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Restoration questions
I have a 1940's Massey which a few of you helped to identify the year. I finally have time and a workshop to start the restoration but just looking for some input from those of you have restored bikes already.
The bike is solid but is quitey rusty everywhere. I don't intend on painting the frame or re-chroming anything The rims are really rusty so I'm not sure if I can clean them up enough. I'm just curious what your process is.
Do you generally strip everything down including wheels/spokes and rebuild 100% or do you prefer more of a cosmetic restoration where you're just cleaning up what people can see (unless of course something is seized).
Do you try to keep all the original hardware no matter how rusty and put the time into cleaning it all up or do you swap out with better condition or new hardware when possible?
I realize most restorations will vary and each might it's own unique challenges and method so I'm just looking on some general insight on your procedure to get started.
thanks in advance
I checked your photos in your other post about this bike. For a bike like this I think most owners would choose conservation or light restoration as the approach to take. The only time I would repaint a frame and/or fenders is when a previous owner has already applied paint or there is so much rust that the original paint is almost gone. It's a shame to paint an original bike because then you lose all the traces of the pinstriping applied by hand at the factory and any decals still visible. Everyone has their own approach and in the end it's your bike and you can do as you like.
Rusty chrome can often be resurrected using a chrome cleaner product. Another member introduced me to some green goo from Canadian Tire and it works miracles.
To make the bike really rideable, both hubs and the crank bracket should be removed, cleaned with a degreasing product, greased and reassembled. I like to use automotive brake cleaner that cleans then evaporates but others may know a better product. Don't forget to lube the chain.
To me, a light restoration could mean any combination of the following in addition to cleaning chrome and greasing bearings: 1) swapping the rims for an original pair in better shape, or put masking tape on the spokes and spray painting in a colour to match the frame; 2) The same thing with the fenders, if they're too far gone you can swap them for an orginal pair or spray paint them white, which is easier than trying to match the original colour of the frame); 3) If the saddle is just a steel plate then paint the springs black and recover in new fabric. I soaked saddle springs in white vinegar to remove rust very effectively; 4) Acquire a used pair of vintage hand grips if yours are pooched, or buy one of the new reproduction pairs advertised on this site. 5) If a pedal is broken or missing, you can find pedals at one of the events advertised on this site, or there are many availablle on Ebay.
You asked about removing spokes from wheels. I've never done that, but there are other more expert members on this site who have. I will have to take the plunge soon as I have some wooden rims I want to put into service. I have to figure out the best way to buy spokes of the correct length. Rusty spokes can be spruced up with some steel wool or even some metal cleaner. Best of luck!
In my opinion, a complete overhaul of all the bearings and inspection of the chain, sprockets, rubber products and any cables is the absolute minimum on a 2nd hand bicycle, regardless of the age. You don't know the previous owner's maintenance habits and won't know until you open things up. Everything could be turning freely but running dry. Conversely, things could still be turning freely but be very contaminated. Either will cause excessive and quick wear.
Taking absolutely everything apart is advisable and becomes more important, the older the bicycle is. If things aren't seized yet, they soon could be if you do nothing, so complete dissassembly becomes a preventative measure for future issues. In the case of CCM manufactured bicycles, everything is at least 32 years old, so I'd be disassembling as much as possible. Even if you don't have the skills, confidence or tools to do something, you might as well start now, because you'll be doing it eventually if plan on collecting C&V bicycles.
As for spokes, I'll apply penetrating oil to every nipple and make sure the nipple turns on the spoke. You don't have to completely remove the nipple. Just loosen it a half turn and retighten it a half turn. That way you make sure everything is in proper order and don't disturb the true of the wheel by very much.
As for how much restoration you want to do, that is a personal decision. Some peole love patina and keeping everything orignal, so further degradation is the only issue. Others like every new and shiny looking. Some even like putting modern parts on a C&V frame, to optimize the performance and/or cater to personal preferences.
Brian, there are various spoke length clalculators available on the internet. You'll need to take about five measurements from your chosen hubs and rims, and determine the spoking pattern. Most sites have good explanations on how to make the required measurements. It then becomes a simple process of plugging the measurements into the calculator and having it spit out the required spoke length.
http://www.bikeschool.com/tools/spoke-length-calculator
Thanks for the suggestions (and sorry for the super late reply). I want to keep it as original as possible so was mainly curious if most people go to the trouble of swapping out bolts and spokes with less corroded ones. I keep telling myself that next week is the week I'll start working on it but it never seems to happen that way. Hopefully I can start soon though. I finally have a place I can work in it indoors. thanks again!