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Vintage Bicycle Discussion Area
Restoration Tips
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 RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: help me with what year my bikes are
posted by: mike
on 10/17/2011 at 6:03:23 PM
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RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: bike age
posted by: howard
on 9/22/2011 at 7:39:21 AM
| can anyone tell me what year my bike is it is a schwinn breez #jn565866 thanks for any help
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RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: bike age
posted by jj on 9/23/2011 at 3:31:31 AM
| The letter N makes it 1977
by: 108.20.138.199 |
RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: Grease ligthing
posted by: Russ
on 8/19/2011 at 6:35:49 PM
| I've been using grease ligthing to clean bikes for 4 years now a few quick sprays and a good rinse the bike will look new again it will remove most muck in the derailluers,brakes and crankset. |
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RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: first restoration/repair project '66 columbia hanover(?)
posted by: justin
on 7/19/2011 at 3:54:05 PM
| hopefully the images work, my html sucks.
from what i can gather this is a '66 columbia hanover. the handlebars have been changed, the gear shift was swapped out for a single center mounted lever (like from a 3 speed). and the front derailleur is gone, and the back one might be a replacement which im ok with for now. really i just want to get the handlebars replaced and everything in working and reliable order (new cables, tires etc...)
the point of this post is that my first order of business is that the threaded rod that ran through the forks and the center of the front tire (sorry im a newby and havent gotten the terms down yet) has stripped and i need a new one as well as the nuts that go with it. thanks.
<img src="http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/9378/columbia02.jpg/>
<img src="http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/4563/columia04.jpg/>
<img src="http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/1244/columbia05.jpg/>
<img src="http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/6746/columbia01.jpg/>
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RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: Rear Derailleur/ shifter
posted by: Kyle
on 6/2/2011 at 6:43:59 PM
| I have a 1970's CCM grand sport, when I shift into the lower gears (it's a 5 speed) the lever kind of pulls back up and shifts back into 3rd or 4th gear. I can't seem to figure out why this is happening, any suggestions? |
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RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: Rear Derailleur/ shifter
posted by Richard on 7/15/2011 at 3:00:45 PM
| Not familiar with the bike but I'm thinking it has friction shifters (smooth-sliding lever) not indexed shifters(lever clicks to change gear). If this is the case, are the friction adjusters loose, allowing the derailleur spring to pull it back towards the small cog when you let go of the lever? Should be a little wing-nut at the base of the lever you can tighten/loosen to adjust the friction.
by: 24.248.24.3 |
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RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: vintage schwinn varisity metallic brown
posted by: Terrill
on 5/30/2011 at 1:29:18 PM
| Looking for the bike of my childhood.
vintage schwinn varisity metallic brown--1972 ish |
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RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: vintage schwinn varisity metallic brown
posted by Mike on 10/25/2011 at 6:48:55 PM
| I have a 76ish Schwinn varsity,metallic brown.needs some clean-up and new tires but otherwise very sound. All original,lightly used; if interested will be happy to research serial number. |
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RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: restoration of antique bicycle
posted by: Bob
on 5/23/2011 at 10:41:39 AM
| Does anyone know of a bicyle restoration shop in the Dallas area that is reliable and will do a good job of retoring an old antique bicycle. It's to big of a project for me. |
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RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: restoration of antique bicycle
posted by Chris on 5/27/2011 at 9:25:51 AM
| The chance of you being charged hundreds and hundreds of dollars and getting it back poorly done is too great. In the interest of preventing you from being heartbroken I say leave it as it is.
Todays paint is different, and people just do not do the required amount of surface preparation.
it's a lost art. The chemicals are different todays paint is crap then there are decals and box lining that is expensive and is not the same as it was finding somebody to do pinstripingis not as easy they won't spend hours of research, they won't have access to materials needed like old catalogs, and there is so much to go wrong. And I am thinking of all the money you will save by not sending this to anybody.
I know you want to restore this but I have seen too much go wrong and some of the largest and well known bicycle restoration shops charge horrible amounts of money and the stuff looks like crap artifically new, crap.
can you please post a picture of the bicycle so we can see what you have and advise you further.
