Bicycle Mechanics - What tools do I need to take apart my Trek 520 in order to powder coat it?

What tools do I need to take apart my 1999 Trek 520 in order to powder coat it? I bought it a little while ago, and there is a little rust on it. I wouldn't care that much, but I'm moving to moist Seattle. I need to completely strip it to the frame. A list would be ideal.

Thank you,
-Jai

Better try here: http://parktool.com/repair/

Some tools are expensive and may not be used enough to justify buying--might be better to have a shop un-install and re-install certain parts.

+1 the majority of parts can be taken off with a multi-tool. I would recommend having the crank, bottom bracket, and headset cups removed at you LBS. The tools are not that expensive but how JiveTurkey stated their not worth buying if your only going to use them once.

Some tools are expensive and may not be used enough to justify buying--might be better to have a shop un-install and re-install certain parts.

I don't mind. I plan on building a couple of bike so I see it as an investment.

Not answering your question but I would like to add, I have a 520 that had seen better days also. I stripped it and took it to a Trek dealer. They shipped it to Trek and Trek painted it in their current 520 color scheme. It came back beautiful, just like new. I think what they did is throw it in the painting assembly line.

If I recall correctly, it was a bit under $200 including the shipping both ways. I did all the labor so there were no additional charges. A bit more than a powder coat would be but it might be worth it. It was a few years ago so I don't know what the current charges are but might be worth it to check.

Not answering your question but I would like to add, I have a 520 that had seen better days also. I stripped it and took it to a Trek dealer. They shipped it to Trek and Trek painted it in their current 520 color scheme. It came back beautiful, just like new. I think what they did is throw it in the painting assembly line.

If I recall correctly, it was a bit under $200 including the shipping both ways. I did all the labor so there were no additional charges. A bit more than a powder coat would be but it might be worth it. It was a few years ago so I don't know what the current charges are but might be worth it to check.

I've looked in to it, and it's not worth it. I called my local Trek Dealer and they said it was $300 with $150 shipping. Powder coating is only $75. Thank you though.

-Jai

You will need the tool(s) to remove the BB.

As far as the headset goes, you can carefully tap out the cups using a hammer and screwdrivers, or make a tool using a legnth of thick copper tube that you cut two slits into , at right angles to each other, about 3 inches up the legnth of the tube. Bend the tabs back and insert into the headtube from the uncut side. The tabs will spring out inside the headtube and you can then use a hammer to get the cups out.

If you really like the frame, you should have the headtube and BB faced and the BB threads chased. This involves very expensive tools that are not worth buying unless you have a bike shop. Go to your lbs.

I think it is penny-wise and pound foolish to take off or put on a headset using cobbled-up tools. Most LBS do either job for very cheap. I am all for doing work yourself, but this seems like the wrong application of that principle. If you are going to the trouble and expense of painting a frame, you do not want anything less that a perfect headset on the end result. I would guess that $15 will buy you this result.

jim