I used paint stripper for the paint
Then a 2 day bath in vinegar for the headset, frame, forks, handlebars and anything else I could salvage.
After talking to the LBS they recommended some steel wool and chain oil for the remaining spots of rust. I then spent lots of time in this forum researching what other people have done to their old bikes for inspiration. I chose my colours for the bike and went down to the hardware store to pick up etching primer and spray paint. The blue was darker than I wanted but the paint was on special so I couldn't help myself!
Etching primer went on
Then 2 coats of blue paint and 2 coats of clear coat. All waiting a day each between coats. This turned out ok for the bike - only issue was the overspray from the can landed on the floor so my dog and I put blue spray paint (from our feet) all through the house...my wife was very patient with this!
There was lots of beers in between stages admiring my handy work, (as this was my first time doing this) and whilst searching through ebay, Brown Jersey, Reid Cycles and other bike sources for new (affordable) parts. (I was on a budget)
I invited a mate over once all of the parts arrived and after I had purchased some more affordable items from the local bike store (to support them)
Main complications we had were:
*Brakes were new brakes and the older frames have smaller holes so we had to carefully drill into the frame (i had used my drill twice beforehand so this was a learning experience). I am aware this weakens the frame so I will watch these spots.
*Forks needed to be widened a little bit for the new wheels
*Fork "drop outs" (dont know what they are called!) needed to be filed so the new wheels fit in
Brakes and wrapping the handlebars was interesting! But it worked out well because of all the info on You Tube.
And then finally at the start of the evening it was all put together! So I relaxed with a beer and Eurosport cycling!
Final photos:
I thought I would post this to help anyone else who is new. Thank you to everyone who posts on this site because you were a huge help to a newbie like me.
