Most CR members believe firmly in the value of keeping frames well waxed. I use a premium automotive paste wax, usually Mother's. Spray waxes or Lemon Pledge don't coat as well, but may sometimes be used over delicate decals, etc, where you don't want to rub hard.
It won't help this time, but I now touch up almost exclusively with nail polish. It of course comes in every conceivable shade of red, and, thanks no doubt to teenage girls, in a surprising number of unexpected colors as well. Another benefit is that it dries fast and hard, and, when applying paste wax per above, won't rub off like enamel touchup can. Finally, nail polish comes off readily with Acetone, AKA nail polish remover, with little or no damage to the original paint, so if you don't get it right, you can do it again.
Simple Green can be dangerous, as it will corrode/stain alloy parts if you leave them in too long. For a while I used a lot of Citrus degreaser, but if you leave parts in it too long, it will deposit a gum that will usually require petroleum solvents to remove. So lately I've gone back to just ordinary petroleum solvents, Laquer Thinner being one of the most effective. Petroleum solvents are usually fine on steel or alloy, but of course you want the keep them away from rubber or painted parts.
Nothing mysterious about SL pedals, serviced pretty much like any part with loose ball bearings. Personally, when overhauling parts like pedals, I throw away the old bearings, replace with highest quality bearings, grease with Phil Wood or Park grease and reassemble. A useful tool to have is a metal ruler with bearing holes which allows you to measure the old bearings to assure that you use the right size replacements. Should be lots of manuals out there with exploded views of Campy SL pedals (which have pretty much the same parts as any other high quality traditional pedal) and basic instructions for servicing.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, Texas, USA
Bruce Audino <uomodiolmo@gmail.com> wrote: Hi CR folks, Just wanted to introduce myself to the group. ...
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---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Bruce Audino Date: Thu, 7 Aug 2008 12:40:42 -0400 Subject: New Member Intro and some restoration Q's To: classicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org
Hi CR folks,
Just wanted to introduce myself to the group. My name is Bruce and I live in NYC and also in CT. I am pretty new to the vintage bicycle scene and probably one of the younger members of this group, so I will apologize in advance if I ask any stupid questions along the way. I currently have an '83 Olmo Professionista and just picked up a '78 blue De Rosa Professional that my lovely lady bought me as a gift for our engagement. Not a bad trade for a ring I must say. In any event, I had a couple of resto questions I thought I may throw out to the group if that's ok.
1. Is it recommended to use any type of wax/protectant/etc on the frame and chrome?
2. How would you go about removing touch up paint without damaging the original paint. (There's a hairline scratch that has more touch up than needed on it and I would like to re-do it).
3. For cleaning grimy old parts (calipers, cranks, rings, etc) I I usually use simple green then wash with clean water, dry, and re lubricate/grease. Is this the best method? Simichrome on chrome, nothing on anondized parts. How about cleaning the freewheel?
4. I have Campy SL road pedals that rotate pretty poorly and probably need to be serviced. Since I have not done this before, any resources that I may look into to learn how to do it properly?
Also, seperately:
The De Rosa has Fiamme tubulars. I was wondering if there is a period correct clincher that would be recommended? I plan on taking this bike on lengthy rides and clinchers are easier for dealing with flats.
Well that's about it. I hope I didn't over do it with questions or violate any CR rules. Let me know if so.
Thanks! Bruce
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