My current project a Zebrakenko Golden Sports Mixte. The original wheel set (or the wheel set it showed up with) is gone, used on another project. I doubt they were original to the bike anyway. They seemed to lack the rust and dirt that covered the rest of the bike.
This is an interesting road bike with one of the better badges I have seen in a while. Unfortunately it has spent some time out in the elements. In fact Angie wanted me to have this bike rather than see it damaged any further. Very admirable in my opinion.
Above: And there it is the 3 D "Lions Head" head-badge. I think my friend and fellow Bike Blogger Ryan from Ryan's Rebuilds described it best as "looking like a door knocker". I think he nailed it! ltms
Above: Step one, I ran it through the gears and checked the crank and brakes as well. The derailleurs are working as well as can be expected. Same goes for the brakes, working pretty well considering the cables are semi froze up and the shoes are rock hard. There is a little grind in the crank, hopefully it is just dry and a little too tight. Good news is the crank spins straight. Headset is also stiff with a little grind, again probably just dry. I wont know for sure until I take the crank and headset apart.
Above: The crank smoothed right out as soon as I loosened it up, even though the grease is pretty much shot. The same goes for the threaded headset. The cups and bearings look fine. It just sat so long the hardened and dried up grease has stiffened everything up a bit. After a real good cleaning and re greasing I am positive every thing will be really smooth. I may be replacing the road crank set if it does not clean up really well. It looks cheap to me. And if it does not improve 100% after refurbishing, then it is gone.
Above: Not everything here will be refurbished. But I will keep it all somewhat organized until I can figure out what will be refurbished and what is going to the metal recycling guy and what might be saved. Quick Tip: Before you toss a broken or damaged component, remove any small parts like barrel adjusters or limit screws, springs, cable anchors etc. etc. You will be glad you did. I am constantly making good use of little bits I have saved over the years.
Above: I have decided to repaint the mixti frame and fork. For this reason I have removed the head badge and the frame mounted barrel adjuster for the rear brake. The barrel adjuster mounted approximately mid top tube(s)is unique to the Mixte style frame. (as far as I know)
Above: To remove the head badge I first removed the upper and lower head-tube bearing cups. Then using a half round metal file, I filed down the rivets from inside the head tube. Next I use an old set of feeler gauges to make a small gap between the head-badge and the head-tube. Now I can slip my mini pry bar behind the badge next to the rivet and gently pop the badge off. When I say mini pry bar, I mean mini. The pry bar including handle is probably less than 3 inches long. It came with a free set of promotional screwdrivers. If I can find one, I will post where it is available. It is an awesome little tool.
Above: I started to wet sand the frame this afternoon. Unfortunately I only had 1/3 sheet of 180 grit wet/dry sanding paper. So I did not get very far. Tomorrow morning I am off to Peter's True Value on M59 just west of town to get some more. I will try to get a pic of the mini pry bar and add it to this post tomorrow. Actually latter today (it is getting late) Until next time please Ride Safely and remember to Always...RESCUE, RESTORE & RECYCLE
Cheers, Hugh
P.S. I will proof read this again tomorrow, hopefully it is not totally incoherent :)
Cool project :)
ReplyDeleteThe DC
Thanks, Steve
DeleteAre you going to ride your bike to True Value? :)
ReplyDeleteHey Matteo,
DeleteNo, M-59 is not a safe place to ride a bike. And it only has a paved path (covered with glass and other debris) in some parts. Maybe real early on a Sunday morning would be ok.
But unfortunately I need the wet sand paper now. I do not drive much though. A tank of gas lasts me a month or so. And when I ever can I drive the Fiesta. It gets 40 mpg on the highway.
Cheers,Hugh
looks like a cool project Hugh, glad to see it in your work stand. Are you going to go with a Zebra themed paint job in honor of the brand...? ;-)
ReplyDeleteHey Ryan,
Deleteltms. I don`t think so :) Besides the GT had a sort of a zebra paint job. Besides someone might mistake it for a Ted Nugent tribute bike. :) I think ole Ted would want a more "manly looking" frame. If this does not make any sense to you, image search Ted Nugent's Bronco.
Cheers
Hugh, I really enjoy reading about your bicycle restoration projects, and your photos compliment your writing well.
ReplyDeleteNice work on both repairs and the stories!
Patrick (Minnesota)
Thanks Patrick,
ReplyDeleteI sincerely appreciate the kind words. Everyday I am still amazed that the blog has been so well received. Who would have thought people would have taken interest in a broken down journeyman mason trying to find a way make himself useful? I have no words that can describe
how blessed I feel. You all are awesome!
Cheers, Hugh
How effective is wet sanding for getting down to the raw steel? How long does it take to do the whole frame? Do you prefer it to using paint stripper?
ReplyDeleteWet sanding is as effective as You are willing to make it. I have never kept track, but I imagine I would have about 7 hours into sanding and brass brushing a bicycle frame when finished. I prefer anything to using chemicals. I have recently received a Kendal Ultrasonic Cleaner as a gift. Which should greatly reduce my need to use chemical de greasers as well.
DeleteI was asking about the chemicals used in "ant bait" one day at the local Hardware. The young man told me all the chemicals are approved my the government. I told him that "Agent Orange" was approved by the government.
You will have to excuse me, I really need to go hug a tree now.... roflmao
Cheers
Great work, do you know much about the Kenko line? Just today I found one at a thrift store for $10, complete and working but definitely needing tuned up and probably overhauled. Needless to say I was thrilled, it is just my size. I'd like to be able to maybe date it, and establish if it was a touring/entry model or maybe better. I'm just getting into cycling so I'm a novice, but I've done a ton of research and everything about this frame and components is screaming "Quality!" there is very little about these bikes to be found, so I'd sure appreciate any input.
ReplyDeleteI have this same bike but mine is black, it's like new and has always been stored inside. I want to sell it what's it worth?
ReplyDelete