Abandoned Charge Plug Freestyler - a new hope?

Please read my later posts before commenting.

Hey guys,
First of all, fixie bikes are new to me. Not that I didn't know they existed, I've just never had a keen interest in them until now. Bikes have pretty much always been a part of my life, my dad having worked in a bike shop in the 70s/80s. There are tonnes of bitsers of all types in the garden, some perfect, some I've got plans for, others so dead they're waiting for the tip. Not one single speeder.

This one's a bit different though. On Monday, while doing my 'daily exercise' ride, I spotted this sad looking Charge bike, chained to a park fence, right next to a bus stop.

Quite a few things are wrong with it. The front wheel is completely gone, which is a shame, because the back one is a pinky red colour - from what I can find, these came with green rims. The back tyre's bald but still holding air, and the back brakes have vanished, as well as the lever.

What caught my interest was how weirdly unbuggered it is. The headset is threadless and not seized, the BB is free, the forks are fine and the frame's not bent. Even the chain still works... barely. The SS sprocket still ratchets fine and neither of them are hooked, the crown is the same. It even has some kind of rubbery protective coating sprayed underneath, which made finding the serial underneath a mini archaeology session. After looking at the pics, there might be a small crack on the downtube, just above the BB shell... it might just be the sticker, but there's also a gouge there with a helping of rust, so I'll go and double check that today. Seems unlikely though, because it'd be a lengthwise crack, on a steel frame? Bizarre.

(^ That little mark on the non-drive side is what I'm getting at, just on the 'G' of the sticker)

(For some reason, the stock forks have been painted over in grey (?))

(Charge was sponsored by Hotwheels, I've heard)

Nonetheless, I love this bike. Something about it really gels with me, it's simple with no faff. I'm an engineering nut and have always loved tinkering/stripping/restoring things. If I was to get this bike, I'd strip it right down to the frame and do a full resto/repaint on it, factory fresh. I know it's a freestyle bike but I don't think I'd use it for tricks so much, more as a fun cruiser for when I want my bike to work (no stupid gears!)

About that. I've emailed the council about it, with pictures, explaining the state it's in and the fact I'd gladly take it on if nobody claims it. Usually they chuck abandoned bikes if nobody wants them. Anyway, they said they'd get back to me within 10 days, so now I'm playing the waiting game.

So. My question is, is this even worth it? I can't remember ever riding an SS or fixie bike before, only similar looking road frames (conveniently, this Plug is a medium, and I'm 5ft10). And what about parts? Would I be able to source enough stuff to rebuild it? I'm thinking about asking Charge themselves, CSG (the people who own them) or even Nick Larsen himself if they could sell me a sticker set for it.

Even though these bikes are new to me, I'm definitely wanting to give it a try. Even if I don't get my grubby mits on this one. The history around Charge is brilliant, and I'd love to own one.

The serial number is HBMRK0533.

Thanks,
ggreen