Rejuvinating a vintage bike - suggestions?

[Zen]

That's a good man. Be sure to treat him well, maybe some good beer or brownies.

[MomOnBike]

I just realized that I haven't yet gotten around to posting pictures from this project.

I also now realize that I haven't taken a pic of the entire bike. Oops!

Anyway, what I'm showing is the elkhide bar covers, with pearl bling, and the cleaned up derailier. I'll get out and get a complete pic of the bike soon.

I took off the rack, the kickstand, changed out pedals, and basically went weight wienie on this bike. I have no idea why, it just seemed like a good idea at the time. I can always put the stuff back on if I decide I need it.

I'm toying with the idea of building up a wheelset now. The inside of the rims is showing some nastiness. That should be a good winter project this year.

Since this is no longer my main bike, I feel free to learn/play this way.

[Zen]

Did you sew on the elkhide? How difficult was it?

[MomOnBike]

Yep, sewed it myself.

It wasn't hard. It was picky, if I wanted the covers to be straight and nice, and it did take some time. I just sat in the basement with my tunes, a heater, a good light source and an adult beverage and had a great time. I think they turned out well. They feel fantastic.

[DebW]

I took off the rack, the kickstand, changed out pedals, and basically went weight wienie on this bike. I have no idea why, it just seemed like a good idea at the time. I can always put the stuff back on if I decide I need it.

Well, if you're going for light, you could take off the steel spoke protector.

[MomOnBike]

Hmmm, good idea. Or not. I kind of like the vintage feel of the spoke protector. I'll think on it.

Anyway, I've got this odd notion to build up a wheelset for this bike. I didn't notice the unmatched spoke colors in the basement, but it really stands out in the light of a summer's day. We'll see what happens. I may never get done with this bike.