I am in so far over my head right now... Everything I take apart leads to something else being taken apart and cleaned or repaired. The whole bike is in pieces right now. It took my derailleurs off to be cleaned, but I couldn't get the cable out, so I cut it at the point where it frayed. It was 25 years old anyway, and I know you guys recommend changing them. The bottom bracket is totally stiff... I'm going to overhaul it in my class next week, but I got a sealed one to put in in case it's too far gone. I know you guys don't like the sealed ones, but the LBS guy said it was the way to go... you just ride it and then discard it. If it's a bad choice, I can deal with it later.

While I'm soaking the derailleur in vinegar (I used 100% vinegar...it's not mixed with water, right?) I'm getting ready to polish the chrome, but I remember reading about some part I'm supposed to be very careful of scrubbing too hard on because it will take away material.

I found some brake covers for the 600 EX set, but they cost a fortune. I have to wait for those before I can swap out the stem and bars.

I hope* I can put this thing back together. I have a feeling you guys all had some mechanical boyhood. My dad never even let us girls mow the lawn... I can take a computer apart and put it back together, but that's a whole different thing. It's just...intimidating to see it all in pieces like this.