although it's a lot of hand work to prepare the frame. I had the frame chemically stripped, something I won't do again. The strippers obviously had used a wire wheel to remove the last traces of paint and it was a lot of work to sand out the scratches left by the wire wheel with wet and dry paper. Even so, the powder coat brought out some of the scratches not evident to the naked eye. If I were to do it again (when the memoties fade and the scars have healed), I'd be spending more time on hand sanding and possibly buffing. I know I can put a mirror finish on the backs of my chisels and plane blades, but a bike frame is a somewhat different proposition!
Originally, I planned to build a bike around a touring-type frame and fit it with alloy mudguards and front and rear constructeur racks, but I found this frame first, and it was in such good condition (apart from the respray) that I had to have it. It's a perfect fit for me and it felt light. I'm very happy with it, even if I don't know it's provenance. I do wonder occasionally what it was originally, but I think if I found out I may be tempted to do a full restore on it, and there are other bikes to be assembled...so many bikes, so little time!
The frame did have a "Tange Prestige" sticker on it, but I can't be certain if that was original. The lugs appear to be identical to those in an old Tange catalogue, and there were quite a few bikes imported into Australia under various brand names, "Repco" being one, but Tange tubesets were also used by local custom builders.
The elkhide bar wraps are very comfortable. It's beautiful stuff, very soft, and it feels wonderful in the hands. It took me about 2/ 3 hours to stitch them on all up, but i think the result is worth it.
I haven't ridden the bike more than 60 kms in a day, but the pedals are very comfortable for my rather wide feet, I have a set of Brooks straps planned to match the saddle and bars.
I also plan to replace the Uniglide freehub body with a later Hyperglide as Uniglide cassettes are becoming difficult to find. I'll probably go to a 7 speed, not that I really need an extra gear, but because 7 speed Hyperglides are easier for me to obtain. sadly, the beautiful looking AX brakes may not be a permanent feature unless I can work out how to modify brake pads to fit, as replacements are virtually non-existant. Fortunately, I have an old set of D/A sidepulls which I can use after polishing them.
Thanks for the complimentary comments. It means a lot from fellow enthusiasts, and it's very encouraging and inspiring.!
I'll try to get some closeup pics, So far they have been out of focus, but I'll persevere.
Steve
