In a message dated 11/8/2000 12:07:09 PM Eastern Standard Time, cooleyr@duke.usask.ca writes:
<< first real bike restoration (as opposed to clean-up) project. .............. 70s Falcon, ........... chrome half stays are in very good shape.................. preserve the original chrome.>>
Sure, any pro bike refinisher can preserve chrome easily. Just costs a little more for the masking time....
<<.....brake calipers ............. it needs nutted attachments and mine have recessed hex bolts. ..............what about drilling out the mounting holes? I assume this is no problem with the fork crown, but I also assume it's out of the question for the rear brake because it would weaken the seatstay bridge? >>
There is a risk of boogering up the rear bridge for sure and also it is hard to get the proper angle for careful drilling on the back side of that bridge. If you are stripping the frame anyway, there are a few varieties of pre-made inserts that can be easily silver brazed into the rear brake bridge to reinforce it. If you decide to use something like that let me know and I can hook you up. A pro bike paint service will also be able to do it.
BTW I understand that Nick at Lloyds <A HREF="http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/NICK_AT_LLOYDS/">Lloyds</A> has found or redone more "transfer" (decals!) varieties for Falcon restorations....
Dale Brown