Guidelines for Preserving Vintage Bicycles: Finding the Balance in Restoration

[SKPC]

I own a National Historic Register "Landmark Historic Home" built in 1884. It is an intact, un-messed-with(not stripped, gutted, re-footed or heavily modified) historically significant structure that has so far survived for over 135 years through heavy snow loads and firestorms, including the 35 plus years I have inhabited it, the longest single owner to date. I have always been aware of what I purchased in 1988 and through the years I carefully "restored" it. This can be ambiguous and misunderstood even with clear and strict protective guidelines that force compliance & preservation. I was required to go through a detailed application processes subject to constant review in order to do anything to it because of it being listed as a Landmark Structure in the National archives. Not so with bicycles. I would imagine there are far more machines that are lost to ignorance than those saved through identification then receiving "correct" preservation (key here) as no laws exist that defines specifically what is needed to preserve and protect them. Fortunately, there is information and resources out there such as here on The Cabe that helps to ensure any that still do survive will be treated properly. Few remain. And yes, we are only temporary stewards, a footnote during a specific period of time. Anything saved is a positive thing as time rolls on. A worthy thread.

 

[rockabillyjay]

Good topic and one that has no right answer. After being in the hobby for a long time I really feel that less is more as far as cleaning/restoration goes.

I’ll use my original Big Adventure Bike as an example. Since this bike is so significant I wanted to be very careful. Under the tank the paint is a glossy vibrant red. Everywhere else it’s a chalky faded orange ish red. Given the significance of the bike I wanted to do as little as possible. I could easily compound the paint and shine it up, but I didn’t think that’s appropriate. I attached the rack properly, replaced the rotted tires with the correct lightning darts, and added the light/sign/siren being very careful to not damage anything or do anything irreversible. The only real cleaning I did was on the tank. At some point the Schwinn decals were covered with tape, and I cleaned the glue residue off. The hubs and BB are still greasy..and it’s still dusty from hanging in a prop house for 38 years

Before/After

 

[vincev]

too many bikes are ruined by people who think putting new parts and spray bombing is a "restoration" I hate reading ads about restored bikes for sale.
"

 

[slowride]

Thank you for starting this thread. I would argue we don’t need to come up with historic preservation guidelines as they’ve already been created for us by museum conservators. https://www.thehenryford.org/collections-and-research/digital-resources/caring-for-artifacts/
For bicycles, the “motorized vehicles” publication is useful. If you want more reading, there’s lots more out there https://www.canada.ca/en/conservati...ervation/guidelines-collections/vehicles.html

 

[Miq]

This part reminds me of all the BLO treated bikes:

 

[49autocycledeluxe]

I like to just improve what's there. Evapodipped the chrome. new tubes. new old tires. redid the bearings and brakes. rides just like a shiney one.

it looks like the paint would come out pretty good with an oxy bath but imma leave it.

I would never restore a bike like this.

 

[lgrinnings]

My dad was a Wheelmen member starting in the late eighties. The trend at that time was to strip down bicycles and do “museum-quality” restorations with flawless paint and show nickel. My dad restored a handful of bicycles that weren’t even close to requiring it by today’s standards. Some of those bikes were historically significant, with one being a TOC 26” Stearns trick bicycle which was factory-built but must have been a special order as I’ve never seen it referenced in any catalog. I remember what that bike looked like when we found it and it would be the centerpiece of my entire collection if I found it today in that same condition.

Luckily, sentiment has changed. My personal restorations have a tendency to be big-time redemption projects. I see these rusted out husks and imagine them in their heyday. I’m a foolish romantic when it comes to this stuff. I want to give these poor old machines new life. The challenge has a tendency to be greater and so is the reward/sense of accomplishment.

I posted just yesterday about finishing up my latest project which is an early teens J.W. Grady New England. Pictures below of it now and one that shows how it appeared when I started. No risk of needlessly erasing history here…

 

[billyjones]

LOVED
'Old bikes are like homeless people..'

 

[oldfart36]

Still the same answer as always. Soap, Water, then an application of quality Gun Oil!!

When Found:

After attention to details and treatment mentioned above!

 

[billyjones]

hell yes!!!!!!!!!!!!