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.

Great bike. Glad it found you!

Edit: Are you sure you want to paint it? I like the way it looks now.

Yeah, it looks a whole lot worse in person, yellowed and dull with discolorations from someone using Scotch tape to mount a cycling computer. It deserves to be pearly white again.

It will look snazzy with a fresh paint job. I've also seen rubbing compound work some incredible magic on similar looking frames. Great find!

Take some close up pictures of decals. Photoshop the pictures. Buy some water slide decal printer paper from Hobby Lobby. Follow directions. Find a color laser printer that meets mfg. recommendations. Print new decals. Apply new decals on freshly painted bike. Spray over decals with clear coat. That's it that's all. Done deal. Be good. Have fun.

I got some unexpected time off, thanks to Irma, and made some progress on the Opus IV. I stripped the frame, found some fun rusty bits and treated them with a wire brush and Evaporust, and built it up as a quick and dirty single speed. I used the wheelset that came with the bike as the tubs have a good bit of life left, but respaced and redished the rear for the single cog. Actually, I reused most of the components except for an FSA crank and Tektro brakes. If it's not stormy tomorrow I'll go out for a ride and test the integrity of the vintage tubular glue, but a quick toddle around the neighborhood hints that this bike will be too fast for my own good.

Nice quick & dirty.

Some of us ride those multicultural, diverse, frankenbikes. With pleasure.

How did I miss this the first time. Great find, can't wait to see how it winds up. I've got a Opus III and it's a wonderful ride.

Update incoming!

I started attending a local "go-fast" ride, so I got impatient and wanted to get the Fuji rolling in some form or other. I'm still adjusting the fit, but my first time out on it got me PRs on all of the Strava segments. I'll take that as a good sign! More pics will happen when I get the bars adjusted.

Awesome!

Let's see some more detailed shots of the bike. Curious to see what you've done with it.

My Opus III continues to be a favorite for me.

I agree. There is something special about high end Fuji's.

Its the Joseph's Amazing technicolor dream coat of bike frames.... Nice to see it back on the Road OP