What Would You Do?
08-25-13, 08:41 PM
#1
Thrifty Bill
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What Would You Do?
So I happen to have two Fujis with issues. One is a 1981 S12S (black), the other is a 1983 Team Fuji (brown).
The chrome on the fork crown of the S12S is pretty much toast. Sure I did the OA routine, but it was badly pitted, and OA does not cure that. But the rest of the frame is pretty decent. Meanwhile, on the Team Fuji, the only thing decent is the fork. The frame had quite a bit of rust, which I have treated, but it is beyond touchup paint. It would need a PC job or a better painter than me.
As luck would have it, both frames are the same size. Forks are identical weight wise. Color is the remaining issue.
I don't have much into either bike, so I will be OK financially. The Team was bought as a donor (it had obvious issues), while the S12S was picked up as a partial bike.
The choices are:
1. Rattlecan the Team fork black (keeping the chrome fork crown).
2. Strip the Team fork down to the chrome, and hope the fork leg chrome is presentable.
3. Rebuild the S12S with its crappy fork, maybe paint the fork crown???
The Team was one model up in the product line back then.
The chrome on the S12S fork is worse than it looks, and the chrome on the TEAM fork is better.
The chrome on the fork crown of the S12S is pretty much toast. Sure I did the OA routine, but it was badly pitted, and OA does not cure that. But the rest of the frame is pretty decent. Meanwhile, on the Team Fuji, the only thing decent is the fork. The frame had quite a bit of rust, which I have treated, but it is beyond touchup paint. It would need a PC job or a better painter than me.
As luck would have it, both frames are the same size. Forks are identical weight wise. Color is the remaining issue.
I don't have much into either bike, so I will be OK financially. The Team was bought as a donor (it had obvious issues), while the S12S was picked up as a partial bike.
The choices are:
1. Rattlecan the Team fork black (keeping the chrome fork crown).
2. Strip the Team fork down to the chrome, and hope the fork leg chrome is presentable.
3. Rebuild the S12S with its crappy fork, maybe paint the fork crown???
The Team was one model up in the product line back then.
The chrome on the S12S fork is worse than it looks, and the chrome on the TEAM fork is better.
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Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.
08-26-13, 05:30 AM
#6
Thrifty Bill
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Neither is my size, neither is going to stay around. Kitchen needs priority right now for sure. Demo and dry rot are up this week.
But I always keep a few bike projects moving forward.
But I always keep a few bike projects moving forward.
08-26-13, 06:07 AM
#7
Mr. Anachronism
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You'll likely find that the chrome under the painted sections of the Team fork isn't finished as well as the exposed portions, as Fuji didn't sand/polish those sections as well before dipping. You can see my results here. The good news is that black is easy to match. I vote #1 as well.
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Last edited by Hudson308; 08-26-13 at 06:25 AM.
08-26-13, 06:21 AM
#9
Zip tie Karen
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A Different Take...
I have both bikes as riders, but '77 S-10S and '82 Team. I don't think that the fork swap is a good idea from a geometry perspective. The Team fork is meant for a sportier, racing feel. The S-10S (and I'm guessing S-12S) has a much longer wheelbase, and has a ride that is much more plush and stable. It's not agile, but is generally pleasing.
I could ride either bike for hours comfortably, but they're different.
I don't think that the forks are compatible for the intended characteristics of the bike.
I'd paint over the crown on the S-12S and keep the same fork.
Similarly, I'd keep the Team intact, and sell it for what it is. A nice riding, if aesthetically worn, road bike.
The two will fetch more than a hybridized one will. My two centavos...
I could ride either bike for hours comfortably, but they're different.
I don't think that the forks are compatible for the intended characteristics of the bike.
I'd paint over the crown on the S-12S and keep the same fork.
Similarly, I'd keep the Team intact, and sell it for what it is. A nice riding, if aesthetically worn, road bike.
The two will fetch more than a hybridized one will. My two centavos...
08-26-13, 07:53 AM
#10
Still learning
Another Paint Issue
Trek 7.2 FX flipper candidate bought relatively cheap @ $120. Needed a new BB cartridge, already solved for $13.00. Top tube paint is rough, probably from car rack. Considering of fogging area near seat clamp in black or charcoal or should I leave it be? (Similar to some vintage Colnago frames)
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