|
|
OldRoads.com
This is an archive of Vintage Bicycle Information.
For current Discussions, go to our main site: OldRoads.com
If you are trying to determine the genealogy of your bicycle by it's features, go to our Vintage Bicycle Price Guide
which details bicycle features, wheel sizes, brake types, etc., as well as showing a price estimate for your old bicycle.
If you are trying to determine the make and model of your bicycle, go to our Vintage Bicycle Picture Database
which details bicycle features, wheel sizes, etc., as well as showing a price estimate for your vintage bicycle.
Archived: Restoration Tips
RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: Stingray Pedal Removal
posted by: Nelson
on 9/13/2001 at 10:28:59 AM
| Hey, i'm trying to remove the pedals from my stingray.
How am i suppose to get the pedals out of the cranks?
Do they unscrew or do you "knock" them out? Can they be removed
without a special tool? Any help would be greatly appreciated |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: Stingray Pedal Removal
posted by steve on 10/2/2001 at 8:32:46 PM
| Use a thin 9/16 wrench. I ground an old one down just for pedal removal. It always helps to spray the crank and threads with WD-40 and let is soak for a day or two.
Remember, bicycles pedals have reverse threads. |
RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: Stingray Pedal Removal
posted by Wings on 10/5/2001 at 5:26:19 AM
| Reverse threads on pedals = Always turn the wrench toward the back wheel when you are removing pedals. In other words when you lean over the bike apply force on the wrench so the force is pushing towards the rear wheel. It may help to put a pipe over the wrench to get more leverage. |
RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: i need custom wheels for my stingray
posted by: chastin
on 9/11/2001 at 4:52:00 PM
| i need custom wheels for my stingray that ive made into a chopper,ive been looking for some, i would like to have a website or pictures ,please help me. |
RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: Raleigh Sports Fork Trim
posted by: Dick Sadler
on 9/9/2001 at 8:48:12 AM
| Does anyone know how to safely remove the two aluminum trim "cups" that are either pressed or glued into each side of fork on Raleigh Sports? Or maybe the question is do these have to be removed for painting, or would I be better off leaving them in and having them masked off somehow? Also interested in chatting with anyone with Raleigh Sports restoration. Thanks. |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: Raleigh Sports Fork Trim
posted by sam on 9/9/2001 at 6:58:47 PM
| Dick,so far no one has come up with a good way to get the cups out,and they are not available.tape to paint. |
RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: Raleigh Sports Fork Trim
posted by Edward in Vancouver on 10/7/2001 at 4:14:14 PM
| While restoring my Raleigh Superbe, I came across this following method to remove the stainless steel cups.
Remove the fork from the frame, and pop the fork into a warm (150 F)oven for about a half an hour. Remove the fork
and drop an icecube in the cup. With a putty knife or similiar, pry out the cup. |
RE:RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: Raleigh Sports Fork Trim
posted by Stacey on 10/10/2001 at 12:35:14 AM
| Wow! What a great idea Edward! We used the same general principle to install bearings in the transmissions on BMW motorcycles years ago when my two wheels had a motor on them. I'm surprised I didn't come up with that as a solution. Keep 'em coming!
In the wind,
Stacey |
RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: Chainwheel question
posted by: Bev
on 9/8/2001 at 1:53:18 PM
| I know nothing about old bikes, but I found my old childhood bike in my Dad's barn. I want to fix it, but the chainwheel only has 24 sprockets (don't know if that is what they are called, so I can't find a chain to work with it. What do I do? |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: Chainwheel question
posted by goob on 9/8/2001 at 3:16:46 PM
| try memory lane for a chain. |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: Chainwheel question
posted by sam on 9/8/2001 at 8:20:57 PM
| What you have is a skip tooth bike.Is the old chain still on the bike?If so try to save it while you do the resto/cleaning - seeing if it still rides thing.I say to try and save it because skip tooth chains cost a lot($50 new)might find one a little cheaper but still not like a regular chain that you can get new for under$10.On the other hand sounds like a good bike to restore.and the sprocket is a 1 inch pitch(skip tooth)--sam |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: Chainwheel question
posted by Bev on 9/9/2001 at 10:47:12 AM
| Thanks for the information. I don't have the old chain, but know where to possibly look for it. Will also inquire at memory lane. |
RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: i want to hear your cleverest restro tips
posted by: todjob
on 9/7/2001 at 8:53:50 PM
| like what to do with rounded bolt heads or screwed up threads or straightening forks,i'll go first,i found out on old grips to remove them find a pot to boil water in that the grip will fit into still on the handle bars boil for 5 min. and then pull it out and put it in ice cold water in the sink for a second or two heat shrinks cold expands (i.e. the unopened pepsi in the freezer) just like boiling eggs the grip will expand away from the handle bars and will twist off i saved an old brittle set of coke grips that way |
RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: Single Tube Tire Installation
posted by: Randy
on 9/7/2001 at 7:37:32 PM
