Author Topic: Ammaco Freestyle (?) restoration (Read 7443 times)

docs · « **on:** March 14, 2018, 04:37 PM »

Hi,
Picked this up for a good price after looking around for a long time. I wanted to get an ammaco as I remember them from bitd even though I had a Falcon Pro.
Anyway, I’m wondering which Ammaco this is? I thought the Pro had mags?
Pretty sure most of it is original so may be looking for replacements if they wont cleanup so well.
Any help appreciated.
Incidentally, I dont have it in front of me yet since a friend collected it for me. Hope the previous owner is ok because the seat position looks kinda painful...

On to some pics

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docs · « **Reply #1 on:** March 14, 2018, 04:41 PM »

More...

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Thoughts and comments and any help identifying would be great.

Ideas for restoring smaller bits?

Looking forward to it and your help to bring another one back to life.

bodamus · « **Reply #2 on:** March 14, 2018, 05:01 PM »

Seems to be all original as it doesn't have a coaster tab I think it's a Koolstyler also the crank and chain wheel look the same as on the Koolstyler.

CustardLips · « **Reply #3 on:** March 14, 2018, 05:02 PM »

It's definitely a freestyler but which model i don't know. Check the link you may be able to suss out which one it is.

http://bmxmuseum.com/bikes/ammaco/

docs · « **Reply #4 on:** March 14, 2018, 05:43 PM »

So many frames look like it from different models, I can’twork it out!
Other than thinking it looks original, perhaps not the seat and post?
Happy that the gusset looks intact too!
Thanks for the link.

docs · « **Reply #5 on:** March 14, 2018, 06:01 PM »

Looked for something with the long rear wheel flange and the gusset whith hole but couldn’t get a match.
Interesting stuff!!

docs · « **Reply #6 on:** March 14, 2018, 06:24 PM »

Found this, courtesy of sawzall on this forum. Looks like strong match?
Looking like it could well be this koolstyler.

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docs · « **Reply #7 on:** March 15, 2018, 08:07 PM »

Does anyone have a working link to download BMX Biker issue 10?
Links on 23mag.com don’t work for some reason.
Just asking as there is a koolstyler review in that edition.

deeman · « **Reply #8 on:** March 16, 2018, 02:07 PM »

Probably a Koolstyler judging by the equipment on it. Early one too. You will probably be able to tell better when you get it. From memory wasn't the Koolstyler the entry level model? possibly hi- tensile if so..
Are you going to restore it?

Retrodan72 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 16, 2018, 04:44 PM »

Quote from: deeman on March 16, 2018, 02:07 PM

Probably a Koolstyler judging by the equipment on it. Early one too. You will probably be able to tell better when you get it. From memory wasn't the Koolstyler the entry level model? possibly hi- tensile if so..
Are you going to restore it?

I think the Koolstyler was the entry level coming in 2 options, WW and Mag.

deeman · « **Reply #10 on:** March 16, 2018, 06:03 PM »

Quote from: Retrodan72 on March 16, 2018, 04:44 PM

Quote from: deeman on March 16, 2018, 02:07 PM
Probably a Koolstyler judging by the equipment on it. Early one too. You will probably be able to tell better when you get it. From memory wasn't the Koolstyler the entry level model? possibly hi- tensile if so..
Are you going to restore it?

I think the Koolstyler was the entry level coming in 2 options, WW and Mag.

I can remember really wanting a Pro bitd. I seem to remember the WW option in those too, I remember poring over that catalogue for hours looking at specs!

docs · « **Reply #11 on:** March 16, 2018, 09:20 PM »

Quote from: deeman on March 16, 2018, 02:07 PM

Probably a Koolstyler judging by the equipment on it. Early one too. You will probably be able to tell better when you get it. From memory wasn't the Koolstyler the entry level model? possibly hi- tensile if so..
Are you going to restore it?

Hoping to restore definitely, repowder coat frame and forks I think to restore original paintwork then try and restore as much of the original stuff I can. Perhaps some annodising will be needed? Appreciate any advice I can take!

deeman · « **Reply #12 on:** March 16, 2018, 11:21 PM »

Quote from: docs on March 16, 2018, 09:20 PM

Quote from: deeman on March 16, 2018, 02:07 PM
Probably a Koolstyler judging by the equipment on it. Early one too. You will probably be able to tell better when you get it. From memory wasn't the Koolstyler the entry level model? possibly hi- tensile if so..
Are you going to restore it?

Hoping to restore definitely, repowder coat frame and forks I think to restore original paintwork then try and restore as much of the original stuff I can. Perhaps some annodising will be needed? Appreciate any advice I can take!