You can get it ridable and clean and pay attention to the mechanical side of the bike perhaps a ridable seat and wheels and gears and overhaul and make the mechanical stuff as new but please leave the original paint as it is.
There is differences in chrome plate today it's not as it was and like I said it will come back all messed up and you'll be out a lot of money and get your heart broken.
by: 12.91.193.250 |
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RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: Custom painting sandblasting in Mass
posted by: Geoff
on 3/26/2011 at 6:09:50 PM
| Anyone know a good place to get sandblasting and custom painting work done on a frame near Boston or the south shore of Massachusetts? I have a vintage frame that needs restoring.
Thanks
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RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: Custom painting sandblasting in Mass
posted by Vin - Menotomy Vintage Bicycles at OldRoads.com on 3/27/2011 at 4:55:32 AM
| There's a guy in Plymouth. I know a couple people who've used him and say his work (sandblast/powder coat) is good and his prices are reasonable.
I've never used him myself.
He advertises on Boston craigslist.
by: 71.184.108.33 |
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RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: 1962 Western Flyer (first restore project)
posted by: Mike
on 3/11/2011 at 3:02:52 PM
| I have a bike I will send you a pic of that I believe to be a 1962 western flyer. I am looking for the light kit for it. I need the complete kit, front and tail and switch for it. I have absolutley no idea of where or how to go about restoring it. Please advise. |
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RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: 1962 Western Flyer (first restore project)
posted by Mike on 3/11/2011 at 3:05:59 PM
| Here is a pic[p][a href=http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=1619175571360&set=a.1619174731339.2076912.1595524518&theat target=_blank][img src=the_camera.jpg][/a]
by: 173.200.49.29 |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: 1962 Western Flyer (first restore project)
posted by Mike on 3/11/2011 at 3:07:18 PM
| Another pic of the front.[p][a href=http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=1619177331404&set=a.1619174731339.2076912.1595524518&theat target=_blank][img src=the_camera.jpg][/a]
by: 173.200.49.29 |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: 1962 Western Flyer (first restore project)
posted by bobby on 6/9/2011 at 4:40:36 PM
| Hello Mike....i recently acquired a western flyer bike....not sure what year.....looked for serial number..unsuccesful...dirty, has some rust underneath wheel splash guards...forgot what they call them. Looks as if the headlamp is powered by two D size batteries...lamps are small. one on each side of headlight..not in great shape overall...but no major damage...maybe missing parts. If you have any advice it would be helpful.
thanks bob
by: 76.118.20.113 |
)vintage western flyer
posted by robert childers on 8/19/2011 at 11:58:52 AM
| hello ,i recently aquired a western flyer made in england it is a blue 26 inch girls bike where can i find the serial#on it, need your help please thank yoyu
by: 67.177.105.51 |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: 1962 Western Flyer (first restore project)
posted by Cheryl on 9/2/2011 at 2:47:08 PM
| I have an old girls teal colored western flyer bike with 2 small lights in the front- and has an on/off switch on tank. I am not sure what sized batteries it takes, and do the batteries go in the tank itself? ... would love to see if the light work on it! I am trying to get this fixed up to sell.
by: 74.65.61.225 |
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RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: rusty wheels
posted by: carrie
on 1/23/2011 at 7:27:41 AM
| Hi guys, have a question about wheel restoration ....ok so we have 2 old bicycles with seriously rusty wheel rims one 1930's and the other 1920's, anyone have any idea on what to do about them lol , we have already tried metal polishes and wire wool and although that gets rid of some of the rust the chrome has pitted and gone so the question is this .....do i spend a fortune getting them sand blasted and re-chromed..... or paint/ powder coat them as we cant seem to find replacement rims with the correct spoke holes ?? |
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RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT: rusty wheels
posted by jj on 1/24/2011 at 4:25:50 AM
| Once the chrome is "broken" due to pitting, there is not much you can do.
Rechroming or even repainting can get expensive if you do it right.
