Hello everyone. I’m finally starting up my restoration after putting the disassembled bike to the side for a couple of years.
I’ve painted most of the steel parts. I had the frame media blasted and then professionally painted, which turned out to be a mistake. The body shop did such a horrible job (missed spots, bumps etc) that I sanded it smooth and spray canned it myself. I didn’t have the heart to go back. I should have known when he charged me about half of what it should have cost. He had a great reputation but just sold his shop and was halfway out the door.
I used two cans of paint with many light coats. The finish looks good and we’ll see if it holds up.
Both hubs are cleaned up with new sealed bearings installed:
Thanks to Fred and Ella at Old Britt’s for parts and patient advice over the phone..
I’m starting to lace the wheels:
I ordered stainless 19” rims and spokes from Central Wheel and they look great. This is a new task so I expect it to be very trying.
Also, I’m practicing zinc plating as I want to re-use as much of the hardware as I can. Here s my setup:
I’ve done quite a bit of practice plating and the results are getting better. The learning curve is steep and prep takes more time than I thought it would. I’ll post pics of parts when I get it right.
Next up fork rebuilding.
Hopefully I can have a rolling chassis by springtime and be able to rebuild the engine and transmission next winter.
My best to all.
Ben Zehnder