Alright lets all pick on the new guy but I really am interesting in building a bike.

I purchased a decent looking 1984 Columbia for a great price, don't know what kind of Columbia it is but it looks like a great start. Anyone know if Columbia makes decals I can put on after its complete?

Also I'm going with a light green and white theme, what you guys think of that.

Thanks!

Columbia had a pretty decent East Coast team.
I think John Shachel (Pro/New Jersey) and John Epprecht (#1 in 1980ish, I think) rode for them at one time.
Uniforms I think were white jerseys with light blue lettering and red trim.
Hard to find them and even harder Im sure to find decals. May try calling some old bike shops in North Jersey and get lucky.

Thanks man, I might see if I can.

Also try posting in the New Jersey forums at www.bmxnj.com in the old school section John Schachel used to go in their sometimes. The guy who runs the forums knows him, maybe he can give u a lead.

What level do you intend to bring it to? The most important thing is that you enjoy it. Also, if you are having hangups on specific parts or decals, you can always get another bike to work on. Doing retros is fun, because there is always parts availability and you get to decide the outcome.

Some of the coolest bikes around are retros ( New bikes vintage look). This way you can ride and destroy it and build another one. Adults actually fit on current day machinery and there ain't nothing cooler than a full grown man on a 20".

24s, although very cool to some, are the dark side of the force. They tell everyone you know that you're old.

Good luck with the build, but don't let an obscure purchase hold up your fun.

Congrats on the score and welcome to the addiction.

Yah thanks, Its going to have 20"s Im only 19 and I think big bike are not as great.

Just getting all the parts together slowly and going to paint it myself in the next few weeks.

Looks like a very cool build. 19 huh?...it's cool to see younger guys with an interest in the older iron. As a side, I wonder how "old" our youngest member is. Does anyone know?

Columbia had an awesome team in 85-86
Robert Lincourt, RI National # 1
Mike Nathinson, MA
Pat McDondold, MA
Ricky Salomey, MA
Derick Johnson, MA

I remember after the NBL Grands in 85 I was a guest of Rob's at the National # 1 party they through for him at the factory. They gave us the VIP tour. It was pretty awesome, I think they were doing a run of some 10 speeds when we were there as well as they had a contract with the local school board to weld and chrome student desks. They had a asembily line from the weld area, then they put the raw frames on moving hooks that brought them to the paint area, then to the drying area,and finaly to the final asembily area. It was way cool. I think I have some pictures of the factory somewhere. I remember it being a pretty big place. I'll post them up when I find them.

Thanks man, my frame comes this Thursday but its chrome and Im going to paint it green so Im going to be sanding forever.

If I have any questions im defiantly coming here