First Restoration Project

[DebW]

I remember the Falcon. We sold one for $99.95 in 1973. It was the lowest-priced 10-speed we carried. A bargain and a nice bike to boot. I haven't heard of the Sorrento though. That derailleur looks like a Huret Alvit. Have fun with your Falcon. Be sure to repack all the bearings: hubs, bottom bracket, headset. I've done a cotter pinned crank and frozen bb cups recently, so ask if you need help. Popuki Nui is a great resource on frame restoration.

[Python]

OK. First and very important question. What's the best thing to get a rusted nut and bolt out - short of dynamite. There's going to be quite a few stubborn screw-in things to come off yet

[Tuckervill]

There's this stuff in a can called ...blanking out here.... something catalyst. When you spray it on the rust just starts running down. Leave it on for a while, and then try the nut again. You get it at auto parts stores.

Also from the Cranky & Vintage board at bikeforums...the easiest way to remove rust from the derailleur is with wood bleach, or oxalic acid. It's powdered, in a tub. Mix a little with water and soak the part. Don't leave the part in too long because it will start to oxidize, but that rd will take a few hours, probably. The rust just wipes right off. Then use a little chrome polish to shine up the parts.

If the rims are rust, you can use a plastic baby swimming pool to soak them. It doesn't take much wood bleach, about a tablespoon in enough water to cover the rim. Of course, the stronger you make the concoction the quicker it will work, but I'd rather it work slow in case there's a chance it could damage the part.

It's a lot of fun to see all the parts returned to their former glory. Good luck!

AH! I remembered! Penetrating Catalyst! That's what the stuff is called. Comes in an aerosol can.

Karen

[Python]

Thanks for that. Only snag is I live in the UK and a lot of stuff you get over there we can't get here, or it's called something else.

Picked up a product called Rust Eater today so maybe that's something similar.

Also found the exact colour of paint I want - in our local model making shop

[Tuckervill]

Oh, I'll bet you can find wood bleach. It will be in the same place as steel wool and stripper for refinishing furniture. I also recently found out it's used for killing mites in beehives (I learned that on a UK site).

Just look for Oxalic Acid.

eta: http://www.agwoodcare.co.uk/show_product.php?id=106 Source for oxalic acid in the UK.


eta: OH, you meant the penetrating catalyst? That's more a category name than a brand name. There's something else equivalent, I'm sure. Or you can get it here: http://www.blasterchemical.com/store...m?Product_ID=1

Have fun!

Karen