My StreetBeat F&F arrived, and I'm a happy bunny.
I think I'm going to make a rider out of it with period parts, kind of 'the bike I never got to ride' from back in the day (when I had a bloody Trick Star...).
The problem is the rear brake. I was originally going to get lugs welded, but I can't find anywhere locally to do it. Don't want to send it away and incur more charges for postage etc. So I was wondering if anyone knew if it was possible to use a 990 plate mounted on the short bit of tube between the chainstays. I can drill through the frame to fit an adjuster, no problem. It looks like it should be do-able, but I've not had time to check it out. Or a plate.
As far as the finish, I've shunned chrome, paint and powder. Too expensive and again, the bike's gone for a time at great cost and I'm trying to do this on a budget.
A friend of mine once restored an old bayonet and did the scabbard with Gun Blue. The shop I spoke to (Target Sports, Bolton) have never heard of anyone doing a bike before, so it's all the more reason to try it out. Should turn out good, and pretty weatherproof.