Bargain 1988 Marin Bear Valley

[nporternz]

picked up this bargain Bear Valley from a seller in London and thanks to @ibbz it was picked up and sent up to me

There was a lot of issues with stuck parts and @ibbz broke a couple of tools getting stuff off (sorry mate)

 

[nporternz]

List of issues

1 - Stem was stuck - easy fix and came loose with a little elbow grease and some penetrating oil
2 - pedals were stuck on fast
3 - crank threads had been cross threaded so badly that the tool wouldnt bite andd there wasnt enough room behind for a puller - came off with an angle grinder and a chisel
4 - bb was stuck fast - came out eventually with some help from a very long bar and a vice
5 - cable guide bolt was rusted into frame - drilled out and retapped
6 - mudguards were rusted through and retaining bolts rusted into the frame
7 - back wheel had such a wobble it had rubbed through the U-brake and started on frame

suprising non-issues

1 - seatpost wasnt stuck!!


stripped it down and serial number confirmed 88

 

[marc two tone]

Y'know, when you look these early marins, not much changed until 94/95.

What now then? Are you just conserving and get it riding, or a full repaint jobby?

It's about the easiest one on the planet with that low shine black.

 

[nporternz]

Y'know, when you look these early marins, not much changed until 94/95.

What now then? Are you just conserving and get it riding, or a full repaint jobby?

It's about the easiest one on the planet with that low shine black.

I know - I think the only thing that changed really was decals and then a slightly sloping top tube!

this is the only one I've seen with decals under the clearcoat

It's gone full respray and 2k over the decals on this one - slightly glossier black

 

[nporternz]

Will take some better photos later

 

[ibbz]

That’s looking absolutely sweet
When I picked it up I had no idea you’d be turning Dame Edna into Cindy Crawford! Lovely work

 

[raidan73]

While I do like a nice drawn out build thread there’s also something to be said for cutting to the chase!
The Bear looks great Nic

 

[nporternz]

While I do like a nice drawn out build thread there’s also something to be said for cutting to the chase!
The Bear looks great Nic

Thats more to do with me and my ability to take any photos. I Need to get some more photos of this and the pine mountain!!