This Diamondback Apex nearly ended up in the skip. The seller had purchased it many years ago from a student who had bought it form the original owner. Although not in a terrible state it is clear that it has had many years of use with only the minimal maintenance.
I stripped it down, most of it disassembled pretty easily except for the LH crank arm. The dust cap had seized solid so I had to cut that off but the crank threads were still clogged up with the remains so it made getting the socket on for the crank bolt a major job. No chance of getting the cranks extractor on so I used a bearing puller. The crank arm can be saved by chasing out the threads.

The bike is all original except for the wheels which are Araya RM20 on M730 hubs.

I'm not sure how to tackle the frame, either clean and treat rust then laquer to preserve, or colour match and blow over while preserving the decals, or a full strip and re-paint. The later is my preferred option but I would only consider it if I can get exact decals reproduced. The paint has a nice subtle fleck which sparkles but it doesn't come out in the pictures.

In my haste to strip the bike I forgot to take pictures of it!
And so the project begins

Here is a link to a nice example http://trek4fun.com/mountain_biking/198 ... k_apex.htm



Here is the sellers picture.



Frames after a strip down. I dare not touch the BB until is has had a weeks soaking.

reserved for updates

Great stuff Gav. I'll look forward to seeing this one develop.

Sweet spoke holder/chainstay protector

Well smart that- proper MTB. any luck with the BB yet?

WOW!! As an avid fan of Diamond Back I've never seen one as old as that.

Even nicer that I prefer the Apex over Axis monicker. Thats some retro gold right there.

X2^
stunning is that, personaly I would de-grease t-cut and then touch up with model paints then a lite coat of laquer, I had the same quandry about my 85 dawes and this is what I have done (no laquer yet though) it was good enough to win bikeoftheride at the twizzler this year
im loving the spoke holder too, a great find mate,
Lee.

Not sure when the first DB mountain bikes were, is 1983 the first one?

I've cleaned up the frame and there is quite a lot of chipping and surface rust. I think i've pretty much decided in a resparay, I think there would be too much touching up needed and would probably look worse.

I've not attempted the BB yet. I think i'll buy a new BB tool as my current one would probably mangle it.

I've tarted up the rear mech because it was heavily scratched and scored, may buy a new one yet as the stag detailing has been lost.

Really looking forward to seeing this progress.
Worth taking your time over I reckon - Fantastic project - Enjoy.
Simon.

Very nice!

I really like the early DiamondBacks, I have an '88 with under-stay U-brake also.

Just had a closer look, what's the 3 spoke chainstay thingy all about?

Its not something unique to Diamond backs of this vintage, it's just a handy little touch incorporated into a frame that could be used for touring/expedition use. It seems to double as a chainstay protector on here, I've seen them underneath & on seat stays before. Obv its only any use if its tailored to the spoke length on that bike also.

Re the frame finish though, I agree that too much touching-in will potentially look a mess.

Funny you should mension the rear brake as I was just cleaning it up. It's a Cunningham designed Suntour XC power roller cam, it's very nice but it's just a shame it resides under the chainstays where it cannot be seen.




The spoke holder must be one of my favourite features of the bike. Here is another Apex.

Love it !

I think a refinish will be much deserved on an old beastie like this. I know a place that could help on the decals if you get stuck

The frame number suggests that this bike was made for the devil himself.
Scary but i like it.