86 Fat Chance Kicker

[Proto2000]

I think I will add the amber walls I have stashed away, NOS pre Panaracer Smoke n Dart Classics.

 

[Proto2000]

https://www.retrobike.co.uk/members/retro_roy.7690/
Did the deed. Tires are on the bike now and I think look great. Just needed a little push from a member or two.

 

[Prodigal Son]

If that your seat height the frame may be a tad small. They have short top tubes. A 150mm stem can fix that.

 

[Proto2000]

I'm 5'8" and I don't ride any more, age n health has me limited to builds only. It looks good at that height so where it sits.

 

[Prodigal Son]

I'm 5'8" and I don't ride any more, age n health has me limited to builds only. It looks good at that height so where it sits.

Its definitely looking good. I ride a Fat wicked and plan to try all their other models. one day.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

I found a set of Deer Head shifters and a rear derailleur on eBay from one seller so prices were good, only bidder so now mine. I may keep the Suntour shifters on here if the Deer Head are too ratty.

Good thing regarding Deerhead is that the body and lever are solid alu, they polish up really nicely. I've cleaned up a couple of sets with these instructions.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/restor...ing-shimano-deer-head-bar-mount-shifters/amp/

Also includes instructions to flip the cable routing if you want to try them under the bar

 

[M-Power]

Sorry to pour a little cold water on this but I think there are too many suspect bubbling rust spots and possible pitting on it. I have been there before. I would get it gently sand blasted, inspect as necessary and assuming it’s ok follow up with a cheap powder coat with fresh decals on top. Should not be too costly.

 

[M-Power]

@ Retro Roy:
You somehow inspired me to finish my Fat Chance ti project....
(Fat Chance titanium 1994/95)

Let see some teaser piccies please

 

[fennec]

personally i wouldnt strip it, get up close and really inspect and poke around for any substantial damage, but id otherwise just hit with some furniture polish and make it shiny and just enjoy the patina
the full decals being there and the paint being mostly unfaded makes me think it would look great just if the finish was a bit less dry and dull

maybe hose down the inside of the frame with a rust neutralizer

 

[Proto2000]

After comments, I did a thorough look at the frame/fork and have determined that the only bubbled paint is on the fork at the right side uni area. The frame is mostly very minor surface rust due to paint wear and tear and nothing I would consider harmful. With that, I may have the frame and fork media blasted to see if any damage that is not apparent. All tubes except the seat tube are sealed so not likely water got into those areas. I did run a bore scope in the seat tube and see nothing there but surface rust typical to steel frames. Once it is stripped I will do Frame Saver where I can to halt any other troubles that may arise. I really wanted to save the patina so I may change my mind again.