Claud Butler Sierra

[Drago]

Well, its home. Complete, better nick than id feared. New tyres, cables and chain is all the parts needed. A good strip, clean and lube is mainly all that is required.

Paint is pretty good, so a clean and polish is on the horizon there. Very pleased.

 

[Drago]

And the stripping begins.

 

[Drago]

Rear mech stripped and the bits lobbed into a bath of paraffin. Will finish cleaning and reassemble on the morrow. Its quite a nice Suntour Vx and I'm glad its in good order as a modern Shimano job wouldn't look right on the bike.

 

[Drago]

OK, most original parts will remain. However, the handlebar foam is dry and disintegrating, so fit tape. Shame, because the foam was original and otherwise not torn or owt.

I'll also be replacing the Weimann levels for some aero jobs. They feel far too small and dainty in my hands. I'll keep them though, so I could revert to original if needs be.

Pedals will be replaced with SPDs.

 

[Drago]

Today ill continue stripping the bike down to its constituent parts.

Rusty chrome will be going in a bath of Oxalic Acid.

Wheels are lovely and in great condition but are filthy, so they'll be stripped, bearings cleaned and lubes, and the whole lot cleaned and polished.

 

[Drago]

Bike totally stripped.

Rear mech stripped, cleaned, rebuilt.

Front mech cleaned.

Bottom bracket cleaned and inspected.

Gear oil dribbled into the freewheel, which has freed up nicely.

Wheels stripped and cleaned tomorrow, brakes Tuesday, by which time the stuff I need to clean and de rust the frame should have arrived.

 

[Drago]

Up early to fish the chain set out of the dishwasher before Mrs D sees it

Wear on the big ring, but I'd judge usable for now. Inner ring is fine. Next job will be to attack it with 0000 grade wire wool and the polish.

 

[biggs682]

Up early to fish the chain set out of the dishwasher before Mrs D sees it

I don't have a dishwasher

 

[Drago]

I don't have a dishwasher

You don't know what you're missing. They make excellent parts washers

 

[Oldfentiger]

And just by way of coincidence.........

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172592919632?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDXT

Will be interesting to see what it makes.
I was watching this for me, but last weeks Carlton purchase means I can't slide this one past the Mrs

 

[Drago]

That looks like a tidy example, although its missing guards and rack. Looks like it'll fetch a good price too, which makes me all the more grateful to Stonechat.

 

[Drago]

Rear hub stripped, cleaned internally and externally, greased up and reassembled. Rear mudguard now soaking in a mild degreaser ready for cleaning later.

 

[Drago]

Rummaged though my Box O Crap (tm) and found a very smart pair of Shimano M540 SPDs. Best of all, they're natural alloy finish so wont look too glaring on an old bike.

 

[Drago]

Handlebars cleaned and closely inspected. All good.

Stem cleaned, rubbed down with 1000 grit wet and dry ready for polishing. The stem has an 86 date code, so would seem to be a later addition fitted by the previous owner.

Speaking of which, inside the handlebars I found a rolled up piece of card with the previous owners name and address on, which had previously been there for 36 years. I feel almost like an archaeologist.

 

[woodbutcher]

Handlebars cleaned and closely inspected. All good.

Stem cleaned, rubbed down with 1000 grit wet and dry ready for polishing. The stem has an 86 date code, so would seem to be a later addition fitted by the previous owner.

Speaking of which, inside the handlebars I found a rolled up piece of card with the previous owners name and address on, which had previously been there for 36 years. I feel almost like an archaeologist.

I think thats great...why not carry on the tradition and replace the old card and add one of your own ?