next thing I did was a basic cleaning, then removed each component, it is cleaned, polished up, checked for function and then lubricated and added to the complete parts pile. Things like cables and brake pads will be replaced no matter the condition, because they are safety related parts. Cable housings are checked, they seem pretty beat up, and cleaning them up is not easy, so they will be replaced. The same type are hard to find these days, so I will use a more modern type of housing in black so that the cables do not detract from the bike. The dérailleurs look to be in excellent working condition, the brakes as well. I don't like the brake levers, so if I can find another set, I will put the other set on. The chain as you can see from last weeks photos is pretty much ready for the recycling bin. Everything seems to have cleaned up nicely except the wheels..
The wheels, well I don't like the straight sided steel rims, they limit tire pressures and are lousy in the rain, they are also quite crusty, the rear wheel is missing a spoke in the drive side, which means the freewheel needs to come off. The hub doesn't turn freely, so the bearings are probably shot. This creates a rather nasty problem. Usually the problem is that the lubricating grease has dried up and the bearings are glued in place, so they don't turn freely. The hub therefore needs to be rebuilt, this involves cleaning out the old grease, taking out the bearings, possibly putting in new bearings and putting it all back together. The risk in this is that if water got into the hub, it could have rusted the bearings, cones and races, meaning a new hub is needed. I don't have the freewheel removal tools, so I need to get the freewheel removed at a shop or use a co-op where I can rent the proper tool. The other option is to look for another used wheel that doesn't have these problems. I think my game plan is to investigate whether I can get another wheel for a reasonable amount of money, if I can, then I will go that route, if I can't then I will have to rebuild what I have.
The front hub is okay, and the spokes are okay, but there is a lot of rust on the rim, really the rim should be replaced. I will count up the spokes and see if I can get another rim and transfer the spokes over. Otherwise I may end up needing to swap the rear rim for the front, which I think is in better condition.
I need to pull the cranks still, and then start working on cleaning up the frame and getting the rust spots fixed up. Then I will need to start putting things back together.
I am planning on taking a break from this series next week, as it may take a while to get the frame cleaned up and the paint touchup work done,
0 comments:
Post a Comment