Chuffed with my new purchase

[Brahan]

I decided recently that I need another bike for commuting. One that I don't mind getting scratched, scraped, dented etc. So I picked up a Nishiki the other day for a tenner. It was the filthiest thing ever, flat ruined tyres, dried up innertubes and difficult to see its actual colour. I spent about 4 hours last night cleanng it up and its lovely. Everything is original from when it was bought, even the brake pads. It had just been sitting in someone's garage for years and I'm delighted to give it a new lease of life. My first thought was to dump the gears and cassette and turn it into a single speed but since everything is in perfect order its going to stay the way it was meant to be. I'm going to do something about the colour though so I think a rub down and a respray is on the cards but has anyone else come accross Nishiki before - know anything about them?

I'll try and get some pics up. Its going to be my first project.....

Also any advice on stripping and respraying would be greatly recieved.

 

[wafflycat]

Consider having it powdercoated. For what you spend in materials and time to strip it back to bare metal, prime then paint on a DIY basis, it may even be cheaper to have it powercoated - and powdercoating is a hardwearing finish

 

[magnatom]

A quick google found this. They are supposed to be American models, but yours might be one of these.

Enjoy the project and bike!

 

[Brahan]

That's the one, the Prestige. But mine is purple. Looking at respraying....seems a real mission doesn't it?

 

[PatrickPending]

powdercoating as waffly said is the way to go - shot blasted than powdercoating - had a carlton done 1 year ago for £35 finish still great 1 year (and 14000km) on.

 

[Brahan]

I'm trying to find somewhere to do it. £35 is ok but I keep seeing £90+ which is too much.

 

[ed_o_brain]

Sounds like a lovely find!

 

[wafflycat]

powdercoating as waffly said is the way to go - shot blasted than powdercoating - had a carlton done 1 year ago for £35 finish still great 1 year (and 14000km) on.

Yup, that's about what I've paid.

Edit: having Gino refurbished at Mercian was a whole different price tag....

 

[Black Sheep]

powdercoating as waffly said is the way to go - shot blasted than powdercoating - had a carlton done 1 year ago for £35 finish still great 1 year (and 14000km) on.

after powdercoating is the lug work still visible?

 

[chris667]

**Please** don't respray it! There's not many original Nishikis around, they weren't sold in this country.
Take lots of photos and put them up at Retrobike, so we can all get jealous.

 

[Brahan]

I rode it to work today. Took my Allen keys and made a few tweeks by the road side every now and then. The gears work perfectly, no rubbing between gears or gridning...just *click* and *clunk* The rear brake is a little spongy and slow but the front is nice and snappy. The brake levers are on the wrong sides though so I have to keep that in mind. A very enjoyable ride all in. I may turn up to the club run on it on Sunday, just to see their faces.

**Please** don't respray it! There's not many original Nishikis around, they weren't sold in this country.
Take lots of photos and put them up at Retrobike, so we can all get jealous.

It's two tone purple though mate. Not very manly y'know.

 

[snakehips]

It's two tone purple though mate. Not very manly y'know.

Sounds great. Nishiki , never heard of them , how exotic.
Pictures would be terrific

 

[Brahan]

 

[Brahan]

There she is. Ok so maybe a bit more Purple and Pink than, 'two tone pruple' but hey I got it for a tenner.

 

[swee'pea99]

Blimey. And I thought I was good at getting bargins. Nice one! (Tho' I have to second your concerns about the colour...she is a wee bit bilious isn't she?). I wouldn't respray it tho' - the name is just too exotic.