Restoring Vintage Bike advice

[PamNY]

Oh, what a fun project! I hope you will let us know how it goes. I'd love to find a bike like that.

In addition to Sheldon Brown, check out Bicycle Tutor. While not specifically aimed at restoration, it provides clear, step-by-step instructions on basic repairs/adjustments.

[warneral]

I think I'll just change out the tires and live with the steel rims until I decide how much I love the bike I stopped to get some free "old ten speeds" and they were so rusty they really should be trashed (huffy & murry from the 80's left outside for decades).

I just took some pics (with my dog ) but I will need dh to help me as my old computer with the softward I know how to format pictures is dead.

I also ordered the Zinn book from the library.

[warneral]

I have another question. I noticed the mafac racer centerpulls - the springs are rusty. Is tehre a way to replace them? It seems like a simple enough part (part 458 shown in the first diagram here http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/mafac.html)

I have a junk bike (rusty motobecane mirage from the same time) and the Weinnman 999 centerpulls are in nicer shape so I suppose I could try that - but I'd rather restore the original parts if possible.

[Kitsune06]

I have another question. I noticed the mafac racer centerpulls - the springs are rusty. Is tehre a way to replace them? It seems like a simple enough part (part 458 shown in the first diagram here http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/mafac.html)

I have a junk bike (rusty motobecane mirage from the same time) and the Weinnman 999 centerpulls are in nicer shape so I suppose I could try that - but I'd rather restore the original parts if possible.

Try using WD-40 and a welder's toothbrush on it before you pitch it. Sometimes things can come back pretty well, especially something like that... after using the welder's toothbrush, if you really really want it to shine for some reason, hit it with the 2000#grit sandpaper and you should be good to go.

oh and don't use steel wool on aluminum EVER. The fibers tend to embed themselves in the aluminum and cause electrolysis marring/pitting/nastiness after a while. Sandpaper is always the way to go, unless you're working on electronics, but that's a whoooole different ball of wax.

[warneral]

Here are some pics -

Can we no longer edit OP's? I would have put it there if I could.


Henry is annoyed that I brought ANOTHER bike home

[warneral]

Based on a google search, it sounds like the Weinmann brake calipers are a little easier to install/dial in. I think I'll just use those on this bike since they appear to be in good shape. Plus it will make my impetuous junk bike purchase a little more worth-while

[redrhodie]

That picture with Henry is so cute! Both he and the bike are fantastic. I hope you get it rideable.

[DebW]

A 1975 bike will have a freewheel, not a cassette, and it will have 5 cogs on the freewheel. The rear dropout spacing will be 120 mm, rather than the 126 that was standard in the later 80s or the 130 that is standard now. That means you can't put a modern wheel in it. So if the rim is shot, it's a good chance to learn to build a wheel on the old hub. You can get 27" rims. If you need a new chain, ask for an 8-speed chain and that will work fine. Be warned that putting a new chain on with an old freewheel may lead to skipping, so locate a 5-speed freewheel before you replace the chain.

[warneral]

Thanks Deb for the help!

Can I purchase any old 5 speed freewheel or does the french threading mean I need to purchase a special type?

I did see these on ebay - if I want to replace my wheels, would it work to purchase a new freewheel plus these?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Avenir-36H-Steel...57527515268143

[warneral]

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/french.html

Here it says that most french bikes sold in the US used standard threading. But many past googled forum conversations let me to believe otherwise. I suppose I could order through my LBS where I think these guys would be pretty helpful: http://www.revolutioncycles.net/mtalk.html

[DebW]

Thanks Deb for the help!

Can I purchase any old 5 speed freewheel or does the french threading mean I need to purchase a special type?

I did see these on ebay - if I want to replace my wheels, would it work to purchase a new freewheel plus these?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Avenir-36H-Steel...57527515268143

You need to check the over-locknut dimension of the hub. If it can take a 7-speed freewheel, then it's probably a 126 mm hub and will not work on a 1975 bike. Though you can potentially play games with the axle spacers and make it work for a bolt on hub.