> yes really..!
> any more info on your journey through the restoration process ??
> the finish on the chain and plated parts looks flawless.. how did you
> deal with pitting and damage ??
>
>
> andrei padlowski
Well, photos on the internet are not always what they seem. And even though the bike looks great in the photos (and in person), this is not a concours restoration and there are plenty of flaws to be found.
But considering what I started with I'm happy with the results and learned a few things that will make any future projects much better.
The polishing of the parts was all handled by a local plater. And I can only take credit for writing them a check. They did a great job for the money. But with that said it could have been taken to a much higher level for a lot more money. Something I wish I had done now, but at the time did it not make sense to do.
The chain was soaked in a bag of oil for about a month, then just worked by hand until all the links were free. I then used Naval Jelly and a lot of wire brushing to get it clean. A gun bluing kit was used to get the color back and protect it. Unfortunately it's still a nearly 100 year old, worn out chain and is noisy as hell. Everything else on the bike works well, but I'm going to have to replace the chain If I want to keep riding the bike.
I sanded on the frame for about three days and it was actually in great shape. Badly pitted but no rot. I think the whole frame had been nickel plated originally, so it was mostly a covering of surface rust from the plating oxidizing. The tubes were really solid. There was a hairline crack in the back of one fork leg but Keith brazed that up when he did the paint. He gets the credit for making the pits in the frame disappear, again I just wrote a check.
What I'm most proud of was being able to get the thing apart originally without destroying anything. That took lots of Liquid Wrench, fire and patience. It was like all the experience of the 100's of bikes I've ever worked on paying me back and not letting me screw this thing up.
I plan on doing a web page when I get some better photos and will document more of the process of the restoration and story of how I ended up with the bike.
A big thanks to all the list members who have sent really positive emails off-list. I really appreciate that. I live in a small town and there's maybe 3 guys here who care that I can show off stuff like this to.
Cheers, Jon Williams
Grants Pass OR USA