| Does anyone know of any on-line information regarding single tube tires, and methods of adhering to the rim? |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: Single Tube Tire Installation
posted by sam on 9/7/2001 at 8:23:45 PM
| Randy,Don't know of a web site but Harper Machine Shop , Dunbar west Va. sells the tires their phone is 1-304-768-1147.these tires cement(glue)on.In some old books they are refered to as high pressure cement on tires--a good local bike shop might know about todays glue on tires--might be the same process or at least you might get some insite.I'd ask.--sam |
RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: Single Tube Tire Installation
posted by JOEL on 9/10/2001 at 9:38:45 AM
| I haven't done this myself but have been told to use the cement that is currently avalable at bike shops for glue on tubular tires. |
RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: Rust and faded leather seats
posted by: cindy
on 9/2/2001 at 2:30:22 AM
| I learned this trick in my motorcycle business from an ol" smoothie. Aluminum foil cleans the rust off of chrome so good that you will think it is magic. When I demo this trick on my motorcycles I spray the effected chrome and hand the piece of foil to the customer to rub on the rim. It comes off so fast and shines so well sometimes you get the Tom Sawyer Bonus. What is that you ask? Remember him white washing the fence? Also, on leather seats that are so dried out they look like dyed cardboard I use Alberto VO5 and condition the seats. Sometimes I use shoe dye mixed with VO5. It works, after all it works on hair and it is related to skin, right. Another bonus with the foil is that it is cheap, and on real chrome it won't scratch because it is softer that the chrome. Also you can roll it to fit between the spokes. If there is pitting, the foil will fill in the pits and a little wax will cement the temporary fix. I don't know how many motorcycles or bicycles I own, but I have a scad of them. I just got a fine Schwinn Continental orange or gold in color. What nice hardware. It feels like a real part. The sprocket housing, the levers, very light weight, gum rubber very thin tires, no valve caps what was this bike? |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: Rust and faded leather seats
posted by Doug on 9/2/2001 at 5:46:09 AM
| Hi Cindy the Schwinn Continental was a higher end tour type bike a very nice well built bike.by the way what do you spray the chrome with before using the foil? thanks for a reply.Doug |
RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: Rust and faded leather seats
posted by cindy on 9/7/2001 at 12:08:05 AM
| Doug, as long as you have some sort of liquid between the two metals it works. I use a cleaner made by Coors Beer called BIOt,WD40, and Dawn dishwashing liquid. Have you tried the foil trick yet? Being a girl, trying this trick can sell alot of cleaner, but honestly it is the foil. I hope that you have the good luck I do with it. Thanks for responding. |
RE:RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: Rust and faded leather seats
posted by Doug on 9/7/2001 at 4:37:03 AM
| Hi Cindy I will be trying it soon you may want to post this tip on the middleweight discussion area too as a lot of folks are restoring old bikes on there Thanks for the info. |
RE:RE:RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: Rust and faded leather seats
posted by Phil on 9/7/2001 at 5:16:43 AM
| I've never had any luck with foil.
Watch out with WD-40, it can ruin paint and decals. |
RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: Rust and faded leather seats
posted by Cindy DMN on 9/11/2001 at 10:16:03 PM
| Phil, forgive me for not replying sooner. I am new to this but, I am a fast learner. You are absolutely right about WD40 ruining your decals. If not wiped off immediately it can streak paint as well. Thanks for the reminder,
|
RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: paint stencils
posted by: sam
on 8/27/2001 at 12:59:43 PM
| A Frend posted on making paint stencils from mylar sometime back.Was wonderin if he (or others)might expand on that post.Where to buy,what tools are needed,and can you cut names& finder tip patterns?If so how to copy onto the mylar the pattern needed.How to apply the stencil for painting?Maybe I need a book or coarce on this!---sam |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: paint stencils
posted by A friend on 9/5/2001 at 6:01:32 PM
| Hi Sam, About the mylar; I bought it at a place called S&H plastics. I'm very certin, you don't have this store in your area. People who draw signs, and letter painters go too places like this. As for the drawing part of it all; I use a black thin tip magic marker for my writing of the letters. I also use 3/4in masking tape too lay down as a guild for my letters. This way they are straight and even. Then the hard part, you need a very sharp exacto knife. Now if you have a steady hand, because I don't, cut out your pattern ever so carefully! Once you mess up, you start all over again. Take your time, and good luck too you. |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: paint stencils
posted by sam on 9/7/2001 at 8:29:43 PM
| Thinks Friend,there is a Plastics supply near that I've bought from--I'll check with them first. |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: paint stencils
posted by steve on 10/2/2001 at 8:46:21 PM
| I use drawing tools to help guild my exacto blade -- the kind architects and engineers used before computers. Use french curves, ships curves, circle templates, straight edges, etc. The end result is much more precise than the ol' freehand method.
