1955 Columbia 3 Star Deluxe

[MrColumbia]

Had CABE member TicTocRob drop off his latest find the other day for a tune up. It's going to stay rusty/crusty and I am getting it in good riding order. I'll post pictures as I go. New tires are also part of the plan. This bike is an excellent example of how the later 3 Stars were almost as deluxe as the earlier 5 Stars. The only downgrades from a 5 Star are the lack of the rear tail light, less deluxe reflector and cheaper pedals.

 

[jacob9795]

Lookin' forward to the pics.

Jake

 

[MrColumbia]

I started working on the 3 Star yesterday. I had to soak all hardware with PB Blaster for a day just to get most of it to budge.

I started with the fork. Step by step pictures for anyone who may care

 

[MrColumbia]

Fork gets removed

 

[MrColumbia]

Next the chain. It was pretty rusty and crusty.

After a couple of hours in the ultrasonic tank filled with an Oakite 31 solution. Oakite contains Phosphoric Acid, the same thing in most Cola drinks. It works wonders on rust.

 

[MrColumbia]

Next the crank assembly.

 

[MrColumbia]

The sprocket and crank are removed

All the bearings, cones and races look to be in very good condition. Next step is to clean and regrease. The chain is presently soaking in an oil bath.

 

[MrColumbia]

The final thing I accomplished last night was rear wheel removal.

 

[the tinker]

With the exception of the anniversary green ones we don't see many Columbia s this model in the Midwest. Nice bike!

 

[Evans200]

Neat looking 50's bike. Thanks for the pics. What's your grease of choice for the bearings?