Re: [CR] Simplex "Plastic" Derailleurs - Questions For Material

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme:2007)

Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2011 07:05:57 -0800 (PST)
From: "P.C. Kohler" <kohl57@yahoo.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR] Simplex "Plastic" Derailleurs - Questions For Material


The single best way to restore the colour and sheen of black Delrin on Simplex derailleurs, Stronglight Hinault headsets and everything else made in this wonderful material is: OIL. This is why Delrin was used (and still is) used for engine mountings etc., it's actually nourished not degraded by oil. You can take the whitest, dullest Simplex derailleur, dab a nice quantity of high quality oil (I use Sturmey-Archer oil) on it, let it soak in for an hour or so, buff it off and presto! it instantly returns to dense, semi-glossy black that lasts and lasts.

Oil will also nourish and protect white Delrin but I've yet to discover a miracle method of whitening it.

Peter Kohler
Washington DC USA