1989 Diamond Back Ascent EX Restoration Project

[Frotz]

Hello!

I've been away for a while, but am still passionate about those 1989 DB's! I've been thinking of restoring a 1989 Ascent EX, but need to get the paint and decals right. I think I've finally got the latter nailed down real good! I have some rusted, scratched & dented beat-up frames that I got on eBay over the years and have carefully reproduced the decals in Illustrator and perfected them by printing them on tracing paper and holding them up to the frames to check for accuracy. After zillions of iterations, I've got the job done for all but the seat stay logo, which was ugly on the bike, and will be replaced with something nicer. I've even used a Pantone colour book from 1987 to match the colours! Below is my progress.

Best,
Andre.

 

[xerxes]

Re:

There's a member here, gil_m that prints decals, he may even have them on file: http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/member ... e&u=10

I imagine that smokey effect paint fade is going to be tricky to recreate as well.

 

[Frotz]

Thanks for the tip about Gill!

Smokey effect, as far as I know was done with a torch igniting the paint or clearcoat and allowed to burn and then deposit back onto the frame! I'm going to have to do some more poking around for that one!

Best,
Andre.

 

[mrkawasaki]

Here's mine.

 

[Frotz]

Hmmmmm. I'd love to see an Ascent EX in such good condition in person!

Nice one!

 

[Rampage]

Here's mine.

Are you taking it to Warwick on Sunday? I'm taking my 1989 Axis, so would be good to have them together.

 

[Frotz]

...would be good to have them together.

Ack! You guys are killing me!

 

[Rampage]

Re:

lol

 

[Frotz]

Re: Re:

Let's have some nice high-res shots of that Ascent EX, then, Mr. Kawasaki!

 

[minor_LEGEND]

ditto. I need to see more of this.

Classic year for DB's.