i recent comment prompted me to post and update.
i have gone back and forth over a few issues for several months. here whats been going on:
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keep or sell the bike. its sorta like one size too small for me. but eventually i decided to keep it and make a go of getting it to fit me. really happy with the decision.
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keep it all original or go through it and make some minimal upgrades. i decided to take it apart and go through the whole bike. i cleaned it up and the frame is looking so so nice. also really happy with this choice.
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discovered that the bike was painted by joe bell. while taking it apart, i found that on the fork steering tube there was permanent marker writing (see pic) showing a date. also, a friend pointed out that there was a sticker on the bike from joe bell bicycle painter. i called joe bell and left a message. he called me back and is the coolest guy. he had records and was able to tell me something about the situation. super happy with this.
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i also found out who owned the bike before me and knowing about this steed's history has made me even happier im the next rider. its a real story. i cant imagine how many miles/kilometers this bike and its owner have done together. i will be keeping the seat and seat post of the original owner separate from the bike as a memorial. ride on forever my friend!
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bike fit. the only two things i need to get the bike to fit is a longer seat post and a longer stem. the stem is solved, however, the biggest barrier to getting this bike back together is the seat post. its a quill seat post like a quill stem. its too short for me and im trying to make a new one. gotta do some machining. i have a regular seat post to use but havent gotten a bolt yet and havent done any modification to it. if anyone has any tips for this let me know in the comments.
by hansemcito