GT Talera (91'ish, I think!) - First Restoration

[danfromleek]

Hi dudes!

So, I decided to get back in the saddle and grabbed myself a 91 GT Talera off Ebay today. Picked it up this morning, bit rough (particularly the matte black finish!) but just about ride-able and not all bad for £25!! One thing that is a bit wired is all the running gear (it seems to be a bit of a mis-match, if anyone can shed any light!)...

I am hoping to fully restore it, not sure whether to get it bcak to original (it is white under that black paint!), or go for a custom finish with a military matt green frame and forks then get black GT decals, get the silver stuff shining etc. WIll probably go down this route as it will be a bit quicker and not sure about the white finish anyway....

Well, onto the pics. Would love to hear everybodies suggestions of what to do with it (please bear in mind I have zero budget though!).

Great website by the way!!!

Thanks for looking....

 

[coomber]

Spend a long time degreasing and cleaning it up if you are keeping the drivetrain.

Having sourced a similarly specced saracen of the same year, I would ditch the cranks if nothing else as they weigh a metric tonne.

How tall are you? Unless you are a giant I would ditch the stem as well. Any non branded one wont cost a bomb and improve it no end.

 

[AR-CoolC]

Jeez, did they just take the wheels off and spray black everywhere?

You've got your work cut out sorting that paint, but I like the sound of your plan.

Pretty much the lowest Shimano components, s a search through the for sale section here will get you some clean (or need cleaning) gear to replace all that for not a lot.

 

[danfromleek]

Yeah, the paint job is AWFUL. I think its gonna get stripped, scrubbed, frame and forks painted, put back together and components upgraded as and when.

The stem is jammed in at the moment, any tips?

 

[coomber]

Go to a hardware shop and get PLUSGAS or equivalent (think diesel works the same). Make a bung and leave it soaking. Its a penetrant and should help ease it up. Short sharp hit with a rubber hammer sometimes jars it as well, so it frees up.

 

[danfromleek]

Awesome, thanks dude!

The more I think about it, the more I am inclined to go for the military finish idea. Ultra clean but with a matt green frame...

 

[soggz]

Im a GT man myself. Nice rat bike,and good riding to you.

 

[danfromleek]

Yeah, I am quite liking the rat element of it!! As long as everything is working and its rides that is good enough!

 

[Coleman]

Cool - great first project.

Those cranks aren't 200GS though - they are better - either low end suntour something like XCT or 300lx shimano - someone has 'upgraded' them with a sticker! :roll:

The rear mech is suntour - might not be as easy to set up with the shimano shifters and cassette - take you time and i'll work fine.

 

[danfromleek]

Thanks for the info dude, I would have had no idea that I actually have a better crankset than I though had you not pointed it out! Also, cheers for the advice on the rear mech, I took her out for test ride last night and was concerned as it seems set up all wrong but glad to hear I can fine tune it and it will work...

The test ride has unveiled quite a few other problems! There is excessive play in the bottom bracket (I believe it is a sealed unit so will need replacing, correct?), the rear hub is grinding horribly (again, I think it is sealed so cannot be serviced?) and the brakes need a full overhaul.

Its gonna be a long job but looking forward to stripping it right down and getting it all perfect