STR | SocalTrailRiders.org

jonathan_sykes81 · 04-27-2008, 04:01 PM

So, I have had my beloved Chameleon for a little more than 3 years. There is only one thing that has always annoyed me about the frame, the worthless brake bosses on the seatstays. I personally have never had any use for them. Well, recently I got a new RFX and so the Chameleon has been put on the back burner as far as riding goes. I have planned on having it re-powdercoated and building it back up. I figured I'd lose those eyesores first though. I figure that you wont be able to tell they were ever there in the first place when I get it back from the painters. Here are the results from my playtime with the dremel:

UPDATE: Finally finished the media-blasting today. I had decided in the past few weeks that I was going to polish it instead of getting it powdercoated. I used the easiest, most painless process for polishing. I used plastic media for the blasting, this does no harm to the metal itself, it only removes the paint. After that I went over a few spots with 100grit sanding sponge, then 220grit on the whole frame, then coarse steel wool, then fine steel wool, then some Mother's Aluminum Polish and that's it. I probably only spent about 3 hrs sanding and polishing. As far as the brake bosses go, you can't tell they were ever there which is exactly what I wanted. All that left is to order up some new decals. Hope this helps someone and enjoy the pics. Later.

bajamtnbkr · 04-27-2008, 04:38 PM

Looks good, is there a SS in your future?

jonathan_sykes81 · 04-27-2008, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bajamtnbkr

Looks good, is there a SS in your future?

It is a possibility, but most likely I will set it up just like I had it before but with updated components.

J_Sims · 04-27-2008, 05:13 PM

As long as you are having it painted you are good to go... Powder may be a challenge depending what you used as a filler. Powder is applied to metal that is magnetically charged and then cooked(think easy bake oven) many times fillers either do not allow the same amount of powder to be applied9less magnetic force to hold it in place) or there are heat issues. Go with paint and you will have no issues.

Or do not use a filler to smooth the grooves and powder should be great as well

jonathan_sykes81 · 04-27-2008, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_Sims

As long as you are having it painted you are good to go... Powder may be a challenge depending what you used as a filler. Or do not use a filler to smooth the grooves and powder should be great as well

I didn't use any filler and it is relatively smooth. I have only went over it with the cutting wheel and a really rough sanding barrel. I am still going to go over it some more to try and get it completely smooth. I honestly dont think you would be able to notice even if I left it the way it is but I am a slight perfectionist.

jonathan_sykes81 · 05-20-2008, 09:50 PM

Update

2wheel_lee · 05-20-2008, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonathan_sykes81

Update

Where's the update?

We want to see pics!!!

mfoga · 05-20-2008, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

Where's the update?

We want to see pics!!!

They are in the first post.

amor587 · 05-20-2008, 09:58 PM

Damn, that looks really nice.... great job on the finish!

bajamtnbkr · 05-20-2008, 10:00 PM

Nice job Daryl!

2wheel_lee · 05-20-2008, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfoga

They are in the first post.

Oh my bad. I just clicked on the link on the main forum page which takes me to the last post.

WOW!!! That is beautiful!!! I've been thinking about getting a polished Chameleon.

ewiccami · 05-20-2008, 10:03 PM

That is looking super bling-ing. Nice work indeed.

jonathan_sykes81 · 05-20-2008, 10:06 PM

I think my favorite part of the whole thing is that I have ridden the SH!T out of this frame for almost 3 yrs and it now looks basically brand new. I can't wait to get it built back up and ride it again. I haven't ridden this bike since I got my RFX so I am looking forward to it. Also, I can't wait to take this to the BMX track, it is going to rip. Thanks for the compliments guys.

integradriv3r · 05-20-2008, 10:37 PM

Is this a steel frame? Looks bliiiiinggggggg!

jonathan_sykes81 · 05-20-2008, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by integradriv3r

Is this a steel frame? Looks bliiiiinggggggg!

