TONEDOG 3 Posted August 12, 2013 This just came into the warehouse.I had to share this one.It looks like a Redline Proline w/5" head tube,but with a Cook bros. frame gusset.Anyone know what this is? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PandaProAm420 96 Posted August 12, 2013 Very Pandaesque gusset, drop outs look wierd though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TONEDOG 3 Posted August 13, 2013 Another pic of the serial# 5587 PL PROLINE??? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmx2112 8 Posted August 13, 2013 ??? Don't know but I dig it! proto PL? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TONEDOG 3 Posted August 13, 2013 RED LINE PROLINE PROTOYPE???That's what I'm starting to think too!Crazy!!! And I thought that I have seen everything in old school bmx. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
COASTY 26 Posted August 13, 2013 WoW ! That is an odd one. Looks cool though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TONEDOG 3 Posted August 13, 2013 I've been doing some research,if this is a Redline Proline it is a 1977.In 1977 some of the first ones made did not have any gusset at all.But they had issues with the bottom tube cracking by the headset,so they started adding the traditional redline gusset.This frame is identical to the 1977 redline no gusset frames.I wonder,if they made this frame and decided that the double frame gusset looks too much like Cooks bros and scrapped the whole double gusset idea. one other detail-the top tube measures 20 inches. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrulyOdd 575 Posted August 14, 2013 interesting and rad one for sure. i could be wrong but i think it's a stretch saying it's redline prototype. my guess is someone was fooling around in one of the shops. mr. kastan would have to answer that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TONEDOG 3 Posted August 14, 2013 I'm not sure if this was the result of someone fooling around in a shop somewhere.The welds are high quality welds and they match the rest of the frame welds.If it was someone who just welded gussets on this frame that would mean that it was originally a Redline Proline without any gussets serial# 5587 PL .That would still make it ultra rare. I'm going to try to contact Lynn Kastan on this one. There are earlier Redline Squarebacks with a double gusset that do exist.I came across them doing google searches trying to figure this one out. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dunphy1 18 Posted August 14, 2013 From Linn Kastan: "Hi John: Good to hear from you. No, that is not anything that we ever made. I have no idea what it is. Linn" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Curt 112 Posted August 14, 2013 Notwithstanding what Mr. Kastin states (which sounds pretty final) I do find it interesting that it appears your frame has many early proline like details (chain stays, downtube, head tube cup reinforcement, I trust it is a 5 inch?). I think it would be interesting to compare a 77 or 8 proline side by side with your frame to see how close (or not) they actully are. A question that I do not know, is the serial number stamp similar to how Redline did it? (same font, layout, location) that might be an important clue. Furthermore, I agree that the front gusset does have a certain Panda style to it. Perhaps an early Redline modified by or ? Interesting in any case. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PandaProAm420 96 Posted August 14, 2013 Most later Pandas gussets were not completely flat like that, but I have encountered a fair share of early ones that are VERY similar to what we have here. Since I don't have one in my stable to compare it to, who does? Truly Odd or Greyboy, Darren Chan? Maybe someone should bring this frame to Carlos' attention. Drew Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TONEDOG 3 Posted August 16, 2013 I've been in contact with Linn Kastan.He said that someone had sent him a picture of this frame,but only the head tube area picture.I sent him pictures of every area of this frame and pictures of the serial # 5587 PL He is saying that it does look like a very early Redline Proline and the serial # is genuine font and all.He is saying that this frame was sold to BMX PRODUCTS(MONGOOSE) 37 YEARS AGO TOMORROW!!!!!!!He sent me a copy of the Redline Proline frame log. So,did mongoose add the double gusset???I'm going to ask him more about that in my next email.I've attached his emails.If they don't come out clear,I'll figure out how to post them better later. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TONEDOG 3 Posted August 16, 2013 1977 REDLINE PROLINE BOUGHT BY BMX PRODUCTS-MONGOOSE from REDLINE 37 YEARS AGO TOMORROW!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
S.Brothers 1,006 Posted August 16, 2013 that is interesting Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cward 10 Posted August 17, 2013 This turning out to be a cool story for sure. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrulyOdd 575 Posted August 17, 2013 Most later Pandas gussets were not completely flat like that, but I have encountered a fair share of early ones that are VERY similar to what we have here. Since I don't have one in my stable to compare it to, who does? Truly Odd or Greyboy, Darren Chan? Maybe someone should bring this frame to Carlos' attention. Drew I don't have any with the flat gusset like this. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmx2112 8 Posted August 18, 2013 I knew that shit was an early proline! Cool! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nycet3 170 Posted August 18, 2013 I love it. So great when early Frankenstein stuff surfaces. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmxmountainbiker 20 Posted August 18, 2013 Thanks for posting that. It is really cool that Linn kept all that info and could verify the provenance of the frame for you. Richard Vogt bmxmountainbiker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrulyOdd 575 Posted August 18, 2013 Hell yea, cool seein' stuff like this and that linn nailed it down. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmxmountainbiker 20 Posted August 19, 2013 I know that Linn and Jim Melton kept meticulous records of where their OG frames went, but did anyone else keep those kinds of records? Maybe this is for another thread... didn't mean to hijack. RV bmxmtb Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
