I'm back.....
I'll give you all the number one tip on how to get your beloved antique bike parts so clean without using solvents (bad for you hands, lugs, environment)...... Don't ride them. hahaha
Ok. The real way to get all the grime off without using solvents is simple. initially there will be a bit of an expense of the purchase of equipment but this lil' gem will pay for itself over the course of a lifetime of use. I have had one now for 15 years and it still works as if it was new.
Do i have your attention yet? (Drum roll please)
Its an ultra-sonic tank.
These machines clean parts thru sound, heat, soap and water. Just put your parts in the basket, turn the machine on and walk away. Come back in 20 minutes or less to see your parts on the road to looking like new. When they are clean enough to your liking, just remove them, rinse in warm water to remove any leftover soap, and dry. At this point your parts are ready for reassembly without having any solvent residue (Solvent residue will do wonders for breaking down the grease or lubricant prematurely that you use)
You can go to Ebay right now and see them for sale for as little as $170. Make sure that you buy a unit that has the interior dimensions of approx: 11"x9"x7" because this size will allow you to put a crankset in it. Secondly: Do NOT use Castrol Purple Magic Super Clean as a soap as this product WILL take the anodizing off
I will now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.
Cheers,
Peter
Peter Koskinen
Owner
PRKBIKES LLC
Chapel Hill, NC
h/o: 919.960.5871
http://www.prkbikes.com
prkbikes1@mac.com