Author Topic: 1978 SE Racing BD-III Ride or Restore? (Read 7800 times)

Turbo · « **on:** December 30, 2015, 01:48 PM »

Hi Folks! Being a long term rider and hoarder since 1979, I have several projects on the go that are taking ages to build. However, I recently scored this 1978 BD-III and am wondering whether to restore the frame or keep OG. I kind of like the patina, and am particularly fond of the early Ã¡me sticker on the headtube! As this is a relatively rare frame, I'd appreciate some feedback from forum members as to which tack to take.
If I go the restore route, I can easily fix any issues along the way as I work in custom fabrication on a daily basis. If I go original, I guess the hunt is on for suitable parts. Again, I'd need some help as to a parts list that would be correct for the year.
Anyway, here's a couple pix for the moment. More to follow.
Cheers, Matt

Turbo · « **Reply #1 on:** December 30, 2015, 01:59 PM »

Retrodan72 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 30, 2015, 02:01 PM »

Survivors are very popular currently, many people choosing to build with era/condition correct parts.

Ash (kungfunky) will love this. He's the forum's SE specialist.

CustardLips · « **Reply #3 on:** December 30, 2015, 02:06 PM »

Oooh that's nice... looks in decent nick too.

It'd make a lovely survivor build.

insectbones · « **Reply #4 on:** December 30, 2015, 09:02 PM »

That is spot on as it is

Don't restore it!

deeman · « **Reply #5 on:** December 30, 2015, 09:09 PM »

Very nice and rare frameset...SE porn!
For every person who says to restore it...there will be one who says to keep it survivor....
It won't make your life any easier!

factory pilot · « **Reply #6 on:** December 31, 2015, 02:03 PM »

It's only original once dude ...
I often considered re-painting one of my bikes and I'm so glad I didn't in the end !
Keep it OG fella ...
It's lush is that .. Great patina on it !
I think in another 5-10 years ... OG stuff will really be what we'll truly get excited about as those left unrestored will be even fewer and far between ... Just my opinion mate ...
Only you can decide ....

Turbo · « **Reply #7 on:** December 31, 2015, 02:59 PM »

Cool. The vibe so far is to keep original. That is my gut feeling also. The scores so far 6-0 to patina! 👍

In2bmx · « **Reply #8 on:** December 31, 2015, 03:38 PM »

Nice score .

Keep it Original .

Turbo · « **Reply #9 on:** December 31, 2015, 04:40 PM »

7-0 👍

kungfunky · « **Reply #10 on:** January 01, 2016, 12:51 PM »

Seen this before and I fact was offered it some time back, now I'm not pissing on your flames here at all as its a cool frame set, but I'm not so sure it's the original finish but a pretty old re paint. I only say this because the BD came Tan, Brown and Blue. Now without the original decals it's also impossible to say if the frame is actually a BD-III or a DBIV . ( BD 78 DB 79 ) they are the same frame but a rider change changed the name then from 80 they were named the Mini Ripper and serial numbers were stamped. There are a few different original colours for the DB and a few anodised frames out there too.

I think because it nice condition for its age I'd swing to keep it as is and build it

stidds · « **Reply #11 on:** January 01, 2016, 02:10 PM »

I think it all depends on whether you can build the bike then look on the original finish on the frame and honestly say to yourself that you can live with it.

I am not in any way telling you what to do, what you have to do is be honest with what you will end up with.

Turbo · « **Reply #12 on:** January 01, 2016, 02:34 PM »

Ash, so do you know any history on this frame? It would be good to know its story as much as possible.
I'm going to investigate the paint a little more and see if there's a chance it was ever a different colour.
Do you know the colours the DBIV came in?
Cheers, Matt

BMX1973 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 16, 2016, 09:04 PM »

Love the old AME decal on this.

scott casey · « **Reply #14 on:** March 02, 2016, 08:59 PM »

leave it as it is !

boofy44 · « **Reply #15 on:** March 02, 2016, 09:03 PM »

Isn't this on e-bay now ?

Retrodan72 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 02, 2016, 09:16 PM »

Quote from: boofy44 on March 02, 2016, 09:03 PM

Isn't this on e-bay now ?

Yes mate, that's the one.

Could have bought a SST for £10 and sold it here, instead of being charged £50+ by eBay.

oldschoolace · « **Reply #17 on:** March 02, 2016, 09:21 PM »

Dishonest listing on the bay if you ask me. Claims the frame is dent and damage free.
would be annoyed if I bought it with that heavy chain rash on the loop and the heavy grooves from the freewheel

Turbo · « **Reply #18 on:** March 06, 2016, 04:01 PM »

I have amended my advert to include the oversight of not mentioning the chain rub. A simple mistake - certainly not a dishonest act as with nearly 500 positive feedback (100%), I do not want to tarnish an unblemished record since joining EBay in 2001.
If anyone else can advise me on any other faults, a simple pm would be gratefully received.
Thank you, Matt

kungfunky · « **Reply #19 on:** March 06, 2016, 06:36 PM »

I'll take the forks if you split it.

Ady · « **Reply #20 on:** March 06, 2016, 07:56 PM »

Just one fault..
Reply to your ebay messages ..
Ref: have you got a Skyway graphite wheel in your stash..

cracking bike Matt.
GLWS
Ady.

Turbo · « **Reply #21 on:** March 06, 2016, 08:03 PM »

Ha ha! Sorry Ady! Sadly I don't have one. I have a pair of good alloy hub Tuff 2s in black for sale soon. Will be going on EBay.

Author Topic: 1978 SE Racing BD-III Ride or Restore? (Read 7800 times)

In2bmx