ohjonnybegoode

I was able to take advantage of some mild weather today, and finally clean the Puch I bought several weeks ago. I was happy to see after scrubbing off 20-30 years of basement grime and grunge, a beautiful bike is emerging. I don't think the bike was ridden very much by the orginal owner, it still sports the orginal tires, cloth bar tape is in great shape, as are all of the components. The only real flaws on the bike are the dry rotted Campy brake hoods, and several small rust spots around the frame.

Living in a damp basement didn't do this bike any favors, the rust spots seem to be on the surface, and while none of them are bad, I don't want them to get any worse (see photos). It also probably hasn't helped that the bike lived near the Jersey Shore.

Is there a way to treat this kind of rust? Is it something I should just keep an eye on and not treat for now?

Any insight would be appreciated...thanks!

javal

I dunno if my translation is correct, but in a direct translation from swedish it would be steel wool. Steel wool is surprisingly good! Sandpaper can also do the trick. And of course, theres a lot of chemistry around to help you rubber the rust away. Use primer before you paint.

wrk101

Do a search on rust, you will find lots of threads on it. Small spot treatment can be done with a rust converter. Walmart sells it in the auto section. You will find it with the touch up paint. Will cost you about $6. Steel wool will mess up chrome and paint.

javal

Steel wool wont mess anything up if its fine-made. On the contrary, its recommended to function on more sensitive things than steel bikes. I´m not talking steel brush here...

rugerben

Very true. I use steel wool and oil to remove rust from gun parts when restoring firearms. It does a fine job. I just dip some very fine (Usually 000) steel wool in a little motor oil and lightly rub the surface.

Panthers007

If you can, please post a list of the components some time. I'd love to verify it's pedigree. That's a beauty!

ohjonnybegoode

Sure...any info you can provide on it would be appreciated...as I have found next to nothing....

Serial number - underneath the BB - is 5600610...above that is stamped L2 82

Ideale Speciale Competition 90 saddle.

Mainly Campagnolo Gran Sport components:

Campagnolo seat post

Campagnolo front and rear hubs

Campagnolo Gran Sport front and rear brakes (also has the original Campagnolo brake pads)

Campagnolo Gran Sport pedals

Campagnolo shifter levers

Campagnolo Gran Sport crank

Campagnolo Gran Sport derailuers

Campagnolo headset

Campagnolo SR brake levers (thank you cudak888) and dry rotted Campy hoods

Riigida alloy 700c front and rear rims

Sakae World Champion handlebars

I think the rear drop is Shimano, although it's difficult to read. No markings on the front.

Frame is lugged, and frame and forks are Reynolds 531

kpug505

For little spots of rust in chips & scratches in paint I would use a spot sanding pen like this:


You can then follow that with a rust converter like this:


Instead of spraying it on the spots I would suggest spraying it into a container and brushing a very light coat on the spot with a fine brush. After it dries hit it with the pen thingy I mentioned before very lightly and than touch it up with some model paint. Works like a charm and should provide lasting protection. I've even been able to color sand and buff repairs like this that were virtually impossible to see if the color match was good....Follow your repairs with a nice coat of wax.

Nice bike!

infinityeye

That bike is trashed. I will be by to take it to the junkyard for ya!

I am the proud owner of 3 puch/ADs at the moment and have have 6 or so others pass through my bicycle digestion. They are my favorites. That looks like a nice mid leaning towards upper level ride you got there. If you ever want to flip it...

ohjonnybegoode

Thank you, kpug, for the info...sounds like a plan to me...!

Panthers007

5600610 places it as early-mid 1970's. Reynolds 531 frame & fork is a top-of-the-line offering. Not THE top, but a few steps down. But VERY nice! Somewhere around a Force XII or better - though earlier. I don't have current access to the Puch's from this era by model. But I'll keep my eyes open wide. You have a top-flight machine there. I'll be interested to hear how it handles.

ohjonnybegoode

Thanks for the info...I am curious as to what the model name of the bike might be...the rest of the emblems of the bike are in great shape (save for the left hand side Reynolds on the fork), so I don't know if it ever had one on the bike. I have yet to give it a road test, as I just haven't had the time, and I don't really want to do much more except go around the block until the bike is regreased and tuned up.

Thanks again!