Cleaning up old handlebars
 

I have a classic Cinelli handlebar, probably dating back to the 60's which I'd like to sell. Can anyone recommend a method for removing all the sticky gunk that has built up from years of handlebar tape?

Thanks

John

Acetone works well.

Even better - mineral oil. Cheaper and doesn't leave an oily residue.

#0000 steel wool and WD40 are what works for me.

Doesn't steel wool scratch aluminum bars?

...acetone and one of those green scrubby pads from 3M. Wear gloves, it's absorbed through the skin. Do it outside, you don't want to breathe the fumes.

I haven't had problems with 0000. Besides, for me, the bar tape covers everything.

I've found wood alcohol effective.

Thanks, all. I've ordered some acetone of eBay.

Goo Gone or Goof Off work great. Wear gloves.

I always use rubbing alcohol, it takes some elbow grease but it works and is cheap. I also use it for normal degreasing as the odor dissipates quickly and I figure its the least toxic, readily available product.

I am an acetone guy myself , although the fumes and such are VERY unhealthy! I have also used denatured alcohol it just takes a little more time and energy. I don't like using anything abrasive as a lot of handle bars have an anodized finish with a satin texture. I just did a set of 3ttt bars that were once wrapped with sticky cloth tape and left outside for a long time. The glue had turned to a resin and was not coming off with the alcohol , acetone and about 45 minutes and they looked great. Joe

olive oil and baking soda. a little elbow grease but comes out a treat and no harmful fumes or skin contact. Although if the glue has actually hardened you might need to work harder on it or go for a very mild abrasive like a light auto polisher paste

Naptha and a rag.

...you can get some pretty good reusable vinyl gloves in large and extra large with high cuffs for about 5 bucks at Home Depot. But any latex or vinyl gloves will work.

Mek

Reliable Challenger.

Thanks, but given the cost of crossing the Atlantic to get to Home Depot I think I'll look closer to home. ;)

White spirit.

Heat. Either a very hot hair dryer or paint remover on the lowest setting, held safely away from the bar to avoid overheating and messing with the heat treatment.

This sounds brilliant.

...I can't believer there's a place on earth without Home Depot. :eek: Where do you buy plywood, for gosh sakes ?

I know, right? We have to struggle by somehow. Though funnily enough if you go to diy.com you get to the British company B & Q - they did well to get that URL..

This is a great treatment. Diesel oil is also working well in case glue residue is hardened too much.