[elrancho66]

I have a Klein Top Gun I built up in March 89. Does anyone have a definitive answer on how many were produced before Klein was b**ched slapped into changing the name? I have asked Gary Klein more than once but recieved different answers,,,,,,,less than 30 originally then later he said less than 12? These conversations took place in 1989 and 90.I owned 3 Klein's and the Top Gun was by far my favorite, a great climbing rig and uber quick on the singletrack. 2 Wheels Good:thumbsup:

 

[29or6to4]

I don't know but I have one I'm building up for my daughter. The Serial # is TG70C whats yours? Also it has a lavender to white fade paint job, Original ???

 

[elrancho66]

I don't know but I have one I'm building up for my daughter. The Serial # is TG70C whats yours? Also it has a lavender to white fade paint job, Original ???[/QUOTE
]
My serial # is buried under some heavy duty commercial paint, Zolatone. I could not stomach the R/W/B patriot scheme so I convinced Klein to send me the frame sans paint with the promise that I would make it standout on the startline and trails. Shortly thereafter, Klein changed the name of the TG to the Rascal. I still have the TG and Klein decals in the original Klein envelope sent out with the frame in early 89.I don't know about the lavender/white fade paint, I only have seen the patriotic R/W/B finish in vintage photos. My bike still is pretty much period correct: CB cranks, Bullseye Hubs, Suntour XC Pro, Taperlite bars w/Syncros bar ends, Mavic rims etc,,,,,,,,,:thumbsup:

 

[mechagouki]

Based on the (low) price I've seen them sell for on eBay, there's either a lot more than 30 or a lot of Rascals dressed up as TGs.

I would love to own one though! Coolest Klein ever?

 

[29or6to4]

So

Can I assume because my serial # starts with TG. It is a top gun frame?

 

[pinguwin]

Why don't you post your frame, might help to determine if original or not. I'm not sure based on the description. I am sure there are more than 12 top guns. 30 or not, sounds pretty low to me but they aren't really common.

The TG was a frame openly marketed by Klein (i.e. a stock production frame in their catalog) and while only there for one year, seems like there would be more than 30 produced in a single year. Once 1990 hit, Rascals weren't all that rare but there still isn't that many of the 1990 models around, at least in original paint. They're around if you wait long enough.

 

[elrancho66]

Why don't you post your frame, might help to determine if original or not. I'm not sure based on the description. I am sure there are more than 12 top guns. 30 or not, sounds pretty low to me but they aren't really common.

The TG was a frame openly marketed by Klein (i.e. a stock production frame in their catalog) and while only there for one year, seems like there would be more than 30 produced in a single year. Once 1990 hit, Rascals weren't all that rare but there still isn't that many of the 1990 models around, at least in original paint. They're around if you wait long enough.

Pinguwin, The Top Gun morphed into the Rascal when Klein was slapped down because of the Tom Cruise movie of the same name. That's what I was told by Klein. I don't remember the Rascal frame being different besides the name but this was 22 years ago. One thing unique to my early TG frame is the rear brake guide.Mine has the guide welded onto the seatstays instead of the seatpost "noodle" that most Klein's. I'm not a Klein expert or guru but I did have some great rides on my Klein's. I'm dusting off the Top Gun and taking it out this weekend:thumbsup:

 

[hollister]

Ha!

 

[girlonbike]

This thread stinks. Not a single picture. And if it's not painted top gun, then it's just not exciting. Isn't that what makes Kleins sought after? The paint?

Anyhow, I don't have any Kleins but let's see some pictures.

 

[29or6to4]

El Rancho

Does the brake hanger look like this

 

[pinguwin]

That is my understanding about why Top Gun -> Rascal also. I suspect Klein could have won that case, considering that the movie didn't originate the term. However, what would have the cost been for a smallish bicycle manufacturer. Easier to change decals.

The seatpost noodle that you speak of is typical of the small sized Klein but not on the medium (or S/M) sizes. As others have suggested, you really need to post pics. It's kind of a forum rule.

 

[girlonbike]

And girlonbike, I'm not going to start a flamewar so I'm going to say it real quietly (there are things more important than paint).

ha! you didn't like my underhanded approach to get pictures posted?

 

[29or6to4]

alright so heres a photo of the frame only

I did not want to post until complete...

 

[elrancho66]

I don't know but I have one I'm building up for my daughter. The Serial # is TG70C whats yours? Also it has a lavender to white fade paint job, Original ???[/QUOTE
]
I was able to read the serial # on my TG; TG0F3 or maybe TG0E3?
Will try and take photos this week ,outside as the weather improves.

 

[LARRYJO]

Here is the noodle from my 1990 Rascal. It is a XS.

 

[29or6to4]

What is the serial# for your rascal

That frame looks like mine

 

[elrancho66]

Does the brake hanger look like this

No, my brake hanger/guide is mounted on the seatstays and it's a Medium frame.