Thorn Cycles Forum
Community => Member's Gallery => Topic started by: Bill C on January 09, 2016, 11:09:04 pm
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thought it was about time to give a progress report on the other Xtc i bought in the sjs sell off
taken awhile to get this far as first attempt using proper spraying kit rather than rattle cans
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm17/parramethtrol/xtc%2001jpg_zpsfef0ddbv.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/parramethtrol/media/xtc%2001jpg_zpsfef0ddbv.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm17/parramethtrol/xtc%2007_zpsvhzbrhca.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/parramethtrol/media/xtc%2007_zpsvhzbrhca.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm17/parramethtrol/xtc%2005_zpsvbgkpro3.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/parramethtrol/media/xtc%2005_zpsvbgkpro3.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm17/parramethtrol/xtc%2003_zpsipcn5nqp.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/parramethtrol/media/xtc%2003_zpsipcn5nqp.jpg.html)
a bit of effort and a lidl polishing kit for a drill and .......
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm17/parramethtrol/xtc%2002_zpsxqlw4q9p.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/parramethtrol/media/xtc%2002_zpsxqlw4q9p.jpg.html)
hopefully it won't take as long to get her finished as it has to get to this point, but that's project bikes ::)
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Absolutely stunning result, Bill!
Can't wait to see it complete!
All the best,
Dan.
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Back again now I have a bit more time...
Superb choice of color, and you laid the paint nicely. Sure do love what you've done with the head badge, and the polishing! Oh, be still my heart! I've polished cranks myself, and they really make a bike shine.
Wonderful job, just great Bill, and a real pleasure to see.
Best,
Dan.
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Hi Dan
always wanted a BRG bike, i saw a tout terrain silkroad on peter whites site that was a very similar colour and loved it, most of the pics of it don't seem to be there any more, i remember a bb shot that looked like the hottest bike pron i've seen ;)
so when i saw this paint i didn't even need to think about it
the spraying was easy but i could write a don't do it yourself book on stupid or clumsy mistakes I made, still you don't learn by reading
as to polishing it's a ball ache from start to finish but the results are worth it, and i do spend a lot more time looking at used kit thinking quick buff n that would look tasty
there's some lovely twisty v brakes on ebay dying to be rubbed down and polished I'm trying to resist them though ::)
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Man, that's a beautiful blke.
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pure class color is stunning and yeah u sure put a lot of elbow grease into getting the shiny bits shiny, nice crankset 8)
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Nice work indeed, Bill -- we don't see enough BRG these days. Flash cranks too, making a great contrast with the Middleburn rings.
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That's going to be a stunning bike, i've only ever seen one xtc in the flesh and never riden one but i often hear that they are regarded as one of Thorn's finest ever bikes. She'll be a beautie.
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great bike and fabulous job
ians
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time for another update
getting there slowly
shifters sorted
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm17/parramethtrol/Thorn%20bikes/my%20xTc%20No2/paul%2001_zpsm1delsfx.jpg)
rear mech is an xtr m953 rapid rise
did look like this (not mine)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm17/parramethtrol/Thorn%20bikes/my%20xTc%20No2/m953_zpsyzgjztox.jpg)
but now
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm17/parramethtrol/Thorn%20bikes/my%20xTc%20No2/xtr%20m953%2001_zps3bygxk1y.jpg)
hopefully brakes next :-\
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Bill your a feckin Genius 8) 8)
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My, that's some polishing job, Bill! Even the nooks and crannies are shiny as can be!
Well done, and what a pleasure to see. :)
A bit of polish and a 200l drum of elbow grease. ;)
All the best,
Dan.
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Hi Dan
it's not perfect but the mech is around 17 years old, had it in the parts bin for i don't know how long, barely used so about time it had some :D , i did look at the sunxcd polished mech but it isn't rapid rise so had to diy ::)
at some stage i'm going to treat myself to some rubber polishing points and some Radial Bristle Discs, should be able to get right in there then
watched a bod on youtube using them in a foredom seemed to work for jewellery
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I sure admire what you've done, Bill, and keep coming back to admire the photos you've taken of your work.
