Classic & Vintage - Raleigh Technium MTB Full Restoration - Lots o' Pics!

Hey people,

So a friend of mine moved out of town, and gave me his incredibly used Raleigh Technium MTB. I always told him I thought it was a cool frame, so he thought I should have it! I only have one bike, a 1981 Univega Specialissima that I quite literally ride every type of cycling with, so I wanted to build something fun, with fat tires, maybe mustache bars too, a bit more relaxed, that can be used for both road and dirt. And of course, keep it incredibly good looking and classy, just like my Univega. As a broke 22 year old college student, I had to take advantage!

So here she was, in all her incredibly crappy glory!

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_4926_zps81cd053c.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_4927_zps7eae9d17.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_4929_zps61476c50.jpg


Now I originally wanted to powdercoat it, but considering the thermally bonded main tubes, and a bit of research, I opted to paint it. This was my first paint job, and probably gonna be my last one for at least a while! The condition of the frame definitely added to the ridiculous amount of prep work, but whatever, I have a paint job under my belt now, and definitely learned a lot.

So here she is stripped down, ready to be even more stripped down:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0045_zps0b1afc20.jpg

So a can of Jasco paint stripper, scraper, and 3m scotchbrite kinda pads to the rescue!

Make that paint all bubbly, Mr. Jasco

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0043_zps4f1d2616.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0047_zps1783308b.jpg

Praise the lord for Jasco!

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0051_zps2ea51f07.jpg

Now we're getting somewhere

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0050_zps0b3e164d.jpg

Allllrighty, ready for primer

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0053_zps3faa107c.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0054_zpse1b4e7ba.jpg

So the whole process was gonna be through Dupli-Color spray cans from the local auto parts store. Specifically Dupli-Color Perfect Match Primer, Paint (polar/arctic white), and clear coat.

Here's the primer!

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0058_zpsb45e37fd.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0057_zps1efe6955.jpg

And the paint!

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0063_zps8a6aa9b1.jpg

Here's a make shift oven I made. I remember my brother had this heater from his old apartment. It actually got to be about 135 degree Fahrenheit in there!

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0074_zpsd3b72901.jpg

Here's the decals I used, thank you velocals. (Yeah it isn't period correct, big whoop)

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0075_zps29410e5e.jpg

Aaaand here come the decals:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0077_zpsc352ec41.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0078_zps2283a503.jpg

I used an 18kt Gold Leaf pen from the local kraft store to outline the lugs, and these 'pin stripes' from the local auto parts store to accessorize with.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0060_zps7123dde5.jpg

Here she is, ready for clear:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0081_zps5092e423.jpg

Hey whaddya know, this actually looks pretty damn good!

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0082_zps10653993.jpg

And then she got clear coated, and was thrown back in the oven!

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0083_zps26629db6.jpg

And here she is in all her (not so incredibly crappy at all) glory!

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0084_zps8aa8caad.jpg

Mmmmm, delicious.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0085_zps06a59fd7.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0086_zps17fb7571.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0087_zpsbb02a052.jpg


Alright! So that's that. I went and got a new headset and pressed it in at the local bike co-op last night. I'm waiting on some shipments which should arrive today to start putting it together. I have a decent amount of mtb parts from a very old mtb I had a long time ago that I parted out.

As far as what's going on, I'll give you some hints. It's gonna be leathery, creamy, mustachy, corky, and hempy.

Sound good?

Yeah, you know it sounds good. :thumb:

Wait a second.... you have a closet in your apartment/house with nothing in it? Holy Cow!

Looks great!

Oh yeah, and if someone can identify the year of the frame, that would be cool. :)

Bianchigirll, one of the many blessings of living a simple life, without a bunch of CRAP in your house. Granted though, there were about 4 folding chairs in there, with two blankets. (Alright alright, you got me!) Haha

Outstanding job!! Gives me some inspiration.

Nice work, I'm more motivated to tackle my first paint job too! Looking forward to the final build.

In the second to last photo, is there a chip in the fork?

looks great. gold is kind of subtly pimptastic. and the oven was a stroke of genius.

doesnt look like the simple life has spread to your garage yet. :)

I love it.

In the second to last photo, is there a chip in the fork?

