87 sm project

[Flat tyre bikes]

Bought a 87 blue SM 500 frame and fork. Came delivered with clear protective tape covering the top tube cable guide holes and cage bosses. Decals were in great shape as with rest of frame. Still wanted to remove tape. Used real light heat and while peeling tape off slowly, large areas of paint came off too. So, tore it down and stripped the paint. No dents, little chain slap to smooth out. Put first coat of primer today. So far so good. Taking time with this one.

 

[letsbike]

So far so good.
Sticking to the original blue color?

 

[Flat tyre bikes]

I found a set of new old stock decals in silver. ( they appear to be anyways, have the made in USA seat tube decal, top tube and head tube. So, I wonder what color of frame set these would have been on? Really like the blue, so leaning on a close match.

 

[Flat tyre bikes]

First coat today

 

[Brian]

What paint did you use? Rattle can? Are you doing a clear over the blue? I used "Ford Engine Blue" and it was a exact match.

 

[JohnnyD]

I think you pretty much nailed the color match. Taking your time on the prep side really makes painting so much easier and the results WAY WAY nicer.

 

[Flat tyre bikes]

What paint did you use? Rattle can? Are you doing a clear over the blue? I used "Ford Engine Blue" and it was a exact match.

Went with to give the nozzle a try. A bit darker than ford engine blue. Happy with the result. I'll let this cure a while then do another coat. Then clear.

 

[letsbike]

Is that a Fat Heads Brewery sticker in the photo?

 

[Flat tyre bikes]

Is that a Fat Heads Brewery sticker in the photo?

Yes We have two Fat Head breweries in Cleveland. Good beers. Bumble berry Being a favorite. Need to get to Pittsburg for the og spot. You've been to one?

 

[letsbike]

Oh yes. Good stuff.

 

[Flat tyre bikes]

Decided to put on decals before clear coat. Going let paint cure a while longer and less humidity type weather. How should I prep for clear coat? Would it be ok to just wipe down and spray?

 

[black lightning 1987]

I would talk to someone who's familiar with the type of paint you used.

 

[FPrue1304]

Wipe down with silicone remover or other, similar prep liquids, just be careful not use something that dissolves the paint or the decals. Maybe carefully try at a hidden spot or better spray a sample on a board or something and try everything on the sample.

Try the clear coat on the sample to see if these are compatible.

Just slightly spray the decals with clear coat to avoid that the clear coat would dissolve the decals/the paint of the decal. Let that thin layer dry, then spray clear coat layer by layer for a shiny surface.

Use 2k clear coat for awesome results.

 

[Flat tyre bikes]

Wipe down with silicone remover or other, similar prep liquids, just be careful not use something that dissolves the paint or the decals. Maybe carefully try at a hidden spot or better spray a sample on a board or something and try everything on the sample.

Try the clear coat on the sample to see if these are compatible.

Just slightly spray the decals with clear coat to avoid that the clear coat would dissolve the decals/the paint of the decal. Let that thin layer dry, then spray clear coat layer by layer for a shiny surface.

Use 2k clear coat for awesome results.

Good tips. Pretty happy with paint and decals so far. Just want to clear without issues

 

[Flat tyre bikes]

Clear coat done. Now the fun part. Starting with the rear roller cams.

 

[black lightning 1987]

Looking good. Is there a bend in the down tube? I always thought the down tube on my 1987 SR600 had a slight bend, presumably from the welding/heat treating. Can't remember if I ever verified it with a straight edge.

 

[Flat tyre bikes]

I believe it's straight Light in pic gives it bend look. ( I think)

 

[Flat tyre bikes]

So I've been on local hunt for donor bike to complete this sm500. Shifters, transmission, whatever other bits that would come along. This Nishiki was on marketplace for awhile and seemed to have good component group. Seller was original owner and said make offer. So after getting it home and talking it for a ride......it's a really great riding bike! May have to keep it running for a few more rides.

 

[black lightning 1987]

I would have a hard time dismantling that Nishiki for parts. I'd guess that was top of the line as it has Tange Prestige tubing and XT parts.

 

[Brian]

I love Elevated chain stay bikes. I would leave the Nishiki alone. What parts are you after? I had 87 SM500's I may have extra parts.. no brakes though if you only have 1.. that will be your hardest part to find.