ok so i have a frame...

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hi guys! uilding on to what i started in 'good shops for SS/fixed in Melb'... i now have a frame. circa '79, it is a raleigh scorpio (actually the whole bike) but the components are all rusty and old and worn. my gf's dad gave it to me, and i said i'd fix it up. sounds like a good project hey? a few questions... how should i go about measruring frame size? i want to know that it fits me properly, i think it may be a little too small... i'm 6'3''... can i adjust size by having a slghtly higher seat? atm, the seat is level with the drops (roughly) and after taking the seat off, i've seen that there is a tube for the seat, and it seems quite firmly stuck in the seat tube. is there a way to remove this? or extend it? because i need the seat higher anyway, to obtain full leg extension.

i guess my nect question is what next? i've read over sheldon browns material... interesting! where is a good place to find inexpensive parts to convert to a single? do i need newer parts? should i leave the brakes on given that i will hopefully be commuting on it? what is good method to repaint a steel frame? and can it be blasted clean first?

cheers!

MoD

a few questions... Frame sizing:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing.html

Seat post stuck:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/stuck-seatposts.html

Parts:
This is down to 'How much' do you want to spend I reckon. This can sometimes be a long process, but it's all part of the fun with a Project I reckon. Reseach, reseach, research.

Paint:
http://www.gripsport.com.au/ This is but one of many places in Melb. Bike stores can also have frame painters on record as well.
I've used C.Walker for a paint job once, but wasn't happy with the result.

i guess my nect question is what next? i've read over sheldon browns material... interesting! where is a good place to find inexpensive parts to convert to a single? do i need newer parts? should i leave the brakes on given that i will hopefully be commuting on it? what is good method to repaint a steel frame? and can it be blasted clean first?

cheers!

MoDhey MoDCoN,

define "the sticks, victoria". If Bicycle Recycle in Moorabin is within your reach, you can pick up a lot of "pre-loved" and new bits and pieces there cheap.

making some suggestions in response to your questions: (i)if you are going ss (not fixed?), you should leave your brakes on, unless you want to be doing a reverse fred flinstone every time you want to stop. (ii)build it up cheap until you know if ss actually works for you. (iii)hold off on the repaint until you are happy the frame is the right size for you and, see (ii). also, if you are going to commute, unless you can store it securely, sometimes an "ugly" bike is less desirable to thieves. (well that's how i justify my bike's look ;) )

enjoy building it up.

To make a SS, all you really have to do is take the cassette off, and put a bmx cog on. You will have to respace the hub also. Sheldon should have something about respacing.
For the paint, you can always just do a rattlecan paint job on it. Flat black comes out nice.