Yes sir! I wrapped the fork with electrical tape around the coat hanger for the 'oven' really excessively, and put a zip tie for assurance around the top of the fork, but when I came home the fork fell down onto the tile floor, chipping the side, and the fender eyelets. I just finished touching them up now, shouldn't look tooooo noticeable after sanding. :rolleyes:



doesnt look like the simple life has spread to your garage yet. :)

I've moved back in with my parents since going back to school full time. Thankfully the garage has not spread to my bedroom. :)

Really nice work!
I look forward to seeing the final build.

The straight fork and mono-stay rear end make me think the bike would be '89-92 ish.

I love it. Did you use an AL specific, self etching, on the main tubes? That's the only thing stopping me from refinishing mine.

You do nice work and the end result will be very pleasing. Nice job.

I have this old Raleigh Technium mountain bike that will be built up for Bicycles for Humanity this Winter, and offered for sale at our annual vintage bicycle yard sale, next Spring or Fall...

291800 291801 291802

It was -30 degrees the day I was snapping these pictures and the camera was freezing up. Pardon the quality. I might add that I was freezing up,also.

Did see a fox walking across the ice on Lake Superior when I was taking a picture of the Ice Breaker in the harbor - picture to small to really see the poor creature.

kinda funny to see an mtb with old style roadie paint/trim but you did a good job :thumb:

Very cool. Can't wait to see how the rest turns out.

Wow, that is absolutely outstanding. This will be oe to watch.

Very impressive! Can't wait for the final results of the build.

Sweet!

Well done, I really like the color and the pin striping. Looking forward to the final build too.

Alright here are some pics to hold you guys off till it's done.

Hemp twine chain slap protector. I bought some amber shellac and did a test on a random tube I twined. I like the protection it gives but the natural hemp looks so good! Hopefully it'll hold up without the shellac. If any of you have experience with this chime in!

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0093_zpsf69569b7.jpg

I was gonna throw on a Selle Anatomica but I remembered I had this old Selle Italia. It's a tad narrow for me but totally rideable. The color will match the cork tape real nice too. There's an SR Laprade seatpost originally from my univega. I painted the flutes gold, just 'cause. BUT, it is a 26.8, and the collar is a 27.0. I currently have a 'beer can shim' in there. We'll see if there is any play once I get some hardware for the seatpost binder.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0095_zps4d0820d7.jpg

Aaand probably my favorite part so far, Nitto Dirt Drop and Moustache Bar. Had some Tektro lever's lying around. Really looking forward to trying this out! Looks like it's gonna be some refreshing options for my hands. Got a new Tange Seiki headset and pressed it in at the bike co-op on Thursday.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0097_zps2c393cc8.jpg

Tires come in on Monday. Bar end shifters hopefully by Wednesday!

Alright, here are some more sneak peaks. Bar End Shifter should come in tomorrow so I can finally throw on the chain/wrap the bars up.

Schwalbe 2.1" Big Ben's, Mmm mm mmm mm MMMMM. Fresh Sram 11-32 9 speed cassette. Deore XT Hubs on Mavic's.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0098_zpsdd8e96e4.jpg

Stainless Steel King Cages, Deore XT cranks converted to single 32t. Shimano one side platform/other side spd pedals.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0099_zps6bf97fd3.jpg

Tektro CR720's. I haven't finished adjusting them so yeah yeah, no end cap on the cable yet.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0100_zps08080560.jpg

And I just like this angle so here's a shot. (Nice angle, isn't it?)

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0101_zps343401e2.jpg

tire color is a nice choice!

That bike is gonna rock when you get her done. Great job so far on all of your selections.

I love this!

I love this!

+1

Is that a 280Z hiding in the background?

Pics please.

+1

Is that a 280Z hiding in the background?

Pics please.

1971 240z, with way too many goodies. It was my project when I was 16-18 years old, spent all my hard earned money on it, frame up restoration. Would do it all again if I had the chance. http://forums.hybridz.org/topic/68851-armands-sr20det-1971-series-1-240z-pics/ 0-60 in 4.6, I lay down a 1:29 at streets of willow. http://www.streetfire.net/video/1971-datsun-240z-sr20det-3-straight-pipe-revving_643830.htm



You folks should be getting completed pics in some sunshine hopefully tomorrow. :thumb:

That is one heck of a z!!!I opted to build a 924s. It's much slower, but handles pretty well :)

[QUOTE=The Armand;15139066]1971 240z, with way too many goodies. It was my project when I was 16-18 years old, spent all my hard earned money on it, frame up restoration. Would do it all again if I had the chance. http://forums.hybridz.org/topic/68851-armands-sr20det-1971-series-1-240z-pics/ 0-60 in 4.6, I lay down a 1:29 at streets of willow. http://www.streetfire.net/video/1971-datsun-240z-sr20det-3-straight-pipe-revving_643830.htm

A beautiful Z.