My setup mirrors Eastwood's system ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SidCppOfJY )with a dual-wheel buffer, with the added element of small cone-shaped buffers on the flex-shaft of my Dremel Moto-Tool...and lots of elbow grease added.
I use a flannel (Canton) wheel in isolation for the final "coloring" (high polishing) and jeweler's or white rouge. I have to be careful of burns at that stage, 'cos the aluminum conducts heat so well. It pays to wear insulated gloves to prevent blistering (no wonder I've about used up my hands). My final finish coats is always Blue Magic. It uses ammonia instead of abrasives and leaves a fine silicone coating to prevent re-tarnishing. See:
http://www.amazon.com/BlueMagic-400-Metal-Polish-Cream/dp/B000BO8Z9I
http://bluemagicusa.com/index.php/blue_magic/products/210
If the surface has been clear-anodized, I often find it faster if I use a fine abrasive to cut through the anodizing first before buffing the base aluminum.
All the best,
Dan.
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that's a good youtube link
i haven't bought a bench polisher i reckon it's to big for anything i'd use it on, i have thought long and hard about a foredom/ generic pendant motor but they all seem to be limited to 1/8 bits ideally i want something i can use by hand/flexshaft that will take 3x0.5 and 4x1 wheels
so far the best i have seen for what i need is the metabo die grinders http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Metabo-600618000-240v-950w-Straight-Die-Grinder-GE950G-/231733234953?hash=item35f4608d09:g:EEsAAOSwF1dUNxSU
but i can't see them in kit form, only one i did was for a an american veterinary firm
all the separate parts ie the stand, the flexshaft and motor unit make it a scary price
at the moment im improvising with an old bosch pof500 router and a speed controller and my dremel
I'm collecting parts for a diy silent compressor at the moment so the xtc and buffing is suffering, lol not rich so i just get things as they crop up
I also looked at this kit http://www.polishingworld.co.uk/1100w-variable-speed-bench-polisher-flexible-drive-shaft-metal-polishing-kit/
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How did you go about painting the frame.
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Hi Anto
used a cheapy 3hp 50l compressor ( it is plumbed into a 200l receiver for extra capacity), bought 3 mini hvlp spray guns again cheapy ones, 0.5, 0.8, 1.0 (mm) setups (10 to 15 squid each gun inc post) as i didn't have a clue what i'd need, tinterweb wasn't much help as everyone expects you to be spraying cars or other large items not a bunch of thin tubes
i used phosphoric acid on the frame first to etch and remove/kill any traces of rust
then a few coats of isopon zinc 182 primer followed up by cellulose paint
i read up a bit on paint and cellulose has a reputation for being easy to work with, so is good for beginners, and won't kill you overnight with the fumes, but it isn't the toughest paint, i figured i'd go with it as pretty much everyone recommends it for a novice,
I made a few clumsy mistakes, i'm not used to having the hose attached as only used rattle cans before so i clattered the seat tube with the hose and buggered it up :-[ but rubbed it all down till it was super smooth touched in that area and you can't see a mark 8)
oh and i grabbed a park tool isc 4 from sjs, well worth it
if your considering having a go it isn't going to save you money, as powder coat would be a lot cheaper and a lot more durable
if you want to have a go cos it's your baby and you want something to do over winter then go for it, best fun i have had it ages
I'll post some pics of the kit if your interested
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Cheers Bill ,we had all the gear at one time compressor couple quality guns belong to my son well they did he sold the lot (like father like son) :o.
no i was just curious to be honest u done a fantastic job on the frame and the color is only class. i can't wait to see it in all in it's glory. The Paul shifters are quality ,i had the paul canti's on the sherpa 8).will u be etching XTR on that rear mech .
btw post loads of photos sure we are all bike fanatics .
cheers.
anto.
