Mum's Raleigh

[Arjimlad]

I have my Mum's old Raleigh to restore. It is at least 54 years old and was in regular use for shopping and the school run when I was young.

The brakes puzzle me. The cables have a fixed metal lump on the end. Can't see how to change them without cutting it off but not sure how to get replacements.

The seat tube moves fine but is very short.

The frame needs a good clean up but I wasn't thinking of refinishing it.

The wheels are quite rusty and I am thinking of buying new ones. It's a single speed with very low gearing which would probably still suit my Mum as she's not ridden in ages.

Any tips from the experts here are welcomed!

 

[Drago]

Get some oxalic acid. Sounds nasty, bits its quite mild and chemically targets rust. Nuts, bolts, chaimsets, brake calipers, wheel rims come up like new unless they've corroded to cardboard. Its cheap too, and doesn't harm paint. Google it.

 

[biggs682]

Get some oxalic acid. Sounds nasty, bits its quite mild and chemically targets rust. Nuts, bolts, chaimsets, brake calipers, wheel rims come up like new unless they've corroded to cardboard. Its cheap too, and doesn't harm paint. Google it.

Am i right in thinking Sugar paste also contains Oxalic acid ?

got a project due soon that i will try this method on

 

[mjr]

Old Raleighs had double ended fixed length brake cables. There's almost certainly a way to remove them as-is.

Some New Old Stock ones are kicking around or you can use a regular cable by fitting a knarp to one end.

 

[Drago]

Am i right in thinking Sugar paste also contains Oxalic acid ?

got a project due soon that i will try this method on

I used it on Colin after finding the method on Google. Very impressed, and the OA powder was dirt cheap on eBay.

http://bicyclepointofview.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/how-to-restore-bicycle-part-1.html

http://bicyclepointofview.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/how-to-restore-your-bicycle-part-2-rust.html

 

[Poacher]

Get some oxalic acid. Sounds nasty, bits its quite mild and chemically targets rust. Nuts, bolts, chaimsets, brake calipers, wheel rims come up like new unless they've corroded to cardboard. Its cheap too, and doesn't harm paint. Google it.

At the mention of oxalic acid, I had a vision of wrapping the frame with bruised rhubarb leaves!

 

[Arjimlad]

Get some oxalic acid. Sounds nasty, bits its quite mild and chemically targets rust. Nuts, bolts, chaimsets, brake calipers, wheel rims come up like new unless they've corroded to cardboard. Its cheap too, and doesn't harm paint. Google it.

Thanks @Drago I'll give that a bash on the wheel rims and other kit - soon have the old girl shiny again.

 

[Drago]

And hopefully the bike too!

 

[Arjimlad]

And hopefully the bike too!

I'll set them up, you knock them down !

 

[DCLane]

I used it on Colin after finding the method on Google. Very impressed, and the OA powder was dirt cheap on eBay.

http://bicyclepointofview.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/how-to-restore-bicycle-part-1.html

http://bicyclepointofview.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/how-to-restore-your-bicycle-part-2-rust.html

I'm sold. A bottle of oxalyic acid has been bought via eBay. Given where I live if I get probed why I'm buying explosive chemicals it'll all be your fault.

 

[raleighnut]

I'm sold. A bottle of oxalyic acid has been bought via eBay. Given where I live if I get probed why I'm buying explosive chemicals it'll all be your fault.

Furniture restorers use it to 'bleach' stains out of Oak.

 

[Cycleops]

He's known as Arthur raleighnut Negus in some circles.

I imagine you will want to remove the chainset to grease the BB and a 54 yr old cotterpin might be a bit stubborn. Here's a good way to get them out without special tools:

View: https://youtu.be/mybfNsm1XwM


Good luck.

 

[raleighnut]

He's known as Arthur raleighnut Negus in some circles.

I imagine you will want to remove the chainset to grease the BB and a 54 yr old cotterpin might be a bit stubborn. Here's a good way to get them out without special tools:

View: https://youtu.be/mybfNsm1XwM


Good luck.

If you look at him 'wiggling' the crankarm at the beginning you could tell the cotterpin had already been removed, bet his mate said " Oi, you could make a video of that"

A good technique though for people who don't have hammer skills (or a big enough hammer)

 

[Cycleops]

Well spotted. As a lad I remember my mate had a round block of lead we used to use but we didn't realise that hammering with the tyres inflated absorbed the force.

 

[Fab Foodie]

He's known as Arthur raleighnut Negus in some circles.

I imagine you will want to remove the chainset to grease the BB and a 54 yr old cotterpin might be a bit stubborn. Here's a good way to get them out without special tools:

View: https://youtu.be/mybfNsm1XwM


Good luck.

...an engineers vise is a special tool if you don't have one :-(