1988 Swallow Ptarmigan

Ok this is my first thread with pics due to getting flack from certain members about not sharing so bear with me.

I bought this frame from Hilary Stone a while ago and after chatting to Swallow's Robert Wade at the Bespoked show have established that it was built 14th May 1988.
I had intended to send it to Swallow for referb as there is a small dent in the top tube and some damage to the chainstay, but after dicovering that they send frames to Argos for paint I think I will just take the 20 min trip to Argos instead of trekking to Iron Bridge.

I had originally intended to do a Campag Olympus build but after nevadasmith's Swallow Griffon viewtopic.php?f=6&t=250974 came to light and the IDing of Rod_Saetan's Swallow Merlin viewtopic.php?f=6&t=142839 I have abandoned Campy and high end Shimano in favour of a Deore/DX based dirt drop set up.

A little more info here viewtopic.php?f=9&t=251100







Like my other projects this will be a slow burn but I hope you like the frame.

Great looking frame, do you plan to re-do in the same colours? I have to say that the guys from Swallow were not only helpful when I bombarded them with questions but positively interested in my old bike - a refreshing attitude. You are probably aware too that they can get original decals cut, mine are ready to go on. Some day. Probably.

Agreed. Robert was more than happy to spend quite some time chatting which was a refreshing change compared to trying to get a civil word out of Andy Powell about my Overbury's. :roll:

Yep Im going to keep the original colour scheme.

That's absolutely beautiful. Good luck with it. Certainly a great starting point.

retrobate":1oizln49 said:

civil word out of Andy Powell about my Overbury's.

Click to expand...

He has something of a reputation.

Thats a corker

Looking forward to seeing this progress (slowly).

Really nice to see another one of these - watching with interest

That colour scheme is great

Sweet piccies!
Do pop round for cake soon.