Nope, it's aluminum. It is a 2005 Santa Cruz Chameleon, a do it all hardtail. I literally rode everything on this bike, for almost 3 yrs it was my only bike so I didn't really have a choice.

integradriv3r · 05-21-2008, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonathan_sykes81

Nope, it's aluminum. It is a 2005 Santa Cruz Chameleon, a do it all hardtail. I literally rode everything on this bike, for almost 3 yrs it was my only bike so I didn't really have a choice.

If aluminum can look this nice you may have just given me an idea

Might be time to strip the ole' Specialized.

04-27-2008, 04:01 PM	#1 (permalink)
jonathan_sykes81 GET FORMULA	Bling-Bling SC Chameleon Mod Complete So, I have had my beloved Chameleon for a little more than 3 years. There is only one thing that has always annoyed me about the frame, the worthless brake bosses on the seatstays. I personally have never had any use for them. Well, recently I got a new RFX and so the Chameleon has been put on the back burner as far as riding goes. I have planned on having it re-powdercoated and building it back up. I figured I'd lose those eyesores first though. I figure that you wont be able to tell they were ever there in the first place when I get it back from the painters. Here are the results from my playtime with the dremel: UPDATE: Finally finished the media-blasting today. I had decided in the past few weeks that I was going to polish it instead of getting it powdercoated. I used the easiest, most painless process for polishing. I used plastic media for the blasting, this does no harm to the metal itself, it only removes the paint. After that I went over a few spots with 100grit sanding sponge, then 220grit on the whole frame, then coarse steel wool, then fine steel wool, then some Mother's Aluminum Polish and that's it. I probably only spent about 3 hrs sanding and polishing. As far as the brake bosses go, you can't tell they were ever there which is exactly what I wanted. All that left is to order up some new decals. Hope this helps someone and enjoy the pics. Later.

04-27-2008, 05:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
J_Sims An Illustrated Scumbag	As long as you are having it painted you are good to go... Powder may be a challenge depending what you used as a filler. Powder is applied to metal that is magnetically charged and then cooked(think easy bake oven) many times fillers either do not allow the same amount of powder to be applied9less magnetic force to hold it in place) or there are heat issues. Go with paint and you will have no issues. Or do not use a filler to smooth the grooves and powder should be great as well __________________ If you don't live for something... You will die for nothing That's right 1/2 Horse power baby http://www.thepathbikeshop.com/

05-20-2008, 09:58 PM	#9 (permalink)
amor587 Trail Surfer	Damn, that looks really nice.... great job on the finish! __________________ Yeti-ya-he-who! http://www.travbuddy.com/widget_map_...php?id=3291361

05-20-2008, 10:03 PM	#12 (permalink)
ewiccami www.zcbikes.com	That is looking super bling-ing. Nice work indeed. __________________ Zumwalt's Bicycle Center - San Diego, CA - zcbikes.com

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Need your advice, Boss won't let me store my bike inside building.	Fired Yo Momma	General Discussion	45	04-11-2008 05:29 PM
Hayes Disc Brake 5" Rotor	BobBurnes	The Workshop	6	02-25-2008 03:55 PM
Hayes Brake Rotors & Pads	project_d	The Workshop	10	10-17-2007 08:40 PM
Check your brake cables	UR2KLOS	General Discussion	15	09-06-2007 11:28 PM
Brake lever pin missing	Paul000	The Workshop	4	08-07-2007 11:09 AM

04-27-2008, 04:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
bajamtnbkr STR Veteran	Looks good, is there a SS in your future?

05-20-2008, 09:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
jonathan_sykes81 GET FORMULA	Update

05-20-2008, 10:00 PM	#10 (permalink)
bajamtnbkr STR Veteran	Nice job Daryl!

05-20-2008, 10:06 PM	#13 (permalink)
jonathan_sykes81 GET FORMULA	I think my favorite part of the whole thing is that I have ridden the SH!T out of this frame for almost 3 yrs and it now looks basically brand new. I can't wait to get it built back up and ride it again. I haven't ridden this bike since I got my RFX so I am looking forward to it. Also, I can't wait to take this to the BMX track, it is going to rip. Thanks for the compliments guys.

STR | SocalTrailRiders.org

Your Southern CaliforniaMountain Biking Community

Your Southern California
Mountain Biking Community