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i'll pm you a link to an epic build/thread think you'll be interested ;)
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cheers bill mighty stuff.
those guys certainly go to some extream's to get there bike looking like that.
i think the prettiest bike i had was the Look KXLight the groupset all dura ace. some clown parked his dunkle of a bike against it on a charity ride and took a nice big chip of paint from the top tube .
man oh man i nearly freeked when i seen it >:( >:(
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handlebars brake levers and stem now done as are one set of sea horses
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm17/parramethtrol/Thorn%20bikes/my%20xTc%20No2/xtc%2009_zps9rdlhtos.jpg)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm17/parramethtrol/Thorn%20bikes/my%20xTc%20No2/xtc%2009a_zpskihrrvqq.jpg)
sea horse pic a bit murky i had to use flash, yes they are sea horses says so on the packet :)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm17/parramethtrol/Thorn%20bikes/my%20xTc%20No2/xtc%2010_zpsezznarla.jpg)
thought you might like these 2 pics, always check for reflections :o
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm17/parramethtrol/Thorn%20bikes/my%20xTc%20No2/xtc%2011%20fatbloke%2001_zps04ikmpol.jpg)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm17/parramethtrol/Thorn%20bikes/my%20xTc%20No2/xtc%2011%20fatbloke%2002_zpsy2gngakm.jpg)
honest i ain't that fat >:(
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It's looking amazing bill! Really looking forward to the finished article.
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So twinkly-shiny beautiful, Bill. But, ummm, what about rain'n'stuff? I know you have mudguards, but still...
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Geo and John cheers for the encouraging words, thought i'd reached thread saturation for a bit ;)
But, ummm, what about rain'n'stuff? I know you have mudguards, but still...
your not going to believe it but the idea is to have a almost stealthy bike in the end
a year or so tops and all the polished alloy should have dulled down to that nice weathered milky colour with no logo's left to make it attractive to thieves
saw a mountain bike done like it a while ago everything polished then just left, to me it looked really nice, not worth nicking but nice
mudguards are proving to be a problem though, originally bought Gilles Berthoud stainless ones intending to rub them down/give a key and colour code with the frame, turns out the 50mm aren't 50mm like sks 50mm's ::)
wanted them to fit over 40mm tyres, no chance
so i'm stuck with plastic not sure about spraying plastic guards though,
also struggling with saddle choice, b17 special black, honey or green? flyer special honey or black?
black is looking fav at the moment, though green would be good if the bar tape matches, but then again honey ::) ........decisions decisions
atb Bill
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That makes sense, Bill, a nice patina of age and use is a Good Thing.
On the mudguards: On my Raven, I use 52 mm x 650B Velo Orange alloy mudguards/fenders, and they work very well with my 26 x 1.6 Marathon Supremes. Not sure what suppliers in the UK might stock them, but VO gear is well made and takes a nice shine too :-)
Here's the link, if it's of interest/use: http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/accessories/fenders.html (http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/accessories/fenders.html)
I realize that I don't know what size of wheels you have, Bill, but you'll see that VO makes a range of alloy finishes & sizes in 26", 650B, and 700c/29er.
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Hi John
I've bought 26x1.5 vittoria rando pro folding tyres, used vittoria years ago and they seemed fine back then
no idea what these will be/ride like though, 1st impression is they look good quality
i'll have a look at the Velo Orange guards see if there's anything that are going to work
I thought about a pair of the old Raleigh steel guards as it is kind of that look i'm after in the end with the painted guards,
but i have no idea if they can be made to fit
i like this maybe not so much white on the guard but a nod toward that age if you know what i mean
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm17/parramethtrol/d5d56d72-0209-434a-a31e-628d6f918e0d_zpspkue5iad.jpg)
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Stunning results on the xTc to date, Bill, makes my heart go all a-flutter. :D
As for mudguards/fenders...
If you are into being the supercraftsman, it is possible to make some. I made a set for the Folder I brazed up by making molds and painting in layers of liquid ABS plastic. They turned out fine and I am pleased with the results. I've also recurved 700C ESGE/SKS Chromoplast fenders to fit 20in/406mm tires with no problem, thanks to a heat gun.
It is also possible to hammer your own annealed aluminum sheets over plywood bucks using hammer and dolly. I've done so and ended up selling them for a nice price.
