i just bought a frame only deep red in color .
18.5 tt center to center.
it has all the foil Santa Ana decals in place.
small down tube.
but..
i can't find the serial # on the drop outs.

please help.
Steve

i will post pics next

Serial should be inside of the drive-side dropout.

Small downtube is no later that 1981. 1982 started the bigger downtube. 18.5" TT is a Pro size frame.

I don't believe GT offered red in 1981 (someone correct if I am wrong), so maybe thick powder/paint has covered up the serial #.

Or perhaps there were not #'s on the early frames?

I think you're right KIW. & I think there were always #'s of one type or another.

I believe in 81 the color choices were: Chrome, Red, Black or Blue.

can't see the forks but the frame does look to be factory GT red.

Craigslist right? $50?

i took the wheel off and found it.
jan 81 (181616)

sweet. i had a chrome one stolen about that year. so i think i'll build it.
now i need forks and stickers.

when did they start stamping GT on the back of the top tube like JMC?

yes but i got it for $30

NICE!!, I was hopin one of "us" would get it. The frames the only good thing really though isn't it?

it looks like some one stripped a POS redline and put all the parts on this bike.

thats hot -- try to go easy on some stripper and save the finish --- and yes, red was available in 81

the finish is pretty bad but the dropouts and brake bridge look good. i can get it repowdered in red for $20.

Yeah I told him the parts were all beater parts, no one would want em.

Chrome, Red, Blue and Black were the colors avail. for 1981.

Nice find!