Howard Gordon
Wore out three sets of tires already!
I bought this bike from the brother of the original owner. I did what I call a "presidential clean-up" on this project. It's usually about a three day process to preserve an original bike. The upside to preserve versus restore, is that it is accomplished for a fraction of the cost.
I take apart every piece of the bike. Hubs come apart, crank, fork, seat, the pedals, etc. get disassembled. I clean every thread, bolt and bearing. The painted parts get washed, rubbed -out with compound, then waxed.
What chrome that was on this bike, (lots of cadmium plating) was weak. For as nice as the paint remained, you would of thought the chrome would have held-up better. The rims were shot, but two good, used, chrome rims came with the bike. I went ahead and laced them up with new spokes, using the original rebuilt hubs. The fenders were atrocious. I removed the rust carefully, trying to preserve the little bit of chrome that was left. I then sealed them with two coats of clear lacquer.
The headlight and taillight were both missing. I bought the correct headlight at fall Memory Lane, and the taillight I robbed off of a clean girls Columbia that I have for sale. The key, St. Christopher Medal, and PA license tag came with the bike.
The vintage "Michigan Safety Tread" wide whites complete the look.
Still havin fun! Howard Gordon
I take apart every piece of the bike. Hubs come apart, crank, fork, seat, the pedals, etc. get disassembled. I clean every thread, bolt and bearing. The painted parts get washed, rubbed -out with compound, then waxed.
What chrome that was on this bike, (lots of cadmium plating) was weak. For as nice as the paint remained, you would of thought the chrome would have held-up better. The rims were shot, but two good, used, chrome rims came with the bike. I went ahead and laced them up with new spokes, using the original rebuilt hubs. The fenders were atrocious. I removed the rust carefully, trying to preserve the little bit of chrome that was left. I then sealed them with two coats of clear lacquer.
The headlight and taillight were both missing. I bought the correct headlight at fall Memory Lane, and the taillight I robbed off of a clean girls Columbia that I have for sale. The key, St. Christopher Medal, and PA license tag came with the bike.
The vintage "Michigan Safety Tread" wide whites complete the look.
Still havin fun! Howard Gordon
