Replacing parts on older bike.

[SimonJKH]

That 1948 bike sounds interesting. What does it look like?

I've made a bit of progress with my steed. Obtained a New Old Stock Suntour derailleur which has fitted on nicely. While doing this though, I noticed that even with the QR axle done up as tight as I can get it, there is still some noticable 'play' in the rear wheel. Any idea where this might be coming from? Also, there is an 'oiling port' on the top of the bottom bracket. How often should I put oil in there, and what kind?

 

[simonplatt]

assuming that the play is not in the bearing adjustment, i would guess that there was possible wear inside the drop outs, or maybe the axle is a smidgen too long.

i;ll take a pic of the bike and post it.

did you get 5 speed?

 

[simonplatt]

 

[simonplatt]

it too has a bottom bracket oiler, but for what good it does i pop a drop of bike oil in when i'm oiling the chain, have always relied on a good coat of grease on assembly as I cant see any oil getting where it's needed anyway. you would have to put enough in there to make a 'bath' in order to get both sides, but maybe they did!

I've always thought that it would be a good idea to put something in the seat tube to block it at the bottom, but never done it. it is surprising how water tends to get in there and straight down to the bb. also if you get over enthusiastic with the oil in said oiler you find it all over the seat when you turn bike upside down to mend puncture

the rear hanger on the bike was cut off the other frame.

 

[SimonJKH]

That is a cool looking bike. I hope you get some good use out of it. My BB oiler looks just the same. I'll do what you do then, just plop a bit in when I'm oiling the chain. And yes, I picked out a 5 speed freewheel thanks. And the matching freewheel removing tool. I'm now doing battle with the cantilever brakes. I've got the front ones set up nice, but the rears just don't want to play ball. One minute they are great, the next there's nothing there!