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1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
#51 2011-08-05 11:19am
- wired
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
MACAW wrote:
Whatever MX it is, it is sweet! I admittedly will pay STUPID prices for certain items, but if I can get a remake from Justin, I will always go with that option first.
I really like how you take the old school frames and keep your "old" bike in mind, but blend in the new school stuff
You turn Craigslist's pickups into amazing bikes. Do you ever wonder what the person, who sold you, the bike, would think, if they saw what you did to them?
I bet it would be cool to see some of their reactions.
LOL, I've thought about it but never done it. This was my favorite $25 CL score before and after.
The problem is I buy them and let them hang in my garage too long. By the time I build them I have no idea who I got them from.
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#52 2011-08-05 2:42pm
- paulezk
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
Love it man! Very Clean
I forgot how fun it was to build bikes..
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#53 2011-08-05 3:04pm
- Blue_Max
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
wired wrote:
Yeah, I need to make one of those threaded bar ones too. Next Home Boy Depot trip...
I picked up a nice set of 1 1/8" GT Pac Man forks from DemonGT last year. I really wanted to go as light as possible on this bike but the only pegs I had that would fit are steel. So be it.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l258/ … d25-28.jpg
This threadless headset was a challenge because the forks have a welded in star nut and the hole was larger than any Potts mod bolt I had in my tool chest. I had to take apart a star nut and slip the little threaded circle-nut up inside to compress it all together. Once I got it going it tightened up no problem. I'll be looking for a larger bolt in the future and will replace it. Oh yeah, as always I pressed in the top cup before adding the lower Gyro plate - I always seem to do this. Had to pop it out and start over. Next I slid the stem and spacers on then realized I hadn't placed the detangler on or the top Gyro plate. If anyone has any good suggestions how not to miss these each time, please share.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l258/ … d25-27.jpg
Flatlandfuel.com had these brakes on sale last year and I grabbed a few sets. I'll be looking for replacement pads as these red ones are too distracting. Black or clear ones are coming.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l258/ … d25-29.jpg
Since I really love the new technology and NEED 990s to stop my weight, I added a 990 plate to the bottom and used the same F-Set model below.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l258/ … d25-30.jpg
Lastly, here is a sneak peak of the new school mod for this 25th Anniversary rider. A 9 tooth cassette in the rear will match up with the 25 up front.
awesome gt build, if you still wanted to use a 990 for the rear brake you could always get a odyssey posi-stop seatpost clamp that has a built in barrel adjuster/ cable stop and then mount the 990 with the brake plate where you have the white brake currently.
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#54 2011-08-05 6:39pm
- Johnnny
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
wired wrote:
houndog wrote:
wkbogie wrote:
I love this forum and am amazed each time I learn and try a new trick.
+1
Every time wired does a bike I learn something new...You and me both!
So, I just read how jlewis likes to read about the thought process that goes into building a bike. Here's the back story on this one. From 1986 to 1989 I rode the Pipeline skatepark in Upland, CA a lot. I lived less than an hour away when I started then moved and got about fifteen minutes away before it shut down for good. I saw a lot of pros ride there over the years and Eddie Fiola was one of my favorites. Not only was he one of the best full pipe riders I've ever watched, he was nice to everybody. It didn't matter whether you were just a little kid watching him in awe or another biker sitting beside him around the perimeter fence. He was polite, courteous and took the time to talk to anyone who had something to say to or ask him. During one session I was curious what a pro did with all the free bikes they got so I asked. He said he sold them off as he got new ones...
![]()
Next question was "Do you have one I could buy?" I ended up getting a mid 80's GT Pro Performer with sealed bearing hubs and a few other choice parts - for $100. Here is what it looked like after I stripped my Dyno and merged them together.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l258/ … d25-32.jpg
Here's a couple shots of how it finally ended up as I rode it for a good two years.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l258/ … d25-33.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l258/ … amp_03.jpg
I know a lot of people get the urge to recreate one or more of their favorite bikes from way back when and I'm no different. Like an idiot, I sold this bike for $125 in '89 when I thought I outgrew BMX and had moved on to mountain biking. Stupid, stupid, stupid! My urge to recreate, however, always seems to stray a little from rebuilding the exact bike. For most, it would take way too much money to do and for me personally, I always like to incorporate something new as I build. I may use newer technology, change and personalize the graphics, modify the colors, but something has to be a little different. Such is the case for this bike.
My original Performer was chrome with a mix of black and white accent parts. The bars and seat post I'm using now were already factory painted white so I decided to roll with and build around them. Over the past two days I had a lot of parts sitting on this bike and they just weren't working. The 990 plate on the bottom didn't work out because of the chain clearance. I tried a set of black calipers in the back, then silver, then white - bingo! While the silver rims I had in place looked okay they just weren't jiving with the white up top. So I started swapping parts and now I think I'm on the right track.
While I hate stealing the thunder of the reveal, here are a few pics of where this bike is going, for today at least.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l258/ … d25-34.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l258/ … d25-35.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l258/ … d25-36.jpg
This is the first time I've used white grips. I think I put them on too soon as I'm having a hard time keeping them clean.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l258/ … d25-37.jpg
I know they'll get dirty but I want them spotless for the pics I take as soon as I'm done.
