somec build-up progression, WITH PICTURES!!! >>>
 

i'm fittin to build up my recently acquired mid '80s somec super-corsa. i've been a busy bee the last week or so accumulating bits, and here's how it's gonna shake out:

* cranks: c-record (late model w/ laser-etched logo)
* derailleurs: c-record (2nd-gen -- orig geometry w/ laser-etched script instead of engraved crest)
* shifters: simplex retrofriction (downtube, from my parts-bin)
* brake levers: c-record aero (later ones w/ black hoods)
* brake calipers: early chorus mono-planars (lightweight and good braking, from my parts-bin)
* cable-housing: black
* seatpin: thomson elite (silver, functional and has a nice 2-bolt head)
* headset: grand-cru (available, reliable, and no-frills)
* stem: [strike]cinelli XA (sourced from my parts-bin)[/strike] 3ttt record '84
* bars: 3ttt forma2 w/ black cork (i like 3ttt)
* wheelset: using my existing c-record/wolber tx-profils
* saddle: selle italia slr-gel flow (modern, but it's what i use)
* pedals: speedplay x2 (modern, but it's also what i use)
* bottle-cages: elite ciussi alumin (silver w/ old school feel)


i have my frame in my workstand doing some paint touch-up before clear-coating everything -- i found some really good matches for the red and green faded areas in the nail polish dept at the local target!

http://brown-snout.com/cycling/bikes...2-IMG_0888.JPG

Definitely can't wait to see this one built up!

build-update #1
 

all parts are in-hand, no changes to build-plan as noted above. dont ya just LOVE a box full of c-record bits?!?!

http://brown-snout.com/cycling/bikes...0131101913.jpg

build-update #2
 

as with many "back in the day" italian frames, the decals are fragile and were not clearcoated. while this frame/fork spent it's life in a shop window or store-room, it accumulated it's share of wear & nicks in the paint. the decals themselves were a little shriveled and yellowed, but quite presentable and the overall patina "just works". so my plan was to clear coat everything as-is.

so this weekend, i did some basic cleanup and prep, masked everything just right. i used color-rite urethane clear in a rattle-can, it's not cheap but goes on well for can-based stuff. did 2 sessions of clear-coat, 24-hours apart, and some 1000-grit sanding between to knock down the orange peel. the sanding was key to smooth out the lumpy, aged decals that are now sealed under the clear.

here's a decal showing the aging and damage (pre-clear):

http://brown-snout.com/cycling/bikes...4-IMG_0889.JPG

next weekend i'll do some final sanding and polish it up to a nice shine. here's a crappy fonecam pic, just to give you a flavour of the look w/ the seatpin, saddle, headset and stem fitted.

http://brown-snout.com/cycling/bikes...0131101916.jpg

So. Nice.

Thanks for the progress report. It will be a beautiful bike when it is finished.

Jake

update: clear-coated and polished!
 

used colorrite polyurethane clear coat. expensive, but good stuff for DIY rattlecan application. did this after some minor touch-ups.

cleaned up frame, roughened everything up w/ stainless-steel wool, masked, then went to town. ~3 coats applied, dried for 24 hours, light sanding, then another 3 coats.

waited a week, then did some final sanding using 400/800/1000 grit paper to smooth things out. liberal use of mothers polish and elbow grease and it's coming along nicely! now the finish is shiny, smooth, and the decals and other minor nicks and whatnot are sealed from further damage/exposure like a time capsule.

after prep-sanding to knock down the worst of the orange peel:
http://brown-snout.com/cycling/bikes...p/IMG_1050.JPG
http://brown-snout.com/cycling/bikes...p/IMG_1053.JPG

the good stuff:
http://brown-snout.com/cycling/bikes...p/IMG_1057.JPG

now it sparkles - not perfect, but good enough for gubment work:
http://brown-snout.com/cycling/bikes...p/IMG_1068.JPG
http://brown-snout.com/cycling/bikes...p/IMG_1069.JPG
http://brown-snout.com/cycling/bikes...p/IMG_1073.JPG
http://brown-snout.com/cycling/bikes...p/IMG_1075.JPG

throw in some wheels to get the vibe:
http://brown-snout.com/cycling/bikes...t_the_vibe.jpg

Looking great!

