Started to clean


No markings on drop outs


HATTASWAN on bottom of head set



My Ochsner is almost stripped down to the frame. I am going to the LBS tomorrow to get the bottom bracket removed, and the bottom part of the headset remove, and the crown race removed from the fork. I am not going to purchase those tools for what would most likely be a one time use. I will probably go to a cartridge type bottom bracket, but I am not sure about the head set and crown race options. I am pretty sure I want to keep the original fork.The head set bearings had been replaced a couple of years ago, but the fork was locking up in the straight ahead position. It was easy to turn from there but I know it should not be sticking in that position. I started to clean the frame and fork in prep for stripping the paint from them. I could use some input on a proper stripping agent. Is there a way to pull the drop outs or do they remain in the stays during the process? There are no markings of any kind on the drop outs. The bottom part of the headset has "HATTASWAN" on it. I also got good pictures of the decals to maybe have reproduced, per a suggestion from a BF member.

You will get more response in the classic & vintage forum. The members there can answer your questions. You can ask the mod to move your thread to the C&V forum.

Thanks, I should have realized that.

Hatta is a headset manufacturer, no relation to the bike but that someone put it in. Most likely the headset's bearing surfaces are now indented/brinilled so any ball will seek the low points.

Aircraft Stripper is what you will see references on many threads about paint removal. StrepEze is a common brand but it isn't too effective on some paints. Running some rough emery cloth to break down the shinny surface will speed up any chemical stripper you do use. Leave the drop outs alone, DON"T remove them. The stripper shouldn't effect the chrome. Andy

Andy, thanks for the info, much appreciated!

I'd guess the paint on your frame is nothing more exotic than acrylic enamel. Any decent stripper should work. Get some coarse steel wool, a cheap paint brush to apply the stripper, rubber gloves, a big piece of cardboard to cover the floor and have at it.

Assuming it's not damaged, keep the original fork.

Thanks for the reply. The paint has already started to come while I was cleaning the frame with Goo Gone and them a blue scrubber with soapy water. I think it is going to be fairly easy to get the frame down to raw steel. I have what I need except for the stripping product. I am definitely using the original fork. My next big decision is going to be the color/colors.

If you don't like the blue, I recall Ochsners painted Ferarri red. Here is one:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ochsner-NEW...frcectupt=true

[QUOTE=oliver1850;20793737]If you don't like the blue, I recall Ochsners painted Ferarri red. Here is one:

Thanks for the reply. I actually had seen that on Ebay and then forgot about it. I have been thinking about a bright red. I really like that one. That frame is obviously a higher quality than mine. The lugs and dropouts clearly nicer. This Swiss flag is high on the seat tube. On mine it is low, just above the bottom bracket. I do not know what tubing my frame is built from. It has no decals regarding them. If I remember correctly, there was a SL and a SLX model. I should research this. This evening I have been working on cleaning both derailleurs and the brake calipers. I look forward to when mine is completely finished. This is a first for me.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/132872253351

Here is another Ochsner from the museum. New Italian Dedacciaci U2 Aluminum Frame set Deda Carbon 1-1/8 fork 53cm Ochsner. I did not know they had made aluminum frames.

The red frames were Columbus SL tubing. I have a red one and there are no splines in it anywhere. Sold a few of them through the shop as well and did not see an SLX frame in their catalogs.

Do you have any idea what tubing my frame was built from. Just curiosity. Thanks for the info. I have never seen another Ochsner in reality, pictures only.

Highly probable made with Columbus Aelle tubing. Accordingly the blue frames used it and the red frames likely were Columbus SL.

(Theres also variants of Aelle tubing such as R denoting dbl butted and another as Tre Tubi which was a blended tubeset of other Columbus tubing. )

Original decals are available. These are enjoyable bikes and less often seen. Intesting history that's worthy to read up on, especially of Othon I and his son.

Do you have any info on acquiring the decals. I have been searching the web but have not found any. I went to the Ochsner USA website and there is not mention of decals available. I took pictures of all the decals on my bike just in case a source needed them. Thanks much.

Velocals offers them. They offer options as well. Colors, various thickness vinyl or water slide.

Previous employees have carried on portions of Ochsner after Othon II passed away. Good chance they have decals.

Thanks for the info. You may be the member that gave me this before. I must have been trying something wrong in the name on my search. I got to their web-site and they did have the set of Ochsner decals available. Ordered and should be on the way soon. By the way, I like your user name. Thanks much

Cool project, I'm going to have to look for one of these, as my last name is Ochs.