This all depends on what the OP is doing with the bike, doesn't it. I think the OP is intending on riding it, in that case the process should be. Build it up into rideable condition, fixing any serious rust spots. Now give it some road time, make it the default bike in the stable, if you get to the point where in a couple of months, your riding it every day and liking the ride, then strip it, do any required repair work to it, paint it, add the proper decals, and build it up with the nicest components that will work for the budget. Too many people have this idea that it's a low end frame, so it must be a low end bike, you can build really nice bike with decent components and a low end frame, it may be a little heavier, but who cares? If you get to the end of the summer and can't remember the last time you rode it, then strip it and dump it on ebay, make it someone elses problem.

I don't have a torch so I tried using the stove. Bad idea. I'll have to either get a torch or just leave it in there.

Exactly. I just want to get it in working order. I really don't mind a heavier bike. It makes no difference to me.

Just roughed up the paint with some 60 grade sandpaper by hand and hit the sticker with a razor blade.





(later in the day)

Hey thanks rob. But I just came across a crank I'm going to put on here. If I wasn't trying to clean out my closets at the moment (prepping for a move) I would absolutely take those off your hands. I appreciate the offer!

Sure. That's why I said whatever makes him happy is what he should do, ultimately. I just wanted to make sure it was clear to him that it's an entry-level frame. That was implied by some of the other parts of the thread, but not explicitly stated. It might influence some people's decision making, but not others. OP's choice.

I just find it interesting, that everybody seems to think, that entry-level frames should only be built up with entry level components. Heck the Sekine I had in the 1970's was anything, but high end, but take that frame and build it up with fully Campy SR, and you would have just about the perfect riding bicycle, ever built. I think if you took the Raleigh sitting behind me, stripped it and built it up with Campy Record, it wouldn't make a heck of a nice riding bicycle, even with it's low end Tange 5 frame.

How bout a picture of you after a coupla hours in the basement with paint fumes

Looks great so far! Keep 'em coming.

Since it's been mentioned that a similar Benotto had Suntour components I may look for a Suntour spindle/crankset. Although, I'm going to use a track crankset because I won't be using derailleurs. So I'm assuming that once I figure out which crank I'm putting on I can then look for the proper length spindle. Also, decided to kept the original bearings after I washed them up in soapy water. Will most likely re-use those.

The more I think about that stuck cup on there the more I'm thinking of just leaving it on.

I see a shop session with lots of measuring in my near future! Here's my workspace. The dining room in our 2br apt. The basement I'm using as the paint location.


I haven't weighed the frame. Honestly, it doesn't really matter too much to me if it is heavy. As long as it is sturdy. But if you are getting at the fact someone could have spliced the frame. I highly doubt that happened. I think it is just a cheap-o frame. Heavy, sturdy, orange is what I'm going for.

I'll post up some pics of the Masi on my photobucket account for ya! The Masi is more of an "upgrade" project. It was my daily commuter (and still is sometimes) for two years. It's such a nice ride. Once I get the wallet for it I will def upgrade the drive train and maybe change the shifters, fork etc.
Masi Album

Thanks for the input. Keep it coming!

You weren't kidding holy cow what a headache!

Progress...
...Coat number two after I hand sanded with very fine 320 grit. Just to smooth out the lumps of paint. Most of the lumps gather at the corners and lugs where the welds are.

Took measurements.
BB width = 72mm

Spindle width = 144mm
Spindle middle = 50mm

Rear Dropout width (inside) = 120mm

interested in the cranks if still available could you email me on joelbunn2000@yahoo.co.uk to discuss the price

Sorry bud I don't have any cranks. I bought the frame alone. But I am looking for a BB spindle for this build. Looks like from my measurements that it will be hard to find. Feels like strange dimensions in between the bearings (55mm?).

Not sure if this is the right size, but it did just come out of my Benotto.

from the picture its hard to tell if the spacing between 1.5" to 3.75" is 55mm. If so I'd absolutely be interested...

did you go from 60 grit straight to orange paint? thats what it looks like from the pics. Did you use any kind of primer/surfacer/sealer? Just wondering b/c 60 grit is awful ROUGH to shoot paint over. Please do your brain a favor and use good ventilation!!!

did you ever try a hammer and punch on that BB cup?

andy

Be sure to do a test before spraying on the clear. The two paints may not be compatible.

You are going to need a short spindle to get a decent chainline. Just how short depends on the crank that you use. I got away with reversing an asymetric spindle on one of mine. The other uses a track BB.

I did go from 60 grit to paint. It did seem a little harsh so I applied about 4 more coats after that. Anymore and I'm afraid the paint would chip off too easy. So between each coat I sanded with a finer grit paper than the last. The last coat of paint went on top of 600 grit. Pics soon to follow. Next are the decals.

I have a very rudimentary knowledge of decal application. I'm assuming there are two ways to apply decals; a) Apply to wet paint so there is a possibility to adjust the decals, b) just apply them by eye-ing out how straight it will lay on the frame. Is there a DIY thread on this?

Also, bikenut2011, I haven't tried the hammer and punch technique...yet. Once I come down from my rattle-can high I'll try it out.

This confirms my suspisions about which I should aquire first, the BB set or crankset.

Reversing is a good idea but wouldn't the long end of the spindle create a gap between the left side of the BB and crank??? I'd try this but the frame originally came with a cottered crank. Why do I keep running into cottered cranks!!!!

Haha!!

andy

Heres a easier pic to look at the cms. Looks like 55mm to me.

do you think this would fit? The one I pulled out was 50mm. Although, when I looked at Sheldon Brown's page on this it seems the standard is 52mm so maybe my measurement is off and it's actually 52mm.

Just to be certain I'm referring to "B" in this diagram:

********** "So I def think it's a Benotto. I just don't understand why there isn't a serial number"

I don't understand either. As I'm painting it I'm trying to come up with possibilities as to why it looks like some one made this BB from plumbing pipe.

Just picked up a punch from harbor freight (love that place) and I'm going to try and knock out that stuck cup once painting is done. I think I've finally come down from that high...geesh