Maybe buy some aftermarket wheels, and just keep the original wheels in case you want to do a full restoration in the future.
by: 71.184.108.33 |
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RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: Old Schwinn, Model / Year
posted by: Okozzy
on 1/8/2011 at 6:58:46 PM
| I know nothing about vintage (bikes / restoration) but before I get started on this project wanted to know at minimum what I have; I know that it is a Schwinn but don't know what year and or model. The headbatch says "the world", the serial no. is A63211 in small easy to read letter/numbers below the bottom bracket. I don't want to restore this bike to it's original look but want to keep it's present look and get it to full working condition so that I can actually ride it in town.
Thank you in advance,
Okozzy. |
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RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: UNK. VINTAGE WOODEN WHEEL BICYCLE
posted by: DOYLE
on 12/7/2010 at 2:06:01 PM
| I am in the process of disassembing an old unknown model wooden wheel bicycle. It has no headbadge, but I believe that someone may know the maker due to the chainring and frame style. On the top tube, front fork and bottom around the pedal assembly there is metal embelishments that was welded on during assembly. Which leads me to belive that this was more of an upscale bicycle. The seat is marked emblem. This bicycle is very rusted but is restorable. The whole bicycle is pitted - I have taken my time to remove the seat post, handlebars, just to see the original chrome underneath. It gives me hope. My quick question is have you ever ran across non-standard size bolt threads on a vintage bicycle. I have the gooseneck bolt out, the seat frame bolt and the bolt that holds the seat post out - and i was wanting to replace them with stainless steel variety due to the fact that they are pitted on the heads - I have found that they have an unsual thread pattern, they look to be a 5-16th or 3/8ths bolt but they are not a fine thread or a course thread, or even a metric - I dont want to screw up and force in a bolt that would damage the current threads. The chainring is my next project - taking it apart safely will probably take most of my patience. Any assistance will be appreciated, How do I post some photos of this find? Thank you for all your help
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RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: UNK. VINTAGE WOODEN WHEEL BICYCLE
posted by jj on 12/8/2010 at 5:00:13 AM
| I'm going to re-post his under the Balloon Tire Bicycle topic - Not because it is a balloon tire bike, but because photos can be posted there, and also because the Balloon Tire people may have some insight. |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: UNK. VINTAGE WOODEN WHEEL BICYCLE
posted by doyle on 12/8/2010 at 1:13:46 PM
| Thank you, I appreciate your assistance.
by: 71.114.179.236 |
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RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: what kind of bike is this
posted by: matthew whatley
on 11/30/2010 at 5:30:48 PM
| i have a bike that is a starlet III but i tried to look up the number that i found next the to back tire bolt , but i didnt find anything. and also , i has a baby seat , i have looked and looked and nothing that i find , ever has a baby seat , is it a rare item for the bike, it says schwinn aproved or something like that on the side metal piece . and it still has the cushion in it , but the strap on it has rotted off on one side. please help , i can send a picture. thanks |
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RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: what kind of bike is this
posted by jj on 12/1/2010 at 4:51:33 AM
| A Schwinn Starlet. Cool.
Post that serial number here and we can all tell you the year by using the charts under the Technical Resources section of this site.
Also post pictures!
by: 71.184.108.33 |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: what kind of bike is this
posted by Etienne on 1/3/2011 at 7:26:49 AM
| Hi Guys. I stumbled onto this site while searching for information on this bike and I think I might have found the right place. Can you give me as much help as possible as I am totally ignorant when it comes to vintage bikes.
It is a 16"-wheel kids bike. It was re-sprayed at some stage so its impossible for me to tell what kind of bike it is. I'll post pictures. According to the previous owner it can be up to 65 years old. The only information I could find on the components is that the rear hub is a "favorit" and the saddle is "cycsad". Is it possible and worth the trouble to restore it? If not, is it possible to replace faulty parts with modern ones?[p][a href=C:\Documents and Settings\Etienne Botha\Desktop\Fietsie 052.jpg target=_blank][img src=the_camera.jpg][/a]
by: 41.14.187.56 |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: what kind of bike is this
posted by Etienne on 1/3/2011 at 7:43:54 AM
| Sorry. The previous link for the pictures won't work, please try this one:[p][a href=https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B14sJWT4x3IONDFmMGM2NjMtYjc0MS00OGZjLThkYzUtM2Q0YjMyMTdkNGM5&hl=en& target=_blank][img src=the_camera.jpg][/a]
by: 41.14.187.56 |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: what kind of bike is this
posted by Tony Amico on 1/4/2011 at 11:19:30 AM
| Have old "Tribike",4 wheels,3across back,center wheel adjustable to allow for transition to 2 wheeler.Front ID badge missing.Solid rubber tire.2 foot pads for rider in rear.Paint maroon with white pinstripes.Any info? Value? How to restore,etc.? Thank You,Tony.
