Fixing up my brother's bike

[Chonker]

So the other day my brother asks me if I'd mind taking a look at his bike and sorting it out so he can come cycling with me. No problem! shouldn't be too difficult, probably just needs the gears/brakes adjusting and some air in the tyres so I went up in the loft today and brought down this

Poor thing , I started taking it apart and cleaning things up but I'm just not sure it's worth saving. I got as far as stripping and spraying the forks/stem and cleaning up the front brake I draw the line at repainting the frame though. I'm just going to get it so it's safe to ride, it's not going to be pretty!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3624/3552290786_7c35a01ebf_b.jpg

 

[fossyant]

There are some potentially nice parts there - Campag brakes, seat pin etc. The wheels take tubs though, so this is not really a good option. TBH, you might make a few bob cleaning up the wheels, removing the knackered freewheel, cleaning the brakes and cranks..... and even selling the frame - a 531 will fetch a few bob. With that lot you should have at least a couple of hundred.....

To do it up will cost a fair amount.

 

[MadoneRider1991]

looks like a lot of cleaning is needed

should be fun

 

[coopman]

I like it, I think you should fix it up and post the pics when your done. Think of the sense of accomplishment!

 

[fossyant]

The frame is generally sound, but it will need a professional restore - look at £200 at least.......

Now you've popped some additional photos...I think ebay the bit's as shown really....or clean up as best you can.... it will fetch interest......

 

[threebikesmcginty]

I've got a J F Wilson 531c frame, restored - nice bit of kit. Mine will be posted here shortly when I've finished putting it all together. If only I had the time......

 

[Chonker]

I had another run at it today, the brakes and derailer cleaned up nice and work pretty well now, I had to take the front one off though as the cage part that pushes the chain had snapped. Next time the welder's out we'll see if it's repairable.

The wheels are crap and arn't entirely round, they will be replaced soon, going to ebay the other wheels (the ones with tubs) to pay for some replacements, we went for a short ride this evening though up at hog-hill and all seemed well!

Will give the frame some thought, if it were mine i'd just strip the paint and spray it all silver like the forks but it's upto my bro, is there somewhere that sells replacement decals?

 

[fossyant]

Blimey, that's much better

 

[montage]

wow - nicely cleaned up....how did you clean that cassette? ..... shockingly shiney now!

 

[threebikesmcginty]

is there somewhere that sells replacement decals?

Wilson's are still going, give them a try!

www.wilsoncycles.co.uk

 

[BIGSESAL]

Haha the original jockey wheel made me laugh. It has literaly worn away.

 

[bigfella]

Looks like its had some heat on the seat tube judging by the look of the paint.

I have a set of cheap QR wheels that I have just had the bearings repacked some spokes replaced. They run true and are round!

Currently fitted with a 6spd casette.

 

[Chonker]

I took the cassette off (well got a friendly bikeshop owner to do it as it has a very uncommon freewheel which requires a special tool and was bloody tight!) and soaked it in engine degreaser for 30mins and scrubbed away it, then gave it a quick rub with some fine wet'n'dry soaked in wd40.

The jockey wheels are very worn, the rear derailer is bent inwards towards the wheel too so I think the whole thing is due replacing sometime. If the front one can't be welded then I may sort out some new ones for a birthday pressie :?:

bigfella: what is the width and diameter of the spindle on the front wheel as the forks are for a thin (8mm i think) spindle and are quite widely spaced, so much so that I used a cheap kids bmx spindle and a bunch of nuts and washers to space that one out to fit.

 

[palinurus]

Looking better already.

Is the seatpost stuck? sure looks like it is.

 

[Chonker]

Yea doesn't look too clever, I didn't even bother trying that bolt it but the saddle does need to be raised slightly so I have a feeling the grinder may come out next time he brings it over!