Jeffluke

I have a early 80's Bridgestone with the 4130 cromo frame and braze on rear dropouts. It has lower end diacomp side pulls, araya's, the frame is very nice, Is this a frame of good quality for a mix breed low bubjet build up? as I have quite a few good parts lying around, and if so does anyone know where I can get a pair of the upper tube decals and the B for the front for a repaint, I am sure I could get them made or make a stencil prior to clear coat.

top506

Sounds good enough for me!
details and pics wouldn't hurt, though.
mswank is the guy to ask about decals.
Top

PTB

I really like my 4130 frame, but its a United States-built Schwinn sourced from a LeTour Luxe.

Assuming that the Japanese Bridgestone frame has similar characteristics, I would say its definitely worth building up. It won't be a Paramount or Prestige, but the 4130 steel is a good blend of lightness and flexibility (comfort and posture depend on geometry). The value is there to make it worth upgrading and riding.

Surly still makes a 4130 to this day.

PTB

There's a guy on this forum that makes decals. Someone might post with his website (I don't remember it off the top of my head). That's probably the best way to go.

A cheaper (and crappier) way: You can also print out the decal on decal paper from a hobby store, but you'll want to apply the decal and then clear coat over the top. They're very delicate.

I've also found decals for an old Bianchi on eBay.

Jeffluke

This frame looks very close to an 80's non-English built Raleigh I have, and I wouldnt dought that the lower end bridgestone is made by the same Co. in Japan, I think I will try to make a stencil. I will attemp to get some pics today if all goes well and dont work late

badger_biker 

mswantak is the man to go to for replacement decals. He may already have the graphics since he owns a Bridgestone. You can look him up on the forum and send him a PM and I'm sure he'll take care of you.

I have an '84 Bridgestone 400 with a 4130 frame and I like it very much - go for the build on it. I've used mine for touring and most recently did some mods for a more urban commuter. Good quality construction on those frames and very versitile.
Good luck.

T-Mar

Many of the low end models maintained profit margins by using plain gauge 4130 in the main tubes and hi-tensile in the stays and forks. I wouldn't assume it was full 4130 without knowing the model and exactly what the tubing decal states.

Jeffluke

I have a few pics of the bridgestone, trying to figure how to load them, should have them tonight or tomorrow.