Classic & Vintage - Cleaning up this old Raleigh

I've started disassemblying this old Raleigh Tourist. I'd like to get some advice on a couple of things.

First, the original pedals. Ordinarily, I'd dunk these in a solution of Simple Green or some similar cleaner. But, these have steel ball bearings and a water based solution can't be good for that. I'd probably never be able to get all the water out before rusting starts. So, does anyone have a suggestion on cleaning these?

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5001/5379593872_fd993cdab2_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54549620@N03/5379593872/)


The second issue is the wheel. There is minor rust on the inside and around the nipples. I'd really like to dip this wheel in Oxalic acid solution to completely remove all the rust. This shouldn't be a problem, but afterwards, what would you recommend applying to the wheel to keep rust from coming back. It's not really possible to apply wax/polish around the nipples, as it will get into the holes and you can't remove it. Suggestions?

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5163/5378994001_71ca25afac_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54549620@N03/5378994001/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5289/5378995777_89cea9797f_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54549620@N03/5378995777/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5126/5379595808_f7473b3ff9_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54549620@N03/5379595808/)

Don't the pedals come apart or are they riveted?

Future Floor Wax sprayed on with an airbrush shouldn't hurt the spoke nipples

Don't the pedals come apart or are they riveted?

Future Floor Wax sprayed on with an airbrush shouldn't hurt the spoke nipples

The blocks are riveted. There is a cap on the end of the spindle, but it looks very hard to get off (I'm not sure if will even come off). I think I'd damage it trying to get it off. Maybe someone here will know about that.

what year is the Raleigh ?

It's a 1974 Tourist.

I clean those pedals with a wire brush or bronze wool. Then I set them up, spindle facing up and poor a little chain oil into them, any heavy lube that flows will do. Spin the spindle a little tomorrow and then do it again. Do it again in a year if you still own the bike.

I clean those pedals with a wire brush or bronze wool. Then I set them up, spindle facing up and poor a little chain oil into them, any heavy lube that flows will do. Spin the spindle a little tomorrow and then do it again. Do it again in a year if you still own the bike.

Thank you! That sounds like a very workable plan. The pedals turn okay already, but they do need lubricating. The brass wool and/or brass wire brush should do the job and not damage the bearings like immersing would do. This is a bike I plan to keep for a long time.

If your gonna have it a while, you can keep an eye out for some earlier pedals that are nutted. you can take them apart and put grease in the bearings. Till then, these should do just fine.