Great story Kelly. I'm the same way with my 83 GT Nora Cup I sold BITD for $200 when I got into skateboarding
I will build it again
I'm on my third bike now with white grips (I bought in bulk lol) and yeah, they get filthy with building especially. I just scrub them with dishsoap before i take pics.
Born again. Mom has a strong uterus.
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#55 2011-08-05 6:53pm
- Kurt_Rad
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
So do I get to see this in person in 2 weeks???
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#56 2011-08-05 9:04pm
- wired
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
Kurt_Rad wrote:
So do I get to see this in person in 2 weeks???
Yep! I'll be riding at the Millennium skate park on Friday, all over Cochrane on Saturday then around Bowness on Sunday. Look forward to meeting you and all the other Museumers!
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#57 2011-08-05 9:23pm
- Kurt_Rad
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
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#58 2011-08-10 10:52pm
- wired
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
Only a little progress so far this week. I'm matching the front 990s to the rear calipers and thought I'd try something with an old seatpost clamp.
Now to ruin a perfectly good, new set of cranks.
Just a little more sanding then off to the buffing wheel.
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#59 2011-08-11 4:43am
- crownrox
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
Instant PowerSeries..... Good idea
The opinions and statements expressed herein are solely my own and not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual nor do they represent the opinions of BMX MUSEUM.... i pretty much blame the alcohol , you should too
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#60 2011-08-11 6:55am
- wired
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
I printed up some decals last night and got them applied this morning. I also picked up some matching Kool Stop brake pads for the front and rear.
Last edited by wired (2011-08-11 6:56am)
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#61 2011-08-11 10:15am
- MACAW
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
I love how you are adding the decals. Your homemade decals look better than factory.
You make a little tiny TRASHED part look brand new, wow the brakes and seat clamp look better than new ... especially with the decals.
Thank you too, for including the details of turning a set of Primo Powerbites, into GT Power Series cranks ... I can't wait to see them polished
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#62 2011-08-11 1:56pm
- wired
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
I really want to ride this so I'm pushing hard. Here are the parts about to go in the Drano.
I chose a smaller tub so I could use less sodium hydroxide. I dumped in half a can of the Drano crystals. You can see the bubbles in the shape of the chainwheel down below the surface.
I decided to strip and polish this chainwheel so I could have a silver fallback if I didn't like the black one. I really like the design of the black one and didn't want to strip it yet because it's still brand new. This one is also a 23 tooth which is a little smaller than I want to run.
I strip paint without wearing gloves. I DO NOT strip anodizing without them. These parts got HOT!
I pulled out the chainwheel first and left the crank arms and valve caps cooking while I brass brushed away the black stuff. The Drano also loosened the purple paint inside the holes of the chainwheel. It all brushed right off. When the crank arms came out they were hot and black. I rinsed the remaining pieces under cool water then began brushing off the rest.
All done.
I spent about two hours at the buffing wheel getting all five of these pieces polished. When I tested the right crank arm I knew I wanted to leave the black 25 tooth.
Lastly, I replaced these silver anodized caps
with these (gold ones stripped and polished)
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#63 2011-08-11 2:06pm
- Quetzal
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
OMGosh Kelly, your work is amazing. I wish I had 1/3 of your creativity, skill level and tools lol. I almost want to fly up there just to see this thing in person! I love the new school twist
Midschool's cool fool
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#64 2011-08-11 2:35pm
- wired
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
Thanks Quetzal, that's an awesome compliment. If this turns out to be a good rider, heck, I'll bring it to California and ride with you. One more pic for today. I think I may get this finished tonight...
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#65 2011-08-11 2:49pm
- Johnnny
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
Wow Kelly! You are pushing hard, you got a lot done today
Cranks, brakes, seat clamp... all of them look awesome. Polishing skills are over the top as always and the custom decals really are RAD! Looking fantastic.
That draino looks nasty, I hope you wear a proper mask around that crap.
Born again. Mom has a strong uterus.
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#66 2011-08-11 3:03pm
- crownrox
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
Just amazing
The opinions and statements expressed herein are solely my own and not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual nor do they represent the opinions of BMX MUSEUM.... i pretty much blame the alcohol , you should too
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#67 2011-08-11 3:37pm
- KoolAidMan
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
Well, I finally found where the "subscribe to this topic" link was hidden ... lol
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#68 2011-08-11 5:35pm
- electrongeek
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
Duuuude... Now that's just stupid sick!
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#69 2011-08-11 7:15pm
- MACAW
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
...the cranks are beautiful
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#70 2011-08-11 7:18pm
- Johnnny
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
MACAW wrote:
...the cranks are beautiful
He's the polish master... it's patience and skill.
If I ever need this done I'll just accidentally ship them his way
Born again. Mom has a strong uterus.
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#71 2011-08-11 7:36pm
- oldschuulbmxer
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
In Colorado we ride!!! all bmx stuff rules!
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#72 2011-08-11 8:17pm
- barkzine
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
You're killing this one! Super nice!
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#73 2011-08-11 10:03pm
- JPinFL
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
Man! What an amazing job!
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#74 2011-08-11 10:47pm
- townslo
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
Will we see it on Saturday?
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#75 2011-08-12 10:27am
- wired
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Re: 1987 GT Performer Rad 25 Tribute Restoration Progress
townslo wrote:
Will we see it on Saturday?
Yep! ...or now.
Last edited by wired (2011-08-13 4:17pm)
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