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Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2011 12:42 am
by christianeh
I’ve wanted to convert/restore an old bike into a single speed for a while now and I finally got my ass into gear and got started on the weekend, with the help of my brother. I want to build something classy looking and am taking most of my inspiration from the beautiful Montante Maserati 8CTF.
In my head I see a deep metallic red frame with gold pin-striping around the lugs, with lots of chrome/polished aluminium hardware, and gold highlights etc. However, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if this changes during the build.
I got an old Repco Olympic 12 off my brother to use as a foundation. It’s a nice steel frame with some simple but cool lugs.
First step was to clean it up and get rid of all the unwanted extra braze-ons (I know many of you will hate me for molesting the frame, but oh well). The cable guides on the top tube were shot to hell so they were the first to go.
We attacked those with the Dremel and managed to cut them off easy enough. A bit of filing and sandpapering and you would never have known they were there. I intend on having internal cabling for the back brake but didn’t get around to doing that today.
Next up were the down tube shifter bosses and the rear drop-out hanger. We figured these would require slightly more fire-power so we pulled out the big guns and got stuck in to it with the angle grinder.
I did some sculpting on the drop-out with the file and managed to get a result that I was fairly happy with.
Also got rid of the pump pin on the head tube. I will hopefully be getting it sandblasted this week, ready for a primer next weekend. My brother and I are going to have a go at giving it a paint job with rattle cans in the following weeks. Fingers crossed it turns out alright. If anyone has any tips, suggestions and/or comments please feel free to drop a comment.
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2011 5:49 pm
by PeteV
I personally don't mind what anyone does to a frame, so long as it is not something super rare or expensive, which the Olympic 12 isn't! The most important think is getting out on it and enjoying it when you are finished. I really dig your motivational picture, that is a sweet looking bike. Good luck with the build, there is plenty of support on here if you run into trouble!
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2011 10:29 pm
by BRLVR.v2
Yeah, I drewed a PG shogun frame once and built it up fixed.
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 5:58 pm
by brasstinman
Nice work, love the pics.
Looking forward to seeing the frame with a lick of paint.
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2011 11:57 am
by christianeh
Did a bit of calling around to get some quotes on sandblasting and found that prices varied greatly (one place wanted $80 to blast it!). Managed to find a bloke who could do it for $20 so I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. He also offered to put a thin coat of primer on it for an extra $5 which I accepted since there has been rain looming the past few days and I thought it would be good to keep the rust at bay. I picked it up yesterday and was rather happy with the result.
As you can see in the following photos, the frame/paint looks a little 'pitted' (not sure if that's the correct term) but hopefully that will get smoothed out with a little light sanding and another coat or two of primer. It's especially noticeable on the top tube where I removed the brake cable guides, which I guess is due to the surface rust that had accumulated around those areas.
The seat lugs cleaned up really well and the edges are nice and sharp. However, there was a small dint/graze on the underside of the seat lug
Bottom bracket needs a bit of love with the sandpaper to smooth the edges a bit as they're quite rough.
The drop-outs turned out really good and I can hardly tell which side used to have the hanger on it
. Only thing is that there is a bit of a pit/gap between the chain-stays and the rear fork-ends. Hopefully the spray putty will fill this up (has anyone done this before?) but if not it is only a minor detail.
Will be sanding it and applying some more primer this weekend. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what brand of paint to go for and where to get it in Brisbane? I am looking for a deep metallic red colour (as a base coat, not as the primer
) and will be using enamel paint. I've checked out a few of the typical hardware stores without success and reckon I'll have to hit up an auto paint shop. Was also thinking of spraying a light coat of silver before I do the metallic red which might help bring out the metallic colour. I've been doing a bit of reading online about DIY rattle-can paint jobs, so with a little time and effort (and help from my bro) I hope to get a satisfactory finish and possibly get some experience for next time. Any and all tips would be appreciated.
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2011 12:40 pm
by HappyHumber
Good documentation work.... it helps inspire others!
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2011 5:38 pm
by BRLVR.v2
Rustoleum hammermilled paints hide plenty of imperfections. Used it on my drewed shogun.
http://s138.photobucket.com/albums/q245 ... n%20fixed/
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2011 5:46 pm
by Ozkaban
Will watch this build with interest. Love the inspiration pic. I guess you can't do the curved seat stays but they look oh so elegant!
Looking good so far.
Cheers,
Dave
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2011 6:13 pm
by christianeh
BRLVR.v2 wrote:Rustoleum hammermilled paints hide plenty of imperfections. Used it on my drewed shogun.
Thanks for the tip, pal. Will look into it.
HappyHumber wrote:Good documentation work.... it helps inspire others!
This is my first build, and also my first bike since I was a kid and rode a Bully Piston BMX, so I was hoping that I would be the one getting the inspiration haha
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Sat Oct 22, 2011 8:38 am
by PeteV
If you don't want to use hammermill paint, another option is to spray a light coat of spray putty over the primer, rub it back and then apply another coat, etc til the blemishes are filled. it's a pain in the ass, time consuming job and you will never want to paint another frame! If you can get hammermill in a dark red/burgandy, I think it will look pretty schmick.
Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Sat Oct 22, 2011 9:01 am
by Ozkaban
PeteV wrote:If you don't want to use hammermill paint, another option is to spray a light coat of spray putty over the primer, rub it back and then apply another coat, etc til the blemishes are filled. it's a pain in the ass, time consuming job and you will never want to paint another frame
I was thinking that too. Worth giving it a go as that primer looks pretty thin.
Cheers,
Dave
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 4:59 pm
by christianeh
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 5:30 pm
by HappyHumber
mmm the "Steel Reinforced Epoxy Paste" must be the equivalent of what I keep seeing yanks refer to as "JB Weld".
All manner of dodgy fixed gear conversions made with it I think when I first was reading up on bikeforums.net
I often wondered what the more generic name for the product was and what it was called here
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 8:22 pm
by brasstinman
Looking good, like the internal cable routing.
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 12:09 pm
by BLU_FZ!
HappyHumber wrote:mmm the "Steel Reinforced Epoxy Paste" must be the equivalent of what I keep seeing yanks refer to as "JB Weld".
All manner of dodgy fixed gear conversions made with it I think when I first was reading up on bikeforums.net
I often wondered what the more generic name for the product was and what it was called here
"Devcon"
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 2:39 pm
by christianeh
I'm about to place an order for some parts from the glorious nation of US and A from a site called velomine.com
I'm looking at getting:
- Wheelset Velocity B43's in bright silver, radial laced front
- Shimano SF-1200 Freewheel 18 tooth for 1/8" chain
- Shimano Dura Ace Track Cog 16 tooth for 1/8" chain
- Shimano Dura Ace NJS Track Cog Lockring
- KMC Gold Track Chain 1/8"
All up, including postage, it's will to cost about $350. I'm going to source handle bars and head set from a local store. I will also use an existing crankset, brakes, saddle and stem but will be looking to upgrade as the wallet permits. Wiggle has a pair for about of Miche brakes for $28 that seem to be alright, from what I've read about them. Any suggestions for some good websites?
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 8:10 pm
by emilmh
Can anyone confirm if the Shimano SF-1200 freewheel
http://www.velomine.com/index.php?main_ ... 8rs8i9llb2is compatible with the hub? The fact that it mentions the thread pitch 1.370 x 24tpi makes me question it.
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 8:18 pm
by HappyHumber
That's a standard threading. I don't recall you mentioning what hubs were on the wheels.... but you'll be right.
There's some anomalies with some of the brands with regards to the threading on the lock rings (Miche.. and maybe Campy, I think) but the actual thread for the fixed cog itself and any freewheels have been pretty well standardised for some years now.
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 8:48 pm
by christianeh
The hubs are called 'Formula' and I'm pretty sure they are as per the following...
http://www.formulahubs.com/en/formula/? ... il&aid=115
However, even on the company's site it doesn't even list the specifications. I emailed the dude that I'm buying the wheels off with regards to whether the freewheel is compatible so I should get an email back from him soon.
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 11:31 pm
by BLU_FZ!
You will be fine with the freewheel,, i got my Velocity wheels from Ben at Velomine and got the same parts as you have ordered
Ride more and worry less
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2011 12:09 pm
by BLU_FZ!
After having some frames develope cracks from internal cable routing without braze ons,im a little scared that with your solder in a tube method will cause fatigue in those immediate areas. imho i would spend a few dollars having the braze-ons soldered,this will minimise the risk of the tube flexing and creating fatigue fractures and the possibility of a major injury to yourself, in saying that! its your bike and you do as you plz.Do keep an eye on those 2 locations though,cracking in the paint is a sure sign something is amiss.
Im sure a ticketed welder could chime in with his thoughts,,,, one that knows the diff between brazing and silver soldering. If you lived in Perth i would do the job for you.As they say,,,skin grows back.Plz be carefull
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 11:32 pm
by christianeh
BLU_FZ! wrote:After having some frames develope cracks from internal cable routing without braze ons,im a little scared that with your solder in a tube method will cause fatigue in those immediate areas.
Unfortunately I've already painted it (all it needs is a clear coat) so I don't think I'll be brazing them on. But thanks for the suggestion and I'll definitely keep an eye on those areas. Have you had any further problems other than the cracks? How hard were you riding and how long did it take for the frame to develop those cracks?
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2011 12:00 am
by BLU_FZ!
christianeh wrote:BLU_FZ! wrote:After having some frames develope cracks from internal cable routing without braze ons,im a little scared that with your solder in a tube method will cause fatigue in those immediate areas.
Unfortunately I've already painted it (all it needs is a clear coat) so I don't think I'll be brazing them on. But thanks for the suggestion and I'll definitely keep an eye on those areas. Have you had any further problems other than the cracks? How hard were you riding and how long did it take for the frame to develop those cracks?
The frame is a bin job,or at the least throwing more money in repairs than its worth.The bike is a roadie, so not ridden hard,mainly cycleways with minimal road use.The frame is a 88 model, so 23 years old.I reckon it was due to the continual up and down flex of the top tube. Like i say,,,keep that in the back of you mind
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2011 12:31 pm
by christianeh
Re: Repco Olympic 12 into SS Build
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2011 1:50 pm
by jaseyjase
i think a polished stem would look better rather then painted.
but the gold on red is a good choice