Author Topic: She's finally arrived - Changa Build (Read 56742 times)

Picklez · « **on:** March 12, 2020, 07:15 PM »

After what seems an eternity and a very nervous wait, relentlessly watching USPS tracking updates, my new beauty has arrived:

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Felt like a 7 year old about to start a game of pass the parcel all over again
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Fantastic to see someone packing a purchase super well
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Picklez · « **Reply #1 on:** March 12, 2020, 07:22 PM »

84 VDC Changa Long. Frame number 141 built in July 1984. Original chrome & decals:

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Plus Pro size bars and seat post
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Drop outs in relatively good condition
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Picklez · « **Reply #2 on:** March 12, 2020, 08:35 PM »

So, consider this the start of a resto thread, but guys I'm sorry it will be a slow one. I'm currently suffering an extremely painful slipped disc. It was as much as I could do to excitedly unwrap her today. Then after photos I had to give up, straight back to the yoga mat on the bedroom floor, which is where I've spent most of the last 24hours lying down, and where I'm now typing from.

Build wise, the current plan may offend a few, but it's my build. So plan is to keep the original chrome, first give it a really good clean (where's Bendy when you need him) and then build a little freestyle inspired ride. Basically already have many of the parts amassed from my earlier abandoned Trix project. So will be shelving the monkey bars and vdc post and instead going with:

VDC woody's (restored)
ESP stem (with retro fit acs potts mod)
NOS Oakley 0.5's - may ultimately swap for B2's
NOS SST layback
NOS Black Akashi with allen guts
restored gen 1 hutch doughnut
restored Profile get 3's & spider
Horseshoes
NOS 44 CAM sprocket
Restored Izumi (GT) slotted chain (mine from BITD)
Restored ACS Tec3's
NOS silver MX1000's

Then, the parts to source/decide on:

Campy headset
Wheels, really not sure here, and would appreciate some thoughts. Will really want to run a coaster (always did BITD), so thinking either:
Black metal hub tuffs
Maybe mk2 graphite tuffs - possibly running a normal rear coaster tuff
Black Z's, or graphite Z's, or 48 Z's
or maybe some yet to be defined spokes - possibly pro class - BITD I had a period where even though all I cared about was freestyle I kept trying to build bikes as light as possible - not sure.

Tyres: currently have NOS ST's, but late 80's labels, so not really sure that I'll use them. Thinking either, earlier ST's, Panaracer freestyles, or maximisers. I guess I'll partly be driven by what I find.

Idea is chrome and black, but minimising the black components as much as possible, e.g. silver dc cables rather than the NOS 84' blacks I currently have.

As I say guys, sorry she'll be a slow one, but I'll give an update as soon as this back settles a bit. Surgeon consultation next Wednesday. $:-\$

Avro · « **Reply #3 on:** March 12, 2020, 08:43 PM »

Looking forward to be educated on all things freestyle.
Subbed.

Renegade · « **Reply #4 on:** March 12, 2020, 09:00 PM »

I think it will look sweet with a pair of Black Z's.

Mikku · « **Reply #5 on:** March 12, 2020, 10:49 PM »

Interested to see how this turns out with the freestyle slant. Love the old Changas, so subscribed for progress pics and updates. And +1 on the black Zs suggestion!

Good luck with the build and hope the back gets better soon.

bobafett · « **Reply #6 on:** March 13, 2020, 04:21 AM »

Nice. Sub'd

In2bmx · « **Reply #7 on:** March 13, 2020, 09:25 AM »

oooooo Nice

Looking forward to seeing the updates

Picklez · « **Reply #8 on:** April 12, 2020, 01:38 PM »

So, going slow, due to missing surgery on the back. Was due in to have my slipped disc sorted only to receive an email 72 hours beforehand to be advised all non-critical surgery is postponed until further notice. So, still flat on my back, but trying to put a few hours into this build every few days, as and when the pain allows.

So first was to strip down the frame and forks and give it a good citric bath, to see what I am really facing with the original chrome:
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And here's what came off after 24 hours
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Picklez · « **Reply #9 on:** April 12, 2020, 01:45 PM »

then a good soap down
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Picklez · « **Reply #10 on:** April 12, 2020, 01:52 PM »

and overnight dry
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Picklez · « **Reply #11 on:** April 12, 2020, 01:55 PM »

then on to the polishing
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many finger numbing hours later, and with a new Tange Levin headset fitted she was much cleaner
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Picklez · « **Reply #12 on:** April 12, 2020, 02:01 PM »

but here is where my OCD takes a grip. I really want(ed) to build with survivor chrome and original decals, but whilst the finish looks good from 2m closer up she's not in great shape:
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Picklez · « **Reply #13 on:** April 12, 2020, 02:11 PM »

and the decals:
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CustardLips · « **Reply #14 on:** April 12, 2020, 02:14 PM »

Very nice... not bad at all for 35 year old chrome.

Picklez · « **Reply #15 on:** April 12, 2020, 02:19 PM »

So, I'd value your opinions, do I:

1. Build as is, all original but showing considerable signs of ageing?
2. Keep the original chrome but replace the decals?
2. Fresh chrome and decals?

All the parts going on are either NOS or restored to a high end finish. I'm really torn on this one, I really wanted to keep original, but I equally struggle to know whether I'll be content with the condition of the chrome and decals when completed.

In the short term the answer's easy, at the moment all reliable chromers seem to be shutdown due to the COVID situation. So, I plan to complete at least a 'draft' build up with the frame as-is, I'm just interested to see what the majority of other members think too.

More to follow tomorrow, I'll try to do a post every day or so until I run out of the current parts.

Keep safe Radsters

CustardLips · « **Reply #16 on:** April 12, 2020, 02:33 PM »

As is for me.

hotdog · « **Reply #17 on:** April 12, 2020, 03:22 PM »

Yeah,what Nick said. Leave it,build it up,see how she looks/feels and then if you're still hot happy with it then you can get it re-chromed at a later date.

bobafett · « **Reply #18 on:** April 12, 2020, 03:27 PM »

Looks spot on as it is mate - nice clean up job

BMX1973 · « **Reply #19 on:** April 13, 2020, 02:45 PM »

Leave it as is. Only original once. Will look great built up.

In2bmx · « **Reply #20 on:** April 13, 2020, 06:21 PM »

Looks nice as it is

I’d leave it

Looking forward to seeing the updates

Avro · « **Reply #21 on:** April 13, 2020, 06:36 PM »

OG chrome and decals for me.
Look forward to the progress.

Picklez · « **Reply #22 on:** April 14, 2020, 01:49 PM »

Thanks guys, as with cable cutting, I kind of knew the answer before asking

So, a little update.

Todays parts:

An early Hutch seat clamp I picked up off of the bay about 6 years back. Originally finished in black but very faded and a few scratches. So first up was a quick dip in Ovenpride to remove the remainder of the anodise
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before a good buff up on the polishing wheel and refitting the hardware
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Next up a mint SST Command post, picked up off of the Museum around 7 years back. Cost a small fortune back then, dread to think what one would cost now

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And finally a NOS Feb 84 black Kashi Aero with reversed allen guts, man they were far more fiddly to flip over than the conventional bolted type
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Picklez · « **Reply #23 on:** April 14, 2020, 01:59 PM »

And then all fitted to the build

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That's all for today guys, next instalment within the next couple of days. Stay safe.

bobafett · « **Reply #24 on:** April 14, 2020, 02:07 PM »

Lookin good mate

Author Topic: She's finally arrived - Changa Build (Read 56742 times)

In2bmx

In2bmx