Orange P7 Project

[idrisrugby]

So....

I've been after a new project for a while now but couldn't decide between a Stumpjumper, Exposif, Zaskar or a P7.

Then this really neglected 2004 P7 popped up on Gumtree for a steal at £80, project decided!! At least I think it's the 2004, any ideas?

It's in a bad way, rear mech is in 3 pieces, bent mech hanger, forks have oil everywhere, front shifter knackered and the paintwork is a mess.

But who doesn't love a challenge right?

I've stripped most of it down this evening after collecting today, only issue is getting the drive side bottom bracket cup out, it's just not budging. I've soaked it in wd40 and left overnight, hopefully that'll loosen up a bit.

Plan is a full overhaul, got some Avid Juicy 5s and some Fox Vanilla R that I've recently serviced ready to go.

Parts bin is going to take a hit though!!

I've emailed a few powder coating companies and hoping to get it dropped off this week, thinking of a baby blue.

Watch out for updated over the next few weeks.

 

[idrisrugby]

This strip down is taking ages, glad I'm doing it though as finding small bits of surface rust in the paint. Decided to strip it myself and paint as really enjoyed doing the Rock Lobster.

Also decided to take off the brake bosses so it's sleeker and will run disks only now.

Still quite a lot of sanding work to do before I start painting.

 

[idrisrugby]

Finally finished the paint strip down tonight, taken so long, fair play to Orange, that paint was on there good!!

Now I've completed the strip the paint fun starts Friday with anti rust primer, but before then.....

I've assumed this bike is a 2004 model by looking at the decals and the brake fixings, can anyone confirm this by the frame serial number?

Thanks

 

[Joe_Rides]

Nice work.

I've got a '99 P7 frame lying around which I might build up at some point, they do ride nicely for sure.

 

[idrisrugby]

Orange have confirmed to me that the frame ID number places the bike as an Orange P7 Pro from 2003, happy days, really quick response from them too fair play.

They've even pointed me in the direction of Indibike who might be able to source year correct decals, so helpful

 

[idrisrugby]

Primed the bike yesterday and turned out lovely, only 4 small dribbles which I've corrected with 800 grit sandpaper.



Moved on to the base colour today and I'm really disappointed.

Purchased some Spray.bike as heard good things about it but I'll be honest ,it's horrendous!!

It's about as smooth as a teenager's face and powdery as hell, I've given up for today and will try and face it with 1000 grit tomorrow, it looks awful.



Any suggestions or is sandpaper my only solution?

 

[Jamesbike]

3m pads brown then grey......

 

[idrisrugby]

3m pads brown then grey......

Thanks, I'll see what I can get tomorrow

 

[idrisrugby]

3m pads brown then grey......

Very grateful for your suggestion, what a difference these pads made.

Managed to get over to Halfords this morning and get some super fine pads for £4, best money I've spent so far.

Managed to get all the powdery paint off and after a bit of research found I need to spray from much closer for this paint type.

Done an extra coat now and it feels epic!!




Decals and laquer on Tuesday then into the airing cupboard until next weekend.

 

[idrisrugby]

Couldn't wait, decals are on!!