Crusty
 

Getting parts ready for three Torpados, one gets Universal brakes and some sets of cheap repro hoods just arrived.

Dug some levers out of the parts bin to take their old hoods off, one looked like this:


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...15caf045d3.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a1365905be.jpg

Save everything, it's a rule...

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...023d79febe.jpg

^^^^Do you think the custom bath would bring it back? I am surprised it came off in on piece...or did it? :D
Best, Ben

yep....crusty is good word for that

just wrap it in some duct tape. it'll be fine :twitchy:

Strange how time and the environment can do that to a hood. Seen it many times and you did great getting it off in a single piece (makes it so much easier to throw away).

Crusty Universal hoods are one thing, but be careful with Universal brake levers and calipers - they are brittle alloy and can crack easily. These came off of a late sixties Torpado that I am restoring right now...
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3fb446c835.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7d6af78652.jpg

Anyway, I got a set of not-busted Universal levers, a not needed set of hoods (already had a set tucked away that I forgot about), and put it all together, ending up with this)...
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5a5146b4a5.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...cdf01786b2.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...81c77e24c5.jpg

see? duct tape is universal :D

drool.

where did you get the hoods? I have a Windsor Pro and an ItalVega that both came with Universal center pull brakes. I switched the calipers over to Campagnolo Record but left the levers because I like the feel and they polished up nicely. When I was at Eroica 4 or 5 years ago someone told me of the cracking issue and said to be careful. Mine are fine so far and given the age will probably last. I rarely ride with my hands leaning on them. I wrapped the base of the levers with the same cloth tape I used on the bars and it works, at least I can see if they are cracking!

A Kabuki12...

The hoods are reproductions and readily available on Ebay for around $25.00 a set. The small brake adjuster hoods are also available for another twenty five bucks. The small hoods can be had in tan or black - go with black if you can...
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5553405903.jpg

As for cracking, they lever bodies usually and firstly crack in the front, on each side of the lever. The broken brake barrels are in poor shape because the owner (probably) rested the Torpado upside down when working on it. Not a good ideal with the Universal design.