Project GT 700c

[RichMTrax]

Hi All Just thought I would post update on My Project GT Arette 700c, Well I purchased this last month complete bike but found that the Seat post was welded solid in the frame, Stripped it all down and decided to sell frame on Fleebay, but then thought bugger it why not do it myself, so 2 Tubs of Concentrated Caustic (B&Q). and a very strong mix with warm water,dissolved the post out in 3 hrs, What fun we had me and the wife starring at a bubbling steaming black volcano pouring out of the Gt frame.( Little things Please us old guy's).

Anyway after that, thought why not strip frame back to bare metal, that was harder then seatpost, Blimey GT paint finish is bloody tuff stuff, but got there in the end.

 

[RichMTrax]

Re: Update Project GT 700c

Not sure if anyone is interested or Not, But the bare metal Type finish is something I always have liked, and good results in a past life when I ran a body shop. There is no guarantees that it always works, But I find that after a good sanding and flatting, I first Clean metal with Alcohol, then go all over with Steel wool then Clean again.

Then I warm up the metal "Gas bottle's once but Now find that a good Hot air gun works better", I Just heat to warm up the steel. then using Spirit based wood Stain (dark Oak). I rub on with a rag and buff off excess. and then once dry and cooled use Wool again to give texture back and then Seal with Plastikote Metal sealer ( The Range ) sell it cheapest for £5.99.
Job done the warming of the steel enable the dye to draw into the steel.

Works for me 80% of the time, and seems to last well.

well enough waffle from me just wanted share really.

I have cleaned up my Chainset I bought for £3 of Fleebay, Sugion GT. Semi Matt finish.
Next on list is to get hold of a 124.5mm Bottom bracket, Really fancy Royce BB but will have to see.

 

[NeilM]

Interesting, so are you going to build this up as a hybrid? Or are you planning on doing something a little more radical?

 

[RichMTrax]

Hi I am hopefully building up more as a Drop bar tourer/Cyclocross style bike. Double front chainset not sure on the rear,as will start out with original wheels but am looking for some 9 or 10 speed 700c.

 

[NeilM]

Nice.

I did something similar with a Rourke mtb, but was forced to keep the 26" wheels.

I started out with all cx running gear (SRAM), but in the end I changed the mechs and cranks to mtb versions, running cx-ish gearing of 34/44 front (I think) and 12-34 rear.