1960s/70s Mercier help!
 

Unfortunately I'm not permitted to upload any photos of my bike as I've just made this account so I will try my best to describe it until l'm able to post:


This mercier has been sat in our barn for a while and I would really love to get it back to a rideable standard. I'm not looking to 100% restore it within the period as I'm really not that well versed in vintage french bike restoration, or any for that matter! (I'm also having an incredibly hard time identifying it because there are two misleading decals on it, a 'special tour de france' which dates to around the mid 70s and a 'grand prix des nations' decal which dates back to 1963) I'm very new to the 'restoration' of vintage/classic bikes (I assume this classifies as one) and I would be greatful for any pointers on how to move forward, or maybe there's someone who has had experience with old french bikes like merciers and peugots that can point me in the right way!

In terms of the other bike parts, they're all definitely in salvagable condition. The 'Belleri BF' handlebars have cleaned up extremely well and are ready to be wrapped, the brake levers are still in good condition and both 'CLB' brake calipers could do with a small amount of de-rusting and a replacement of the breakpads. The rest of the parts are a lot more rusty, there's potential for them to look as good as new but the rust is rather stubborn apart from the Huret Svelto derailleur which looks close to facotry new after having removed the grease and dirt.

I know all that surface rust on the frame is going nowhere unless I completely strip the paint but I like the idea of keeping that look and just de-rusting and cleaning up the other parts on it in sort of a 'rat rod' style ( I would say it's around 70% rust and 30% orignal paint which is a very lime metallic green that shows through rather well). What's the best way to go about de rusting the other bike parts, I've heard for more stubborn rust that chemical cleaners like evaporust are very effective. Is that the way to go or would I be able to get away with a simple coke and vinegar solution soak? And in terms of the frame as I want to keep the old, worn look what would be the best sealer to stop it from getting anymore formidable in the future? I'm also unsure as to what specific tools would be necessary for taking the bike apart so any help on that front would be massively appreciated!

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thanks for posting this cycle

Mercier did models for differing markets

since you are in the UK the machine is likely a european or a UK model
most readers of this forum have more familiarity with the company's products done for the North American market

from your text information my wild guess it that it may date from the late 1960's

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photos -

on your member page here at the forum there is a place where you can create a "member photo album"
there is no minimum post requirement in order to do this

members can visit the album and add the images there into the discussion thread

look forward to seeing your bike ;)


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Thanks very much for letting me know that, I've just created an album for it so that should make things easier!

I didn't even realise they operated outside of France so that's very interesting to hear :)

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picture assist -


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...245b2bba1.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...30ebb52b0.jpeghttps://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...bccaf7805.jpeg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1f2f6132d.jpeg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d1d72e526.jpeg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ac3f7a25c.jpeg

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definintely pre 1970's; appears we are in the mid-1960's here

do not recall seeing this chainwheel pattern previously

pedals are Lyotard model 36

the Huret Svelto rear mech is a helpful dating aid

bottom bracket assembly appears to be REWAX MD

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frame -

lug pattern is BOCAMA 51/I

dynamo mount is NERVEX Nr. 898 AR

frame tubing will be the manufacturer's house brand hi-tensile which is termed LUXTUB


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...453307117e.jpg







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putting the cycle into roadworthy condition will take a good deal of work and expense, even ignoring the cosmetics

one thing to consider in your planning is the bicycle's frame size; it appears to be about 54cm/21" as measured centre-to-top - is this a reasonable size for you?

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other readers will be along shortly with more and better information


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Thanks for the help in identifying all the parts and narrowing down the time period, it makes everything a lot clearer!

I'm 6ft 1 which usually means an xl frame or 56cm + but I have sat on it to see how it feels and it seems to fit me well. I'll defo give a mesure tomorrow morning to confirm it's size. In terms of the expense, what's the general sum I would need to put into this to make it roadworthy? I appreciate it's difficult to do just through pictures so no worries if you're not able to!

Thanks again for the great info and help I really appreciate it!

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6' 1" sounds waaay tall for a 54cm/21" frame bicycle; this size would normally be for someone around 5' 7" - 5' 8"

i am 5' 9 3/8" and 56cm is my size

would guess your size to be in the range of 61-62cm for a road application

you asked about rust removal -

for frame your best procedure would be to immerse in an oxalic acid bath; this takes away all of the rust without harming paint or transfers; you may be surprised at how much of the paint colour will reappear. it is available in bulk as a white powder one mixes with water. lots of information regarding its use is available here on the forum.

no guesses as to parts costs to put the cycle roadworthy. there is the obvious material such as saddle, cables, cable casing, brake pads, handlebar wrap, tyres, tubes, bearings, possible chain and gear block...then there are items which may be a surprise such as the wheels...

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