2. Building a Dirt Jumper Bike: Clear Coating the Frame

3.  I met with my mentor on January 11 th, to discuss the clear coating process.  We talked about steps of applying clear coat and what location I would be spraying at.  Sean James (mentor) also collaborated with me about the next step in building my bike.  We collaborated about the decals that I will be putting on my bike later on in the rebuild process.  Lastly, he was able to make plans for February to go to Golden Bear Bicycles and use their repair shop to rebuild the first stage of my bike.

4.  I learned how to make sure I evenly apply the clear coat.  I learned that it is best to do a lot of light coats of clear coat so it does not drip or run.  I also learned how to carefully remove the masking taped so the paint does not chip.  I learned that clear coat must be shook before spraying or else it will spray white rather than clear.  Over the past three months, I have discovered that refurbishing a bike frame does indeed take a lot of unexpected labor.

5. Here you can see me applying my clear coat. My finished clear coated bike frame.

6.  In February I plan to install by front shocks.  In order to do this, I will have to put all of the bearings in the cup and press them together.  I also plan to install the headset.  I plan on starting with the front end for my rebuild because it requires several tools that I do not own, but will have access to at Golden Bear Bicycles.  Lastly, I plan on adjusting the air shocks to the proper psi for my weight to allow for the most efficient absorption and recoil.

7. "Bike Painting Tips." Instructables.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2014.. "How to Paint a Bike." WikiHow. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2014.. James, Sean. "8th Grade Project January." Personal interview. 11 Jan. 2014.