Some time ago I salvaged an old Univega SportTour from the dumpster at my father inlaw's home. It was dirty, banged up and greasy as a crack-addict ba$tard. I was going to throw it away, but decided I'd do something with it. So...

I stripped it with Jasco (and this is after thoroughly cleaning the frame for the stripping):



Then I primed it several coats, wet-sanded it down and gave it several coats of base color ("Arctic White"). Then wet-sanded it to make it smooth.

Then I gave it to my neighbor's 12-year-old daughter to put a little art work to it. She's no pro, but it was important that I gave her the project because 1) it teaches me to let go of my anal-tendency toward my own project, 2) the girl is battling cancer, and 3) there are things in the world that we do that is bigger and more permanent than us. Letting a 12-year-old put a brush-stroke to a carefully prepared frame is one of those things.



She asked me what iconic symbol I wanted on my bike, and I told her that I don't know. She said, "How about a 'heart'?" I said a heart is very good.



She placed a heart on the head tube and one at the back of the seat tube.

And then she asked me if I wanted to give my bike a name. I said that I don't know what it should be, so she asked me if I remembered the name of my first pet. It was a red-bellied Piranha named "Atrocity Jones." She gave me a long look, the kind that held back what she wanted to say but would rather not. And so she gave my bike a name.



I think it came out pretty good. I will take it in to an auto-paint shop and have them shoot a professional-grade clear coat on it. I had intended this bike to be my beater, but now I'm thinking twice. Where as once it was just an old Japanese frame that was to become another conversion, it now carries a little more sentimental value. I'll ride it, but I'll ride it with care, I think.

Hopefully you used a primer so her art wont chip away. I like the hearts though, kinda like the DeRosa frames.

Thanks! I did use a primer, as stated.

Great write up man. I think it looks very cool and props to you for A: saving a frame B: helping out that girl and C: doing a good job. Now build it up, and make this thread a "build/Project" thread. I'd love to see what it could become.

its very refreshing to see this and I think it turned out great. Good luck with the clear coat and take care of that thing.

you won't realize it now but that bike is going to mean much more than you think it will in the coming months/years. tell her to keep fighting...

voted FGSS feel-good post of the year.

That is true art! Id get the clearcoat done, build her up, and hang it on a wall! but thats just me

And here's what she did for the fork.

She painted a heart on the top of each fork crown, and asked my wife what it's like to be in love. She hopes to fall in love one day. I'll spare you the detail of their conversation but I will tell you that I had a hard time listening.



I remember when I was 12 years old and doing silly projects for fun. I had so many that I don't remember most of them. But I don't think this girl painted my bike as a silly project for fun. Under her circumstance, I believe that every stroke of the paint brush meant something to her. In this case, the heart represents hope. I think that, to her, who is forced to live only in the present, "being in love" simply represents beating cancer.



She really enjoyed doing the project. She wants for me to put it together soon and she has high hopes that she'll get to see me ride it every morning to work.

co-signed. thats awesome dude

make her sign the bike on the top tube, seat tube or somewhere visible.

I will ask her.
Thanks for the replies, everyone.
It's a beautiful bike now, and a tough situation.
But I'm very happy to own it.

yes she needs to sign it.

Great thread.

Agreed signed on top of the top tube, near the head tube. When you look down, inspiration.

Man, the story with the fork brought a tear to my eye. For a 12 yr old, that's an awesome paint job. She does need to sign that. Can't wait to see that bike put together.

Man that's sick, so glad you prepped it properly. FWIW I don't think the painting is "bad", the lug lines are squiggly, but it's a 12 year old! And that's beautiful, I love the downtube. Please please go to a reputable auto shop that will put the right type of clear on it!!

Rad, I especially like the fork.

We suspect that the chemotherapy adversely affects the nerves. She had complained of tingly sensations in her hands. It is one of the many common side-effects of treatment. I suspect the squiggly lines on the painting might not be her doing.

She paints a mean heart. Even if they are squiggly they add a childish characteristic that is to be desired.

That's the character and soul of a 12 year old girl. She definitely put her "heart" into it. It is amazing what resides in the being of an innocent child. That is something that shall be cherished for many many years, isn't it?

I'm hoping the best for her recovery.

That's a nice imitation De Rosa you've got there...
Love the glossy white and red.

you're a pretty rad human being. what inspired your actions? this thread should be on digg.

love it. build that bike up proper!

I'm not sure why I did it. I suppose it's one of the many indispensable duties by which I earn the rights to be human.

But in the end, it's not about me.

she did a great job