Day 2: Thank You Power Tools!

Day 2; After stripping the frame 2 more times I got about 95% of the paint off, though it did leave some nasty residue as can be seen in one of the pictures, it was on the top tube, chain and seat stays. I resorted to pulling the electric drill out and putting a 3M metal prep wheel on it and going at the frame. Several hours later the frame was as clean. Well it was as clean as i was going to get it. Satisfied with the results I blasted it down with brake clean and taped off all the holes and prepared to clear coat the frame, being a cro-molly frame it would rust if I left it untreated. Yup, the frame is hanging upside down by the BB on a rake between a garbage can and a ladder. Once the frame was situated clear coating was easy several light coats and a heat gun got the desired result, clear and protected but still resembling the bare steel look that I have in mind for the bike. After about 4 coats of clear coat i took the frame back inside where a very light wet sanding was done to remove any high-spots left from the clear coat. After that it was back to the drill only this time with a buffing pad and some car wax to give the frame a super smooth and protected finish. So 2 days later and several hours invested the frame is finally ready. I will include the parts list as I continue to build the bike. I'm planing to have it built and ridden around July 09'

Day 1 Paint Removal

Bought Molly's Pake from her and the build begins. Day 1 will entail paint removal, my plan is to strip it down to bare steel and then clear coat over it. The bike has been painted 3 times once by Pake and twice by Molly. I used Aircraft remover which is a paint stripper that is safe on steel and aluminum. The Aircraft remover is super volatile stuff I'd swear that it would eat though anything not made of metal. After applying generously the paint began to blister a few minuets later I washed it down with a hose only to reveal, TEAL!!! Well one coat off 2 more to go I guess. I did however hit pay dirt around the bottom bracket as I guess everyone's paint was a bit thin there. It then started to rain and I ran out of Aircraft remover so I will continue to remove the paint on the next dry day.