1986 Rockhopper mod

[klunkrider]

Managed to use the angle grinder and torch to start the mods on the frame today.

Chopped the chainstays behind the bb and debrazed the dropouts from the seat stays.

Also debrazed the gear cable routing from the downtube and bb shell and the brake cable guides from along the top tube as I will replace this with a cable stop at each end like the Stumpy of that era had.

I went with a riser bar. This was bmx bar, having a loop welded on the bottom. That was chopped off and the crudely punched vent holes filled in with brass and filed smooth.

It’s only something like 760mm wide, will see how I get on with that and could extend it if needed.

 

[klunkrider]

I’ve gotten done with the mods on the frame today and, after adding some dimpling to the stays to clear the cracks, got it built enough for a round the block test ride. It goes in a straight line and I can ride it no hands so stripped it back down and have given it the first coat of lacquer.

Using a new brush on lacquer now which takes a wee while to dry, more so in the low temperature now, so it’ll likely be a couple days before I can give it another coat sand then maybe a week or drying before it’ll be ready to build up.

I had to cut the original seat strat bridge out as it was too close to the tyre so have replaced it with a bit of brass with ‘NG NM’ stamped in it for No Gears, No Masters.

 

[27motorhead]

Lovely work and progress! Super neat brazing, practice does make perfect.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

a bit of brass with ‘NG NM’ stamped in it for No Gears, No Masters

I approve of the reference, but anarchism is against the rules