by: 98.111.39.132 |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: what kind of bike is this
posted by jj on 1/5/2011 at 4:57:33 AM
| Gotta see a photo of that one!
by: 71.184.108.33 |
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RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: fender repair
posted by: Bruce
on 11/7/2010 at 1:48:25 PM
| I am currently restoring an older Raleigh Sports. There are dents in the fenders that I would like to repair with lead instead plastic body filler. Does anybody have some experience with this old time technique? The step I need to know most is how to prepare the steel so lead will bond to it. Thanks, Bruce |
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RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: fender repair
posted by jj on 11/8/2010 at 5:25:17 AM
| Great idea, and yes, very old school!
Just as you'd do with plastic filler, do a good jop getting the sections clean and down to bare metal.
by: 71.184.108.33 |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: fender repair
posted by Bruce on 11/8/2010 at 5:45:40 AM
| Thanks jj,at this point I have stripped the paint and removed all rust with a wire wheel so the steel is bright and shiny. When I apply molten lead it beads up and will not bond. I'm thinking that I'm missing a step or not using the right lead for filler. Open to suggestions, Bruce
by: 64.222.241.204 |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: fender repair
posted by Patrick on 11/10/2010 at 9:50:11 AM
| Hi, You need to sandblast and "Tin" the area to be leaded. The sandblasting cleans any rust from the smallest pits,whereas a wirebrush just polishes them. The "Tinning" process is done with heat as well,the tin or flux should have come with your kit. This is what the lead or solder actually sticks to and you can't lead without it.
by: 198.208.251.23 |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: fender repair
posted by Bruce on 11/11/2010 at 5:31:37 AM
| Patrick, this is very helpful. I do not have a kit, and have just been aproaching this like a plumbing project. I will search locally. Can you recommend an online source for autobody soldering supplies? thanks so much. |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: fender repair
posted by patrick on 11/11/2010 at 9:13:18 AM
| Hi Bruce, Yes,www.eastwood.com has everything you need,including an instructional dvd. They are always featured on Hemmings My Classic Car with Dennis Gage. I think it's on Saturday or Sunday morning.Good luck and have fun!
by: 198.208.251.23 |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: fender repair
posted by Patrick on 11/11/2010 at 9:16:04 AM
| I should have mentioned that you should have the dents bumped much as possible before filling them. You want little filler as possible. Be careful not to stretch or "oil-can" the metal by overworking it.
by: 198.208.251.23 |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: fender repair
posted by Bruce on 11/12/2010 at 4:37:14 AM
| Once again, thanks for the great information Patrick. I have reduced the size of the dent as much as possible with a hammer and dolly, and am ready for the next step. Few things are as much fun as learning a new skill in the shop. |
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RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: decals
posted by: Russell Gajewski
on 10/1/2010 at 7:16:46 PM
| I have a 1974 raleigh professional. I need to know exactly where the decal placement is? |
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RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: decals
posted by jj on 10/2/2010 at 4:19:36 AM
| Look for pictures in the Picture Database at the top of any page under Technical Resources. |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: decals
posted by Ray Torres on 10/10/2010 at 11:23:36 AM
| Looking for 1930 to 1940 Elgin bicycles decals. Mine has a tank decal with Special on it and would like to find a template or new decal for it.
[p][a href=http://thecabe.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?11736-Need-help-to-identify-old-ELGIN-bicycle-Serial-Num target=_blank][img src=the_camera.jpg][/a]
by: 68.1.114.165 |
RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC: decals
posted by jj on 10/11/2010 at 4:28:17 AM
| Try the Picture Database here.
Also look at the Sears and JC Higgins pictures because Elgins, along with JC Higgins, were sold at Sears.
by: 71.184.108.33 |
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