Wow, nice job on getting that paint to shine again. Is it the clearcoat that makes the biggest difference? Do you think the Mothers would
work well without the clearcoat?

I have a Ciocc that has some pretty faded paint, that is why I ask.

Please keep those pics coming. What a great project!!!!!! More entertaining to me than the Super Bowl.

Yes, keep the updates. These are really pretty bikes, I think yours is about the same vintage as mine.

in my case, yes -- the clear was the key. the old paint was rough and aged.

you could freshen up old paint just with polish, but it's important that the decals be under an existing clear too! if not, you can tear them up and/or wear them off!

another build update
 

first, encountered a minor problem w/ the brake drilling in the fork crown, documented in this thread. here's a foto:

http://brown-snout.com/cycling/bikes...own1_notes.jpg

a couple minutes with a couple different shaped files and i'm good to go.

now, some eye-candy...the build-up is coming along nicely! replacing the 130mm cinelli XA with a 125mm 3ttt record so i can get that perfect position, but it's coming from NED so it'll be a week or so before i can get the bars/stem dialed in -- no worries, my motorcycle needs some TLC anyways.

i gotta say, this bike is looking GOOD -- i'm quite chuffed these days! :)

http://majortaylorcycling.org/bikes/...r-corsa_v3.jpg

Looking good. I wonder if that front caliper issue was one reason this frame ended up in the window/back room - and then just stayed there.

maybe.

although if you run a nuovo/super-record headset (which is how this one was built-up all those years), the underside of the crown-race is more sloped/conical so you dont have a notable interference issue.

Saving this thread. I've decided, after seeing this and a coupe other threads, to put a little more time into the frames, especially with the clearcoat.

And how! I'm really glad that I clicked on this thread. Not sure why, but it never occurred to me to use Mothers on painted areas.

You are almost there. I appreciate your attention to details!!!!

As they say over there: Madonnnnn!

Very nice job. The bike is very cool. I wonder what was the problem with the front brake hole? Was the crown drilled wrong? On another note. Team Spago. Now that brings back memories. You can still find the 1991 Tour DuPond video titled Hammer and Hell on Amazon in new condition which shows the Spago team (as well as Coors Light, Z, PDM, Tonton Tapis, Skittles/Chex....). Great vid.

Build is Finito!!!
 

oh, bellissima!!! not too shabby for a 25 year old frameset, eh?!

http://majortaylorcycling.org/bikes/...uper-corsa.jpg
http://brown-snout.com/cycling/bikes...p/P1010095.jpg
http://brown-snout.com/cycling/bikes...p/P1010096.jpg
http://brown-snout.com/cycling/bikes...p/P1010099.jpg

Hi Wallymann,

You have so many great bikes, this one fits right into the mix. I can't imagine a better mix of components on the Somec.

You've opened my eyes a little on the Somec brand and reminded me these don't just roll off the assembly line. Humans create them with all the idiosyncracies built right in.

FWIW, I also use Mothers' products on cars, sailboats, and my bikes. It really does a great job of deep cleaning, protecting, and shining. Not cheap, but for sure worth it.

Next up, I hope you find a little time to come back and give us a ride report. Thanks for sharing your project with us, such nice work on a beautiful bike. :)

Finally, are those Comp 4000's ? Couldn't quite tell from the pics.

Excuse me a moment, I just have to go pick up my jaw from the floor.

definitely and it's been a pleasure! the tyres are old-school-ish original conti grand-prix (before the 2000/4000 stuff).

Great build!!! I too would like to hear a ride report.

Jake