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Archived: Restoration Tips





RESTORATION TIPS - MISC:   Looking for 1/4" rubber tank trim posted by: Marc on 2/17/2008 at 5:07:58 PM
Hi all:
I'm restoring a 1960's Rollfast Spacemaster Spaceweight bike. I'm trying to find a U-shaped rubber trim that is flexible and about 1/4-inch wide on both legs, so I can lay it around the edges and curves of the sharp edges of my tank so that the tank does not damage my frame. It's rubber trim, but I don't know where to find it or what it's called. Any tips will be enormously appreciated. Thanks. Marc W.


   RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC:   Looking for 1/4 posted by doug on 3/2/2008 at 5:56:02 AM
Find a auto restoration shop in your area they can usually point you in the right direction to find this type of thing or might have what your looking for on the shelf.

   RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC:   Looking for 1/4 posted by Shawsheen on 3/9/2008 at 4:16:40 AM
Go to auto parts store...get the little rubber, plactic type strips that go on door edges. You konw the ones that protect the edge of your car doors when you open them...Should fit on edge of tank (?) and they come in several colors.

   RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC:   Looking for 1/4 posted by J on 3/10/2008 at 12:52:19 PM
you are looking for "windlacing". the other guys are right, check an autoparts store. good luck, j




RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   Coca Cola Cleaning Solution? posted by: David Markovitz on 2/10/2008 at 12:43:36 PM
I've heard that I could use Coca Cola as a cleaning solution for old bike parts. Is this safe? Is there something other than aluminum foil that I can use? How do I apply? What precautions do I need to take? What is best way to remove residue? Is residue harmful? In short, I need to know everything about this method.
Dave


   RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   Coca Cola Cleaning Solution? posted by inaheap on 2/10/2008 at 3:41:36 PM
I have used coca cola to loosen rusted bolts. Although it did help a little I recommend something like kroil or BP Blaster.

   RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: Coca Cola Cleaning Solution? posted by Theo on 2/24/2008 at 12:02:41 PM
It really all depends on what you are trying to clean.

My understanding is that the pH of coca cola is useful in removing rust. It was an old standby in the days of car restoration and true chrome bumpers. It is unlikely to hurt anything.

Another suggestion is to use oxalic acid - a very mild oxidizer that is said to be kind to surrounding metal.

The aluminum foil method is very benign. So are simichrome paste and many commercial chrome polishers (Turtle Wax, for example). Have you tried the Menotomy materials? They are well tried and work well.

   RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: Coca Cola Cleaning Solution? posted by jj on 3/17/2008 at 4:31:22 AM
Never had any luck using Coca Cola on rust

   RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   Coca Cola Cleaning Solution? posted by Martin Sanders on 4/25/2008 at 2:32:39 AM
Try using ordinary malt vinegar, I've used it for years with good results, make sure the part is degreased first as the vinegar will not act through oil and grease. I put the parts in vinegar as I am stripping the bicycle and leave them there for anything up to a week or so while I get on with the rest.




RESTORATION TIPS - MISC:   Motobecane serial number posted by: Jerry on 2/5/2008 at 1:01:39 PM
I would like to date my Le Champion. Can someone help me with how to read the serial number. It's easy to read, I just don't know the code. Any help? Thank you.





RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   Motobecane Grand Touring bike posted by: Jason on 1/14/2008 at 12:45:00 PM
I am restoring an old Motobecane Grand Touring bike and the pedal wrench I have doesn't fit, any one have an idea what size wrench would work?





RESTORATION TIPS - MISC:   schwinn pedals posted by: Sheldon Strohecker on 12/18/2007 at 5:44:54 PM
I' m not sure how to remove the pedals off of an old schwinn breeze. I can get them to tighten and to back out a half turn but then they stop using reasonable force. They look as if they should screw right out with a 9/16" wrench but it don't seem to want to come out. They aren't rusty. I'm afraid to strip the threads in the crank. Thanks for your help!