Tip o the hat.

Classy.

I love it. Did you use an AL specific, self etching, on the main tubes? That's the only thing stopping me from refinishing mine.

Sorry never answered your question. I did not! Same primer for the whole frame. I found out about that whole aluminum's pores being too small thing after I primered it. Hopefully it'll hold up! :innocent:


That is one heck of a z!!!I opted to build a 924s. It's much slower, but handles pretty well

Oh yeah, nothing handles like a 924! My brother's friend had one that he let me drive once, really, really nice weight distribution. After I dropped the SR20 in the Z it became much more poised like a mid-engine chassis, similar to a 924. (since the block is shorter, new engine mount placed the motor farther back, shifted weight distribution 6% back. :thumb:) If you ever get tired of it being slow, I remember seeing people drop v8's in those things! ;)

Sorry never answered your question. I did not! Same primer for the whole frame. I found out about that whole aluminum's pores being too small thing after I primered it. Hopefully it'll hold up! :innocent:



Oh yeah, nothing handles like a 924! My brother's friend had one that he let me drive once, really, really nice weight distribution. After I dropped the SR20 in the Z it became much more poised like a mid-engine chassis, similar to a 924. (since the block is shorter, new engine mount placed the motor farther back, shifted weight distribution 6% back. :thumb:) If you ever get tired of it being slow, I remember seeing people drop v8's in those things! ;)

Being an S model, it already has the bigger brothers 2.5l and it is a great candidate for the 968 3.0 (direct bolt in)

as you mention, v8 swaps have been done and are quite popular. There are several outlets for bolt in qulity conversion parts. 50/50 weight distribution, 400hp, and daily driver reliability at a fairly reasonable price. Maybe someday :)

Alright, so here she is. She is pretty much done, I am waiting on Selle Anatomica's new 'truleather' titanico saddle which should come in 2 weeks. I might do some more coats of clear shellac on the bar tape for a bit more sheen. I also might experiment with that whole diamond cross pattern with cotton tape on the top tube. Maybe yellow/white? Don't know yet. I feel like it needs some sharp contrast somewhere. I almost-kinda-sorta wish I went with some black/skinwall tires to add some contrast, but oh well.

Overall it's super fun to ride. Definitely not too zippy on the road because of the tires weighing in at 1820 grams (:eek:) but on simple dirt roads it's an absolute pleasure. The mustache bars are interesting, I think they are much more suited to riding off-road than on. I found the curves/hand positions more useful on the dirt. I think I'll probably sell this one, or maybe throw some real mtb tires on it and save it for actual mtb'ing. Well see what the future holds.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0107_zpsf0165a15.jpg

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nice job dude :)

Looks great. Nice detailing too.

Here's some photo's of its first real ride this morning. Nearly went on every trail in Malibu Creek State Park with absolutely perfect/GORGEOUS weather. Mustache bars are really, really nice off-road. I was pretty impressed with these tires grip too. Only places it got squirrely was damp/slightly muddy corners, and I only had them at about 50psi. I think this is definitely gonna be a keeper, it's just too fun off-road to let go!

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0142_zpsb1722683.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0149_zpsa25675f7.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0156_zpse6038eb3.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0158_zps08b7c151.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/Akracingproducts/Raleigh%20Technium%20Resto/IMG_0153_zps6c040d3c.jpg

Well done

Nice job! Your attention to detail shows through.

Bravo! Great job on a fantastic ride.

Oh yeah, and if someone can identify the year of the frame, that would be cool. :)

Bianchigirll, one of the many blessings of living a simple life, without a bunch of CRAP in your house. Granted though, there were about 4 folding chairs in there, with two blankets. (Alright alright, you got me!) Haha

At least a 1989. 1988 was the last year for a U-Brake on the chainstay, curved fork. 1989 was the first year for cantilevers in the rear and the straight bladed fork. 89 was also the last year for the wishbone seat stays and 130mm spacing. I hope that helps.

That's my 1989 below.

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj396/cs1sales/IMG_0113.jpg

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj396/cs1sales/IMG_0112.jpg

Looks great. Nice detailing too.

+1

A fantastic, fun and practical project.

I will be interested to see how you like the tires at 1,500 miles.

A friend uses those on his Goodrich and seems to like them quite a bit.

Congrats.