Hey everyone - apologies in advance, this thread is going to move slowly.


I picked up an abused '88 Fuji Opus IV, serial number FL706910, a while back and am getting around to restoring it. As found, it was built with a cornucopia of decent parts, but nothing matching: Modolo brakes, Shimano 600 aero levers, Modolo shifters (broken), Superbe crank, Cyclone rear mech, Record front mech, Deore XT headset (broken), Modolo bars, Dura Ace front hub, Bullseye rear hub, New Winner freewheel, and Mavic tubular rims.







I didn't spend a lot on it, so I figured I could justify going the retro-roadie route and build it back up with 9 or 10 speed Dura Ace. I've already got a 7400 (I think) seatpost, and thanks to Spaghetti Legs I've got a headset to go with it.


First thing's first, though - it needs a repaint. I've got a friend who's set up a motorcycle shop with a paint booth. He's going to try to recreate the elegant white pearl this frame once had. However, I've been holding off as I've been looking for some decals. Velocal isn't interested in printing up some repros, understandably so, as this is a one-year production frame. I believe there was another BF user who found a stash of Opus IV NOS decals, but they haven't been active on this forum in a while. I'm thinking I'll just move forward without them.





Second thing - this frame is a little different than other examples I've seen online - the fork decals are different, and the holes in the top tube for the internal cable routing are both on the left side. Would this be for setting up the brakes for right-hand driving, with the rear brake lever on the left side? Also, does anyone have any tips or leads for finding the rubber inserts that go in these holes?


This build is going to go slowly. Once painted, I'm going to let the paint cure for a good long time in the Florida humidity while I accrue the Dura Ace tidbits. I appreciate any tips, tricks, or insights, as I want to do this build right.