OK, I thought I'd better update where I'm at, I've had a few messages behind the scenes and not been able to answer properly as my head wasnt right on it.
The reality has hit home and there has been a lot of soul searching over the last week and a bit. I stood in the unit surrounded by all this decrepit old crap and a bent, split frame and reality really sank in. This thing has been destroyed by butchery, ravaged by time and bent by bastard thieves. It is in a shocking state and way beyond my talent level. Every single part is corroded to
or broken. It hit me really hard and I had to walk away.
I simply can't afford the repairs to the frame and I won't accept a bodge for the sake of safety, so it is game over for moving on with that. I appreciate all the thoughts on PM about replacing the frame, but I have had to ask myself what is important about the build to me, because it sure as hell isnt value once it is done. This is 100% sentimental and without the original frame, it simply isnt my Dads bike.
So with pure out and out common sense sitting on my shoulder... F
it, I'm wet already, I might as well get soaked
. Game on!!!
I have decided to park the frame and think about how I get round that and get on with trying to restore what parts I can in the meantime. I have managed to persuade someone to let me use their blasting booth, so will be taking the frame there to get a true appraisal of the damage and get some other bits blasted off. That will keep Jess and I busy whilst I work everything else out and if all else fails, I've learned something and you lot will get some (hopefully) nice shiny parts to buy.
A set back. A big one, but just a set back. As a wise man once said to me, Never give up.
We are back in business, the girl and I.I shall recommence boring you sensless shortly.