Classic & Vintage - 1980's Fuji S12S LTD rebuild

Hello - I am new to this forum and looking for advice on rebuilding my trusty old touring bike. I know i could spending the money on a new bike might be a better investment, but this is my first real bike and it took me across the country... I want to get it back into top condtion and upgrade it were I can, I am not interested in keeping it all origainal, as much as extending its touring life.

Here is what I am thinking so far:
Change our the wheel and move from 27" to 700cc,
I just put new bearing cartrages in but may still get new hubs.
New Saddle - finally get that Brooks B17.
New Brake Levers and calipers (crain creek and Ultiegra).
Upgrade the rest of the Bearings (BB and Head set).
New paint job with original decals - maybe get some

Here are some of the specific questions.
The front derailer an original suntour 600 - how can i replace/upgrade with our having something brazed on to anhor the cable housing?
I would like to get a low rider front rack and put fenders back on. Should I replace the front fork wiht a Surly LHT fork or get the eyelets Brazed on?
What can I do with the older alum. parts to refinish? Buff them out and clear coat?

The front derailer an original suntour 600 - how can i replace/upgrade with our having something brazed on to anhor the cable housing?

Just run a plastic cable guide under the bottom bracket shell. You will only need to drill and tap a who in the bottom of the BB shell, then grind off excess screw length that protrudes into the shell.


I would like to get a low rider front rack and put fenders back on. Should I replace the front fork wiht a Surly LHT fork or get the eyelets Brazed on?

Just run clamps on the original fork. They work fine and you won't have to mod the frame/fork.


What can I do with the older alum. parts to refinish? Buff them out and clear coat?

A little water, a little Scotchbright, a little elbow grease and you can get the aluminum parts parts shiny and beautiful! Clean all the gunk off them first, then just polish them with water and an old, well-used Scothbright pad. You'll be amazed...

- FBB

Thanks,

That helps a lot, the only thing about the front fork is that it only has one set of eyelets. The I am not even sure if the Surly fork will fit, I don't know what the cost would be to change the old one. Maybe I can an old one somewhere.