My framebuilding career began in 1957, so 1987 was my 30th Anniversary Year, and all the Fuso frames built that year had a special decal on the left chainstay. (See below.)

My thanks to Barry Acker of Moore, OK for these pictures. Barry built this bike with a frame he bought on eBay. He says, "I own three bikes but since building up the Fuso I ride it almost exclusively."   

Left: 1987 was also I believe the last year of the enamel and chrome metal head badge. It was replaced with a decal on later models. Many were sorry to see it go, but it was a case of cut costs or raise prices. I chose the latter.

A 1986 Fuso in great condition with the original paint. First generation paint scheme probably just before this model was re-named the FR1.

To achieve the deep rich red color I used a candy-apple red over a bright orange base. The bottom of the frame is a charcoal gray metallic.

My thanks to owner Doug Fudge for the picture.

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Update 8/29/05

Here is an early Fuso Lux frame from 1986, which was the year it was introduced. My thanks to Gary Blessing for these pictures.

Gary like many owners of frames from the ‘dave moulton’ frameshop, has owned this one from new and the frame still has the original finish.

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The early “Lux” frames had the same seatstay caps as the standard model. Later models had flat caps that were engraved with the “Fuso” name.

A different rear brake bridge was used. Instead of the solid steel flat machined bridge used on the standard Fuso, this one had a tubular bridge with diamond reinforcements.

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The “Lux” also had a different fork crown. Aerodynamic in shape and integral design gave the fork a smooth “one piece” look.

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The Lux model featured chrome right chainstay and drop-out faces, and can just be seen here a brazed-on front derailleur hanger also chromed.

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Left. In order to keep the cost down on the original Fuso (Later called the FR1.) a printed and die cut adhesive Mylar panel was used, and clear coated over. 

Right. The Lux used thin individual dry-fix transfers that were “buried” under eight clear coats and sanded smooth before the final clear coat was applied. The rainbow chevron bands and the gold lettering were used to give continuity to the look of the two models. On later Lux models the chevrons were dropped, and the Fuso name was in either blue or yellow.

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