1994 Marin Titanium FRS

[Benandemu]

Thanks for the comments so far.
I spent last night polishing the rest of the alloy on the frame and forks. Took an age, but was well worth it though. I was going to go to bed, but couldn't resist trying the decals that I'd picked up earlier in the afternoon. I'm happy with the frame and forks, but the top tube decal needs more work as the'M' isn't right, and the letters in the word titanium are too close together too. The whole word needs to be another 35mm longer in total, so I'll have to get them modified next week. It's difficult with the top tube decal as there's nothing other than old brochures and a couple of photos on the net to work from as an accurate reference. I do have a few samples of other models from that year, which gives me exact font type and size. Also , the very left part of the 'A' in Marin is missing.

Hub bearings turned up in the post this morning, so that was quick job to put back together and buff up again.

Anyway, here are a few photos I've just taken to update the progress so far. They don't really pick up just how shiny the alloy is, but it looks really special now. Can't wait for the chainrings to turn up, and then I can get the cranks and bottom bracket on.
Probably the rear hub rebuild, and brakes next if the rings don't turn up.

I was trying to use another host for pictures as photobucket degrades the ones I upload. Seems the new host didn't understand iPad/Apple software too well. Back to photobucket ones until I work out a way around the problem.

 

[RockiMtn]

all your photos are upside-down.

 

[Giom6]

Re:

Cool story and a grey thread,thoroughly enjoyed the last 30 mins reading that.

Can't wait to see the finished bike.

Got to pull my finger out and do my Manitou FS

 

[jinjrich]

Great bike. I love that bar/stem combo.

 

[Benandemu]

Had a stab at stripping the rear hub for inspection/servicing before work today.

Tapped the axle out, and carefully organised the components in order of removal.

The tiny little springs that apply pressure to the pawls have somehow managed to become mangled, so a replacement set will have to be sourced from White Industries. The next photo shows just how bad they are.

So, I ordered up some bearings, and made necessary enquiries about getting some springs from WI. In the meantime it's a case of clean, polish, and bag up the bits until the postman calls.

Just how good do those hubs look after a bit if polishing?

 

[13]

Re:

Great build! can't wait to see it complete

 

[HarryCrumb]

Re:

looking forward to seeing this in real life, those hubs look exceptional, as do the other areas to be honest

 

[DICKO10]

Looking forward to seeing this Ben and having a go).

 

[Benandemu]

Thanks gents.
Well, the bearings and pawl springs (now made in stainless steel)turned up, and I managed to find some time to put the hub back together. A bit fiddly to get the springs seated correctly.

Then tapped the freewheel bearings into each end after greasing their seats.

Load the two hub bearings into their seats, and then press the axle back through.

I actually prefer a quiet freewheel, so I make a special mix of oily grease for the inside of the ratchet/pawls. Smear it all over the pawls, and the inside of the ratchet housing. The more grease, the quieter it is, but there's a balance as too much can clog it all up, hence why I always make a mix of oil and grease. Sounds a bit irregular, but I've always done it, and it works a treat. Then I slide the freewheel onto the axle, taking care to ensure that the pawls are engaged properly when I apply the pressure to finally seal the freewheel home. Doing this avoids applying pressure when they're not seated right and then damaging those lovely new springs. Tap the washer and axle end back on, and that's it done. Spin it a few times to satisfy yourself on your spannering skills!

 

[Benandemu]

I picked out the M900 XTR mechs and shifters I wanted to use from my little stockpile. They needed a good wash with a toothbrush in a degreaser bath, then I could start to tune them slightly.
Dirty...

Front mech came up like new, and got rewarded with 4 titanium bolts in the process...

The rear mech has a few little scars, but overall still a very tight and tidy mech. I replaced the worn jockey wheels with some Black alloy ones, and their bolts were done too. Then adjusters were swapped out for Titanium along with the pinch bolt and its washer. Finally my least favourite job was swapping over the main pivot bolt for a Black alloy one. I also did the little dropout adjuster bolt in Titanium.

The brake levers are NOS, and have been rattling around in shoe boxes for years. The shifters were stripped down, degreased, and then re-greased before being mated to the levers. I will replace the 4 pinch bolts when I can find the alloy versions I've stashed somewhere.

I hate cleaning cassettes! They're just so difficult to get right into. It's very low mileage, but had storage dirt all over it. As you can see, it's an M900 one too.