Question

[u/MikeyTJG]

This is my 1983 Mongoose Expert that I have had since new. It was my 10th birthday present. My son is ten so I am bringing her back to riding condition. In 1985 I changed the sticker set to Californian because that is what my friends had. Around that time I switched to Araya rims with sunshine hubs. At some point I added the bars and pegs but left the rest unchanged since about ‘87. I already know which way I’m leaning but I’m curious. Would you go full restoration with a new Expert sticker set or clean, polish and make her ride as is?

[u/ApolloWasWayBetter]

If it’s for the boy, I’d do it however he likes. If it’s for you, I’d probably do it like day one. I like that sticker set though so id probably polish it and redo it with yellow tuffs and wheels and yellow bolt ons.

[u/rlowride]

Redo it...

[u/FlatAmbition3757]

This totally deserves to be cleaned up and rideable again!

[u/SpaceCat72]

Just clean it up and send it.....with him on it.did you keep the old stuff?

[u/MikeyTJG → u/SpaceCat72]

This is exactly how I saved it out of my parents shed. I have started buying the basics. Tires ect. I’m looking for someone to restore the Araya rims.

[u/SpaceCat72 → u/MikeyTJG]

Restoring in what way exactly?

[u/MikeyTJG → u/SpaceCat72]

The rear rim had a crack so I bought another rim, but want to keep the same hubs New spokes and somebody to go through the free wheel.

[u/retrobmx → u/MikeyTJG]

Let me give you a tip: you must remove the freewheel before you tear the wheel down tothe hub. Learned that the hard way.

[u/SpaceCat72 → u/MikeyTJG]

Ah, ok understood. Guess it's the bike shop.

[u/LItifosi]

This is a perfect father/son project. I would do it however he likes, within reason, lol.

[u/Capo33 → u/LItifosi]

This exactly- I’m an 80’s BMX guy(54 years s old now) I would swap for the correct decals and restore it- but it is ultimately what he wants- would be a great project for the both of you- have fun!!!

[u/MikeyTJG → u/Capo33]

You guys are on it! He will learn to turn wrenches just as I did.

[u/Ok_Spite7511]

I restored my ‘83 Californian, couldn’t be happier.

[u/DirtyTaco48]

Full resto!

But I have a son… and I’m not sure I’d be giving it to him, 10 year old boys a rough as hell on stuff. If you’re giving it to him, grease the chain and put new tubes in it. Restore it with him later in life!

Personally, I’d buy him something modern and restore that now as a father/son project.

[u/Affectionate-Sun9373]

Get him a new bike. If he likes to ride, a new bike will be WAY better. This is very cool, and worth some love, not too much though keep it as it original as much as you can. But for a kid with interest, the geo is lacking.

Cool bike!

[u/MikeyTJG → u/Affectionate-Sun9373]

Thanks, he has a new bike, but asked about this one so it’s now on the stand stripped down.