If you have access to a computer and know how to use a drawing program such as Illustator, there is a better way. You can scan the original work, clean it up in Photoshop and re-draw in Illustrator. Send the electronic file to a vinyl sign cutter and let them output on what ever kind of mask you want.
I've done dozens of paint masks with both methods with equal results. The newer computer method saves a little time -- and it can be repeated again and again and the touch of a button. |
RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: Decal Removal
posted by: Dick
on 8/23/2001 at 7:14:01 PM
| How can I remove "old,worn,faded,stickers from the painted (chain guard)and chrome (fender) surfaces on my bike? Soap and water maybe?
Thnx.,
ds |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: Decal Removal
posted by Cal on 8/24/2001 at 6:19:27 AM
| Nail polish remover works great.
(You're welcome...!) |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: Decal Removal
posted by todjob on 9/7/2001 at 6:56:48 PM
| i use ronson lighter fluid in the yellow/blue plastic bottle its stronger than nail polish and goo gone but dosent hurt the paint soak it and let it set and thumb nail it off |
RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: Need Fender/dent Roller...
posted by: MikeH
on 8/19/2001 at 12:34:50 PM
| I'm looking for someone in the MA area with a fender/dent roller? All of the shops that I've tried in my area look at me as if I have two heads. Please email. Thanks, |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: Need Fender/dent Roller...
posted by Wings on 8/26/2001 at 12:06:44 AM
| For minor dents set the fender in a sand box and gently message the top side (underside) with a spoon or similar object. Be patient. Enjoy the beach! |
RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: Pierce bike about 1890 to 1918
posted by: Rick
on 8/18/2001 at 5:00:04 AM
| I have a Pierce bike that is from the late 1800 to 1918. I need help. the ser. num. is 25558 can any one tell me anthing about this Pierce? I don't know the color or anthing about it. It is very rusty and I would like to restore it and give it back to the person that gave it to me. I'll have to remake the handle bars do to rust. the wood back fender is 1/2 missing so I'll make that too. The wood wheels are not to bad so I can save them. Spokes are shot and I must find replacments if I can. Any help will be grate. Thanks Rick |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: Pierce bike about 1890 to 1918
posted by sam on 8/21/2001 at 6:53:49 PM
| Rick take it easy on this one!Pierce bikes were made by the same people that made the Pierce Arrow car,they bring big bucks.Contact Joel on the Balloon group for info on the Company,leave the bike untouched until you talk to some of the experts out there.this might be one for Cycleart or other big name restoriors.Contact them first---good luck! |
RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: Pierce bike about 1890 to 1918
posted by JOEL on 8/29/2001 at 1:50:01 PM
| I am not familiar with Pierce bikes. The Wheelmen might be a good info/parts source. Try contacting someone through their website. |
RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: Pierce bike about 1890 to 1918
posted by: Rick
on 8/18/2001 at 5:00:04 AM
| I have a Pierce bike that is from the late 1800 to 1918. I need help. the ser. num. is 25558 can any one tell me anthing about this Pierce? I don't know the color or anthing about it. It is very rusty and I would like to restore it and give it back to the person that gave it to me. I'll have to remake the handle bars do to rust. the wood back fender is 1/2 missing so I'll make that too. The wood wheels are not to bad so I can save them. Spokes are shot and I must find replacments if I can. Any help will be grate. Thanks Rick |
RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: removing chainwheels
posted by: JohnK
on 8/17/2001 at 9:17:14 AM
| I have a 1974 Schwinn Twinn tandem. My 6 year old daughter and I use the bike
for riding around the neighborhood. The problem is my daughters legs are too short
for the bike at the bottom of the rotation. I had the idea of putting shorter cranks
on so her feet could stay in contact with the pedals. When I took apart the crank assembly,
I couldn't tell if the chainwheels were fused to the crank arm or if the piece holding them
to the crank arm is actually threaded and would come off.
The piece was odd shaped and I couldn't fit any of my wrenches on it.
