Re: [CR]Can worn surfaces of headset races, axles, etc. bepolished

(Example: Framebuilders:Bernard Carré)

From: "Aldo Ross" <swampmtn@siscom.net>
To: <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <5.0.2.1.1.20001211085942.009fa280@pop.erols.com> <3A3519BF.E6F5F9C2@camb.linst.ac.uk> <3A3516F3.51C4F3BB@idt.net>
Subject: Re: [CR]Can worn surfaces of headset races, axles, etc. bepolished
Date: Mon, 11 Dec 2000 13:22:08 -0500


BMX-ers around here used a similar treatment... but used Simichrome polish instead of toothpaste. Done carefully, the results were amazing.

I used the Simichrome treatment on a new Suzue double-sided hub that had rough cones. Instead of riding, I installed a small rubber cone in a Dremel drill, pressed this cone against the end of the axle, and let it turn briefly at very high RPM. It got kinda warm, but I was able to stop and start to check progress. Took about 5 minutes to get a mirror finish.

I'll try rigging up a headset jig this week, to see if it will works on headset bearings too.

Aldo Ross


----- Original Message -----
From: Steve Freides
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2000 1:03 PM
Subject: Re: [CR]Can worn surfaces of headset races, axles, etc. bepolished



> I recall stories of hubs being cleaned, loaded with toothpaste, ridden a
> few miles, then cleaned again and greased.
>
> -S-
>
> Mark Stevens wrote:
> >
> > Dear All, I have done this successfully on an old pitted headset. Only good
> > for an occasional rider as you will wear away the hardened surface to take out
> > the pits. It's only microns thick.
> > I used valve grinding paste from an auto repair shop. I held the cup in the
> > lathe chuck smeared it with the paste and stuck a load of balls to it. Then
> > the race was offered up on the running centre. A slow speed ,about 180rpm and
> > moderate pressure was used. I kept undoing it all and cleaning out the black
> > goo to check on progress. I also ran the lathe backwards and forwards. I guess
> > on 5 -6 applications of paste before it looked uniform. I wont say smooth
> > 'cause it wasn't. It looked dull grey but with no pits.
> > Re Lawrence's enquiry about grey/black patches. If no rust is visible and
> > it feels smooth then I would'nt worry too much. Mark Stevens. London