Hello fellow enthusiasts. My name is Edward, Eddie and Ed and I've come hear for comradery and to learn. Mom always said, don't be the smartest person in the room and those words have lead me down a path of humility and a constant need to learn. I enjoyed BMX circa 1982-1990 and I still have an MXIII needing restoration or a new loving home.
The root of this new growth ring for me and the most relevant reason I am here is a found on the sparkling chrome frames of a pair of 1960's Sears Starliner's. The ladies version being in good shape (with a faux springer fork) and coming along nicely with only minimal pitting the frame will likely remain 95% chrome. The men's version (with a real springer fork) has a bit more rust and is up next. My wifes came from Maine in a few pieces, I purchased mine locally a few years ago.
I spent a week determining which way the caged bearings should go back together on the crank and as of yesterday, flipping them again (bearings in toward the cup), I finally got to appreciate the journey via You Tube and trying various approaches in the garage to get the movement as smooth as silk. Man, I had flashbacks of taking apart my Huffy to paint it (as a pre-teen) and not being able to get it back together without the crank not turning or falling apart as I rode it to 7-11 for a slurpy. Thankful for the Uncles in my life that were mechanically inclined and superhero's. It wasn't until last week that all the pieces fell into place with the realization that the threaded single piece crank uses fine threads for a reason and large head bolts don't need large manly upper arm strength to be set. A valid argument, here, for shorter and more specialized wrenches may ensue. When I started looking at this assembly as a watch the delicate mechanical balance, the task of reassembling the crank, 16 to 24 liquid ounces at a time, was euphoric.
I've taken parts from the men's version, the front rim was in better shape and the handlebars may be next donor item as are the chainguards up for reclamation (on her bike because she wears white) The plan is to Rat the men's bike and less chrome would be key unless I break down and go that route. (I really think building it to be something else is what it wants.
So, in closing, a few bullet points:
The Flying Merlino Brother
The root of this new growth ring for me and the most relevant reason I am here is a found on the sparkling chrome frames of a pair of 1960's Sears Starliner's. The ladies version being in good shape (with a faux springer fork) and coming along nicely with only minimal pitting the frame will likely remain 95% chrome. The men's version (with a real springer fork) has a bit more rust and is up next. My wifes came from Maine in a few pieces, I purchased mine locally a few years ago.
I spent a week determining which way the caged bearings should go back together on the crank and as of yesterday, flipping them again (bearings in toward the cup), I finally got to appreciate the journey via You Tube and trying various approaches in the garage to get the movement as smooth as silk. Man, I had flashbacks of taking apart my Huffy to paint it (as a pre-teen) and not being able to get it back together without the crank not turning or falling apart as I rode it to 7-11 for a slurpy. Thankful for the Uncles in my life that were mechanically inclined and superhero's. It wasn't until last week that all the pieces fell into place with the realization that the threaded single piece crank uses fine threads for a reason and large head bolts don't need large manly upper arm strength to be set. A valid argument, here, for shorter and more specialized wrenches may ensue. When I started looking at this assembly as a watch the delicate mechanical balance, the task of reassembling the crank, 16 to 24 liquid ounces at a time, was euphoric.
I've taken parts from the men's version, the front rim was in better shape and the handlebars may be next donor item as are the chainguards up for reclamation (on her bike because she wears white) The plan is to Rat the men's bike and less chrome would be key unless I break down and go that route. (I really think building it to be something else is what it wants.
So, in closing, a few bullet points:
- Polishing Chrome is about the journey and nothing else. It will teach the person this, just like wax on wax off. Steel Wool, Navel Jelly, Fitz and Mothers polish are my go to's. Chemical Guys in two viscosities a will be added to the finishing shelf tonight.
- What are some ideas where the chrome was pitted and steel is exposed? Patch painting? Stickers? Custom Vinyl or water slide decals? Keep it polished and waxed?
- A bicycle stand and a stool were the best money spent and I am curios how much better evenings would be with a better stand.
- Park Tools videos are simply the best and I've been supplementing the tool box when I can.
- I am looking forward to lacing wheels in the future and I'm a bit anxious about the whole thing.
- Also looking for help on a new neck and handlebars for the mens frame. The neck on the ladies bike is solid, the neck on the men's bike is rolled sheet steel and plated.
The Flying Merlino Brother
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