Firebird resto opinions please

[phantom photon]

Just about to start on this Firebird. The chrome is fairly pitted at the bottom bracket and rear brake bridge. The decal on the frame itself are pretty good and complete but the ones on the forks are knackered. The way I look at it I have 3 options:

1) Clean the frame up as best as possible with oxalic acid etc and leave decals as is (i.e. a survivor).
2) Get frame re-chromed - only problem is black and gold decals are not available to replace.
3) Get frame powdered in a yet to be decided colour and make up some custom decals and do a custom build.

Ideally I would like to get the frame back to original with original decals but realise that's not an option 

[gmac]

It's always an option, just depends how much you want to spend. You can get the decals reproduced, but would be expensive

[oberonspacefruit]

survivor.

there are LOADS of re finished firebirds about.

[harris]

leave it as it is put some genuine parts on that will do.

[Stodgy]

Autosol, elbow grease and leave it original IMO. But you do what will make you happy - don't build for other people!

 

[bodamus]

I say clean and polish it up the best you can and build it up as a Survivor to the original spec. It's always nice to see something as it should be.

But at the end of the day you must do whatever makes you happiest.

From bodamus

[Bananaman]

I say clean and polish it up the best you can and build it up as a Survivor to the original spec. It's always nice to see something as it should be.

But at the end of the day you must do whatever makes you happiest.

From bodamus

I second that, my Nora is original and gave me most pleasure once I had done it, polish away

Nice Delta, my old one is about three miles from here and can I get him to give it me back, can i fook

[Mattdub]

Survivor 

[aaronsat]

Survivor for sure - But if you do get it re-chromed and get the stickers reproduced, let me know as would be happy to pay for some copies.... I had to settle for some red/black freestyler ones

[phantom photon]

Thanks for the advice guys 
Will get the autosol out this weekend and give it a good rubbing.

[Preston Pirate]

I think you're doing the right thing by keeping it in survivour condition but cleaning it up best you can. You'd be deleting the history of the frame if it was stripped and re-chromed etc.

[Dr Skyway]

SNAP - Not sure how to build this one up, survivor or re-chrome which will hit the walett hard



P.S. no it isn't the worlds largest BMX, they are kids chairs in the background

Also got this one which i am not sure whether to re-build using top line stuff, or rebuild using whats on it. What do you guys reckon.



This bike hasn't been ridden for getting on to twenty years

[ronnie360]

i would build them how you both feel happest doing and like has been said they are for you not overs 

[pickle]

I think the firebird would look great polished and done as a survivor.........but the freestyler? you should get rid of that to me!   

I want one!!   

[P0LL0]

SNAP - Not sure how to build this one up, survivor or re-chrome which will hit the walett hard



P.S. no it isn't the worlds largest BMX, they are kids chairs in the background

Also got this one which i am not sure whether to re-build using top line stuff, or rebuild using whats on it. What do you guys reckon.



This bike hasn't been ridden for getting on to twenty years

Chrome frames always give great satisfaction once restored by your own fair hand, do your best as already said with elbow grease and much gusto.

As for that other white piece of sh!t i'd drive over it with a big 4x4 or a massive truck then throw it in the sea to happily dissolve over time.

Glad offer advice 

[Dr Skyway]

  the handle bars are almost there. I originally swapped a quadangle frame for the freestyler F+F which my mate was selling for.............wait for it £14  stupid kids eh.

[selfpreservation]

ill take the wheels at the right price   

[phantom photon]

Went for the suvivor option in the end

From this:


To this:






Quite happy with the end result  - would have liked to use a straight Renthal seat post but I was buggered if i could find one in red (could chop the bend off this one I suppose)  

[slowpoke24]

Superb looking ride mate.........defo right decision made!!