1955 Columbia 3 Star Deluxe

[MrColumbia]

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

I use synthetic.

 

[MrColumbia]

I made a just little progress on the bike this weekend and removed the tires. I believe they are the originals. Time was not kind to them.

 

[MrColumbia]

About a patch per inch by my estimation. Typical for the time.

 

[MrColumbia]

I think these tires were actually dissolving.

 

[MrColumbia]

I got a lot done on the 3 Star. Pretty much everything but the rear ND hub has been taken apart, cleaned and re-greased. The bike got a very gentle cleaning to remove some of the dirt and spiders who love the underside of fenders and inside of tanks. The rear hub I am saving for last.

First of all, how the hell do I even work in such a pig sty?

The Corona helps.

The frame ready for re-assembly

The crank/sprocket next

 

[MrColumbia]

Now the front end

Next the fenders

Now the luggage rack, tank and chain guard

 

[MrColumbia]

I got to work on the rear ND hub last night. I find it helpful to take pictures of the parts laid out in order of disassembly to facilitate their reassembly in the proper order.

 

[MrColumbia]

The rear hub reassembly is done. here is all the ND parts after degreasing.

Next the clutch disc stack. The discs should collectively measure 3/4".

 

[MrColumbia]

 

[MrColumbia]