Mother Road Conversions by Jack Diddley

Back to the Bianchi...

Did some repainting. Still need to detail the lugs with a fine camel hair brush. Maybe some airbrush graphics (just got one, air brush that is!) Designed and printed vinyl decals in Photoshop. Then, complete lacquer clearcoat.

The Fuji Gran Tourer SE Project

Another day...another frame. It's an 80s Fuji Gran Tourer SE (former 10 speed). It may be a candidate for the blaster and a powder coat, going to meet that guy today. Fuji bikes have been around for quite awhile and still are for that matter. Kind of the Japanese Schwinn at a time when Schwinn frames started coming from Taiwan versus Chicago. Quickly becoming somewhat of a vintage bicycle "snob", I limit my Schwinn purchases to Chicago-made frames now. Still searching for that Schwinn Paramount frame (top o' the line), but can't seem to find a deal for under $500! Anyway, here are some shots of the Fuji...pre-blasting.




I picked it up on eBay including the Tange headset (worth almost as much as the frame itself). Haven't decided on a color yet, however, I do know I will not fart around with the two-tone thing I'm struggling with on the Bianchi. Masking off the lugs is a total, lengthy pain in the ass! Ya' live and learn.

The Bianchi Project...continued

Only a small amount of bloodshed so far when I managed to run the power metal brush across the top of my hand. Seems to happen at least once a frame. Anyway, the Bianchi is in "paint" while I finish the fork stripping. Catch a short video of yours truly operating the errant power tool here. Geeze, I look like a cross between Dr. Evil, a mad scientist, and one of those guys from Hostel!