Plastic mudguards can be painted by a variety of means. Imron will usually work direct, and you can also use a tw-part paint intended for use on a car's plastic rocker panels and bumper caps. It is a rubbery additive that makes the paint somewhat flexible but doesn't change the appearance or gloss and adds little weight. You can also overlay them with vinyl uses in die-cut sign plotter-cutters. It is important to ease the vinyl over the 'guard using heat to round it in 2-3 planes, but the results can look very good and it is surprisingly long-lasting, though not glossy unless you buff silicone over the vinyl; wax tends to settle in little pores and looks cloudy After.
Hope something in the above helps. All congratulations on a fantastically beautiful result for all your dedicated efforts. Breathtaking!
All the best,
Dan.
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Hi Dan
I'll read up on painting plastic, i know you can get special primer basecoats that aid adhesion, didn't know about the flexible additive,
the annealed alloy tip, i was thinking of doing something like that to make up some mud flap trims and a chain stay protector , i have some polished hammered reflectors from the inside of old hid lowbay's that would be ideal
still got a long way to go on the bike, I bought the lightest reasonable priced wheelset i could find, but they have black hubs ::) it's all starting to get way out of my comfort zone, i can straighten a wheel but I've never taken one apart or laced one
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Bill, the Vittoria Rando Pro's should be fine. I used some 700 x 32's on my derailleur bike, with no problems, just one small puncture in 2-3 years. The tread wore quickly, but the tires had a nice feel. Other riders have had good results with the Vittoria Hypers in the same size.
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On the mudguards: On my Raven, I use 52 mm x 650B Velo Orange alloy mudguards/fenders, and they work very well with my 26 x 1.6 Marathon Supremes. Not sure what suppliers in the UK might stock them, but VO gear is well made and takes a nice shine too :-)
You can buy VO mudguards in the UK from these guys ...
http://www.freshtripe.co.uk/Freshtripe/Mudguards%20%26%20Racks.html
Jim
P.S. Very impressive polishing BillC, and links from Dan on how to do it, some homework for me to get done soon and potentially another string to my Dremel's bow.
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John thanks for the response on the Rando tyres, i might grab another set if the price stays low enough, stretched the budget to max at the moment though
looked at the mudguards the zepplins in 650b 52mm look good, but pricey i only bought the Gilles Berthouds as either planet x or on one where selling them at around £20 a pair, i forget exact details it was months ago
i have seen some plain steel guards in 26x55mm
JIm
listen to Dan ;)
i did and things are much much easier now, the Dremel is still being used but now i use this
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm17/parramethtrol/polishing_zpsgpglg3ld.jpg)
i did buy a used milbro polisher it was much better (continuous rated) than the sip but the bearings were shot
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm17/parramethtrol/milbro20pendant20buffing20polishing2005_zpsmokllpyk.jpg)
a new Milbro is on the cards though
but it will have to wait awhile
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...listen to Dan ;)
i did and things are much much easier now, the Dremel is still being used but now i use this...
Thanks for the kind words, Bill. I will add the modest cost of a pair of gloves, as polishing aluminum makes it very hot and it can take awhile for the heat to dissipate, resulting in hand blisters. :'(
I rigged a small cooling pad in my freezer using a computer exhaust fan cover wedged between the refrigerated racks. Aluminum is a wonderful thermal conductor, so I was able to cool pieces quickly to room temperature and so get back to work sooner. Pre-chilling doesn't work, as condensate forms on the surface once out of the freezer and this plays havoc with the polish.
My polisher is actually a repurposed industrial grinder rated for continuous use. Downside is the hex-nut-and-washer fixing on the wheels/bonnets; it makes for tedious changeovers. Dremel are great for polishing little things and tight places, but the little polishing wheels tend to load-up with oxides quickly and also wear down fast due to the reduced surface area. I love my Dremel, but sometimes think the makers could give away the motorized handpieces as a fast-track to bit/accessory sales profits.
Wonderful results you're getting, Bill -- could not possibly look nicer!
All the best,
Dan.