From 5c0ae5e43eea08ef94be011143a6e9e6e41da9a4 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Lewis Dale Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2024 11:56:03 +0100 Subject: [PATCH] Forgot to mention the bottom bracket that wouldn't --- src/blog/posts/2024/8/the-raleigh-refurb.md | 6 +++++- 1 file changed, 5 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/src/blog/posts/2024/8/the-raleigh-refurb.md b/src/blog/posts/2024/8/the-raleigh-refurb.md index 0758893..457d553 100644 --- a/src/blog/posts/2024/8/the-raleigh-refurb.md +++ b/src/blog/posts/2024/8/the-raleigh-refurb.md @@ -22,12 +22,16 @@ I pulled the bike frame out of storage[^1], to check out the condition it had wo As well as all of that, it needed new brakes after the front set broke, the rear wheel needed some truing[^2], and the handlebar/stem combination was awful. It definitely needed a lot of work before it'd be rideable again. -## Cleaning and repainting +## Cleaning First things first, I stripped the whole frame down, removed the headset and all of the components, and started to work on clearing up the rust. This turned out to be _much_ easier than anticipated, thanks to a tip I'd seen online about using aluminium foil and WD-40. I don't know the exact process by which this works, but I'll not question the wizardry that makes it happen. After about an hour or so, most of the major rust was gone! Then I just applied some rust converter to the problem spots, and the frame interior for protection. ![The same bottom bracket shell, except the rust has been removed and the bare metal is visible](./src/images/raleigh-norust.jpeg) +What wasn't easy was removing the old bottom bracket. That thing was seized so tightly, I spent about 2 days soaking it in WD-40 and trying to loosen it with the largest wrench I could find. In the end, the only thing that worked was heating up the shell with a hairdryer, which must have let the shell expand _just enough_ to give me some wiggle room. + +## Repainting + For the paint, I went with the [spray.bike](https://spray.bike) paints. I got the [Metal Primer](https://spray.bike/collections/prep-finish/products/spray-bike-frame-builders-metal-primer-400ml) for the base, [Excelsior](https://spray.bike/collections/vintage-collection/products/excelsior-400ml) for the main colour, and then the [Satin/Gloss clear coat](https://spray.bike/collections/prep-finish/products/frame-builders-transparent-finish-400ml) to finish. My order came to about £45, including the safety glasses/mask/gloves set and postage & packaging. It was _super_ easy to use. I just hung my frame up on my workstand (I threaded an old brake cable through the head tube to hang it on), donned my safety gear, and sprayed away. I left it around 2 hours between each coat, and did 2 coats for each layer. The end result seemed pretty good! I messed up the finish on the top tube, but I'm not going to cry too much about it.