restoration of 90's mtb - advice before I start

[krj101]

Hello,

I'm considering doing up my old Alpinestars Cr100 MTB - (circa 1994).

The frame paintwork is blistered and pitted on the chain stays and a little on the downtube and cross bar - but it looks sound enough.

However I'm wondering about the insides of the frame - was reading an account on the web of a guy whose MTB frame snapped - corroded from inside out.

Is there a way of checking this before I embark on a revamp (strip components, new powder coat, reassemble).

Secondly - I think I'll need new decals - but how to source those ? Any suggestions?

many thanks
krj101

 

[xxnick1975]

Welcome to the site

Firstly don't worry, I'm sure you frame will be fine

Take the seatpost out, take the bottom bracket out, have a look

If you don't get covered in rust you will be fine

Enjoy

 

[krj101]

obvious really...cheers.

What's triggered me off on this is two things - I've noticed how sleek my old MTB looks in photo's, made me think I could convert it to a 'modern' hybrid - pair of slicker, thinner tyres, maybe change the chain wheels.

Speaking of wheels - I'm guessing, as I've not properly looked, smooth but deep tyres are avail for 26" wheels, rather than looking at bigger wheels and then faffing with brake drop to meet the rims...

 

[jimi911]

It should be fine. Get it sandblasted. If you are taking it to a powder coaters unfamiliar with bike frames, make sure you remind him to protect all the threads, head tube, and BB.

Gil@ retrodecals on Facebook is your decal source.

Have fun!

 

[Bicycle Addict]

I think you can post pics at 5 or 10 posts, would really like some pics as it is now, how it was if you got em ?
Any questions you need to ask on here is always easier with pics.

There are a bunch of knowledgable good guys on here you should fit right in.

I have one coming too, look forward to seeing some pics of your progress.

Welcome

Paul

 

[krj101]

Re:

Will try to do that. But with rest of famy commitments etc etc it's likely to go at glacial speed....

 

[FluffyChicken]

Re:

I would strip it down to the frame and have a look over, spry some wd40 types inside and in the tube holes to see what happens and cleaning out.

It has most likely not rusted through as it was a cheap frame a hitensile rer end to a standard cro-mo front end.
The group set is also relatively low end as well.

I would give it a clean and check any big rust spots, a bit of kurust on them should remove and seal the rust. Might need to touch up as that leaves it black.

Then build it back hnp replacing anything that is worn.

Unless you really want I would not repaint (say 30/40 quid powder coat and another 20 odd quid for decals) as the frame just is not worth it in 'retro' or quality terms.
You could grab hold of a better frame for 60 or 70 quid that might have a better finish.

Wera a dn tear is not going to kill the frame at all, most mine are well worm from riding over the years.


Look at on-one and some of the interesting bars they have, they might make the hybrid style of riding comfier, I'm currently trying some fleegle bars.

You'll most likely need to get some grease I'm the wheels, headset etc to. If you have no tool then also currently have a small toolkit in for 15 quid to get you started.

 

[Bicycle Addict]

Re: Re:

Will try to do that. But with rest of famy commitments etc etc it's likely to go at glacial speed....

Good builds take time, lots of reading on here with a hot cup of tea in hand will see you right

 

[Rampage]

I have a couple of alpinestars of the same age.
If you email me a picture I will post it.

 

[kingoffootball]

Re: Re:

Will try to do that. But with rest of famy commitments etc etc it's likely to go at glacial speed....

Still quicker than my builds.