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Looking good.
For those debating the raw and rusty finish this thread is worth a read if you've got a few minutes spare, I like it and am toying with the idea on a retro build
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=192838&hilit=Rusty
green with rigid forks to match, [url= 
]I like your style![/url]
Love the Kona! He's really run with the idea, and done a great job.
I was amazed at how quickly it rusted, but I wonder if that steel is a bit like Corten steel, the stuff the Angel Of The North is built from, in that it gets an oxidised outer layer, but doesn't go any further. Bike frames are raw steel inside, but don't rust through from the inside.
I think I'll leave my 456 to just wear naturally, I really can't be arsed to take all the fittings off to strip it back to the bare steel, it'll just develop over time as the thin lacquer coat wears away.
Have the raw fans seen the Specialised AWOL that did the Transcontinental race? With that, he let it rust until he liked the look then rubs it in olive oil every six months.
Once the frame has a decent layer of surface rust I wouldn't have thought it would go deep to the point of trashing the frame unless you did something to exacerbate it. Prolonged winter commuting with road salt sitting on the surface or leaving the bike unwashed with wet mud sitting in every crevice could worsen the rust perhaps but other than that surely it would just be surface pitting.
If you check the Retrobike posters signature you'll then see his Gulf Kiluea which is a brilliant contrast to his Rat.
I part sanded mine down in preparation for a paint job but carried on riding it. It got very rusty so I ended up painting it by hand with hammerite. Looked terrible for several years.
I eventually showed it some love with a black satin powdercoat. It spat me off last week, breaking my arm. That's gratitude for you!
Cheers chaps, looking forward to completing it over the weekend.
quick update pic with decals
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Advocaat yellow with red metallic bits like hubs and bolts has alway been a colour scheme I'd like to try.