Any help would be appreciated. |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: removing chainwheels
posted by Doug on 8/17/2001 at 1:10:08 PM
| I have never seen a twinn crank and chainwheel,but I suspect they are prabably the same as a regular single piece crank,if so you should be able to see acouple of threads on the crank where the funny shaped nut holds the wheel to the crank,put the crank in a vice, use a small pipewrench if thats all you can find to fit on the odd shaped nut and unscrew it as you would any nut;if it wont budge it may have left hand threads try turning it the other way a few raps to the wrench with a mallet may help break it free,easier fix get some pedal blocks to make the pedals fatter will take up an inch or 2 good luck. |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: removing chainwheels
posted by Jon on 8/20/2001 at 4:59:17 PM
| You might see if your local dealer still sells pedal blocks. They're two blocks of wood that rest on each side of the pedal and held in place by a large rubberband-like piece. That said, the crankside cone on a Schwinn one piece crank is a right hand thread. |
RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: removing chainwheels
posted by MNSmith on 8/20/2001 at 7:39:40 PM
| One more thing to take into consideration. The rear crank, which is the one I am assuming is the one your daughter is pedaling on, is a special crank made just for the tandem. It has a longer pin to hold the dual chainwheels from spinning. Putting a different crank on could make the "drive" chainwheel slip. Also, there might not be enough thread on the new crank to hold both chainwheels as it has a longer thread "shank". Your best bet would be Jon's suggestion, which is to get the blocks, effectively making the crank rotation diameter smaller. Also remember, with a smaller roation diameter, she will be pedaling faster than you will. So be good to your little girl and pedal slow. Good Luck! |
RE:RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: removing chainwheels
posted by Rick on 8/24/2001 at 12:21:30 PM
| I've put non-tandem cranks on as you describe. Yes, the
pin that extends thru the chainrings is shorter. I put
a couple of bolts, nuts & washers on to hold the two chain
rings together. Works fine for this kind of bike. Once
the stoker is old enough, put the orginal crank back on.
|
RE:RE:RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: removing chainwheels
posted by Rick on 8/24/2001 at 12:30:48 PM
| BTW, adding blocks to the pedals does not make the rotation
smaller, it just raises the pedal surface. Similar to
lowering the seat. But it also give the pedaler a very
unstable pedal! Their feet are much more likely to roll off the
pedals. Not good on any bike, especially a tandem. You might want
to add toe clips for safety. Try it yourself sometime. Putting on
shorter cranks is a better way to go for shorter people.
The standard 6.5" cranks are probably too long for a 6 year old on
any bike. Most 20" bikes come with 4.5" cranks. Some with
5.5" cranks. That extra inch really makes a big difference
in leverage for kids.
Another fun thing to do is use different size connecting
chain rings. You can have different cadences that way.
Spinning is something that has to be learned and an experienced
spinner will pedal the stoker to exhaustion very quickly. You can
use a smaller ring in fron to give the captian a lower gear. OR visa
versa.
PS, there are usually sufficent threads on the 1-piece cranks
to allow for 2 chainrings.
Rick |
RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: removing chainwheels
posted by MNSmith on 8/24/2001 at 6:47:13 PM
| Your right, I don't know what I was thinking. Pedal blocks don't make for a smaller diameter! Great tips for making non-tandem cranks work!! |
RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: removing chainwheels
posted by Wings on 8/26/2001 at 12:14:36 AM
| When a foot slips off a pedal it can be disastrous with a kid and it can throw the bike balance off momentarily also. I put 152mm Dotek cranks on the BMX bikes my grandkids rode when they were 5 or 6 and that worked great! Used kid cranks are available on $3 bikes in many thrift stores! |
RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: Schwinn Spitfire
posted by: Tim
on 8/17/2001 at 5:10:15 AM
| I own a 51 Spitfire that has been repainted at least twice. Is there any way to only remove the new layers of paint and leave the original intact? Also what is the best method of cleaning a headbadge that has been painted over?
Thanks. |
RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: basic care tips needed
posted by: gezellig*girl
on 8/13/2001 at 10:44:20 AM
| Hi everyone - I just bought a (1959, I think) Schwinn Hollywood at a yard sale. It's not too rusty, but it's quite grubby. I want to give a good cleaning without doing anything dumb like scouring the paint or decals off - what would be the best thing to do? |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: basic care tips needed
posted by Doug on 8/13/2001 at 6:31:45 PM
| Im not sure what you are capable of doing but I usually tear the bike down to give it a really good cleaning it makes it much easier to do a good job;Either way I use mineral spirits for grease and grime removal(no smoking or open lights!!!) put used rags outside in a metal container away from anything flammable wet down if possable with water.(Sorry I used to be a firefighter!)That said then clean bike with a good carwash soap and wax or polish with a good non-abraisive car wax McGuires is a good one Simonize liquide chrome cleaner works well on chrome as does the menotomy mixture sold on this site; great stuff old terry cloth bath towels work great for polishing the whole project,have your favorite beverage at hand and favorite music playing make a day of it have fun! |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: basic care tips needed
posted by sam on 8/17/2001 at 8:08:28 PM
| Doug's right,takes all day.I'm always supprised at how late in the day it is when I finish cleaning a bike.How tired I am and how much fum I've had when the job's done---sam |
RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: basic care tips needed
posted by MNSmith on 8/18/2001 at 12:30:09 PM
| You know it Sam! Great form of relaxation!! Plus the results are usually very satisfying. |
|
|