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@KTown
The detail around the lugs is fairly sloppy and there are random blobs around the dropouts, pretty poor looking welding! Haven't measured the seat tube yet, but I think it's fair to say this must be an entry level frame. No biggie.
I'm not going to feel bad about converting this - seeing as the derailleurs are Shimano Altus which I'm told are MTB parts from the 80s - there isn't much on this bike that is actually original. I'm told the cranks are from the 80's and the rear wheel is a small flange hub so probably a replacement too.
When I bought this I thought a nice powdercoat on it would be lovely - but as I learn more about vintage frames I think that might be taking it a step too far. Opinions? Like putting lipstick on a pig?
I may well build this up on some decent wheels and move them to a nicer/lighter frame at later date...it's feeling nicer and looking a lot tidier with a couple of new bits on though:
Cleaning the mechs and replacing gear cable is next on my list - seeing as I don't have the funds for some fixed wheels at the moment, I might as well have smooth shifting on what I have.
I've repacked the wheels with fresh grease as there was a hell of a lot of play on the rear wheel. The bike now rolls along much much smoother. I thought my rear dropout spacing was 120mm (measured with wheel on the bike) but when taking it off last night I realised that it's actually 126mm, whoever put this wheel on originally (probably at the same time as the new cranks and derailleurs I'm guessing) didn't bother adding the extra 3mm of spacers needed either side of the hub. I've just bent the stays in a bit to get the wheel on straight (as it was before). Is this a very bad idea? Should I get some spacers on the axle double quick? Or is it ok for the time being?