Doesn't look like there is any anno on there...
SuperbikeDan is the king of paint and powder when it comes to old bmx frames, there is a gallery of his work in the stickies. He is based in Dagenham, you can either take it to him or post it. Like anything, you get what you pay for. Take it to a local powder firm used to doing garden gates etc at your peril!
Most of the other parts just need a little polish, maybe a rechrome on the bars, but they don't look too bad. Decals are easily available from resident decal man Del. whitewall tyres easily available on ebay....
A few bits may need replacing like bottom bracket, DEFINITELY the seat post! all depends what you want to do with it at the end of the day...ride it...display it etc etc
Feel free to ask any questions...everyone on here will guide you through the restoration... it ain't rocket science, what you end up with depends largely on budget, slightly on taste and predominantly on what you want to use the bike for...

docs · « **Reply #13 on:** March 17, 2018, 04:58 PM »

Thanks for the advice. Will be getting it at the end of March and will set about stripping it down. I do have quite a bit of experience working on bikes but not so much restoring parts. You mention that the bottom bracket may need replacing, what would you recommend as a replacement? Would an identical part be available or would folks just go for something generic?
I don’t really want to replace parts with something that doesn’t fit the era of the bike so we can enjoy a display piece as close to the original as possible.

deeman · « **Reply #14 on:** March 17, 2018, 09:57 PM »

Quote from: docs on March 17, 2018, 04:58 PM

Thanks for the advice. Will be getting it at the end of March and will set about stripping it down. I do have quite a bit of experience working on bikes but not so much restoring parts. You mention that the bottom bracket may need replacing, what would you recommend as a replacement? Would an identical part be available or would folks just go for something generic?
I don’t really want to replace parts with something that doesn’t fit the era of the bike so we can enjoy a display piece as close to the original as possible.

Tbh, a lot of the parts will be fairly generic anyway.....best thing to do us strip it down and work out what you want to restore or replace. The BB might be ok..all depends on how it was stored. Hone of the original parts used would be that difficult or expensive to source. You might want to upgrade for example the seat when you buy a replacement..

docs · « **Reply #15 on:** March 17, 2018, 10:22 PM »

Great cheers.
Once I have it i’ll provide photos etc.
I understand the pad set might be hard to find.

Spen69 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 18, 2018, 09:47 AM »

That looks a nice little project mate

Best thing to do is strip it down nut and bolt when you get it and work out what you can save. Things with bearings like the BB and headset can be left in a tin of petrol for a few days for instance and then checked - my lbs sells the caged bearings for a quid each so that kind of thing helps keep the BB as original as possible but without the grit and grind of 30yrs of neglect.

When it comes to paint, ask around locally and have a look at their work. SBD is without a doubt the best in the business but getting it to him and back can nearly double the cost so worth a look around first. Del will definitely be able to help you with the decals and once you have the f&f sorted you will be off and running with rebuilding so have a good read of the resto threads on here and get stuck in, plenty of people on here to ask advice from

Looks a nice project to start and definitely got the right forks so enjoy it and try not to rush. From what i can see on the pictures it is 90% original and not in bad shape (except the seat post and saddle butt-plug and the rotten tyres lol) so try and keep it that way and you will enjoy the restoration and have a great bike there when you finish

BMX1973 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 20, 2018, 05:17 PM »

Nice project there for the summer.

docs · « **Reply #18 on:** April 03, 2018, 12:57 PM »

Thanks for all the comments.
Quick update:
I’ve began the strip diwn and spent a great deal of time and effort getting the silly steel used as a seat post out of the down tube and we’re finally getting there!

Looking around Lancashire area for a powder coating service to restore back to pearl white.

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Danielnotc · « **Reply #19 on:** April 03, 2018, 10:11 PM »

Hi, it’s definitely a koolstyler as it has the lower gusset.
I am starting to restore a chrome one and it would really help me, if you could take some pics of the parts please
brakes, wheel codes , crank, bars etc. It’s really tough to find decent info on proper specs.

docs · « **Reply #20 on:** April 03, 2018, 10:18 PM »

Hey, no problem, will do any photos you need tomorrow.
I noticed the mx brakes are ammaco and a copy of probably the better quality dia compe mx, or they are the same just branded for ammaco, dunno which.
Will take photos and see if I can find any stamps etc.

Danielnotc · « **Reply #21 on:** April 03, 2018, 10:20 PM »

My frame

docs · « **Reply #22 on:** April 06, 2018, 11:22 AM »

Having problems posting on my phone, will get pictures up soon.

docs · « **Reply #23 on:** April 06, 2018, 11:42 AM »

RIM:
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HUB:
Says K.K.
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Spokes in Citric Acid:
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Spokes out of Citric Acid and cleaned only with water:
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Frame ID:
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docs · « **Reply #24 on:** April 09, 2018, 07:38 PM »

Does anyone know about these K.K hubs and wherher they are a 3 piece where each side should separate from the centre?
I’m not sure since there are join seams at each side, or should they definitely not budge?

Also, I’m guessing sourcing a set of original pads is gonna be a tough one? If anyone has some please get in touch.

I’m looking out for original front and rear reflectors, seatpost and seat!