SJX426 

So many of you likely saw the subject bike Randy offered on the for sale thread. Its mine now.
I am not ready to follow through with the title of this thread yet as I am in decision mode. In the mean time, I have two questions.

1, I tried using an 8mm binder bolt, but it won't fit. Slightly too big in diameter. For those who know Bianchi of this period, Did they use a proprietor binder bolt? I noticed the notch but don't know if it is original or "formed." I have a binder bolt that should match but it too is too big, 8mm. Yes I could ream it out but want to know first if there is an original option.
P1050694 on Flickr

2. There appears to be a number boss on the back side of the head tube. Is that what it is? It certainly is not a pump beg due to its location. Which models included a number mount? Is this an indication of a higher end bike?
PXL_20220713_110311849 on Flickr

WRT to the holes in the TT. I was hesitant to buy the frameset because of the holes but decided that finding a frame in my size in Celeste with chrome lugs (downfall) and integrated HS was too much to pass on. After consulting with the boys on the framebuilders forum, I will likely fill them with metal filled JB Weld. I am trying to find a solution for a backing so I don't fill the tube!

I also purchased touch up paint but it is too dark. I may add a bit of white to get it closer.

The other quandary is to determine if I will strip and repaint. I am really liking the Patina and may just mount the decals after cleaning it up.May have to stress them to match the rest of the bike.

The build will be with Campagnolo near period correct parts. I have wheels, '71 RD, a FD of the right model, record DT shifters, brakes and levers. All pre-CPSC also purchased the crank and pedals from Randy. Great prices.

merziac

That port may be for grease.

No way I would ream that hole, I would find a very well fitting stand in that will not compromise the ears until I could sort it out, we know what a PITA this cam be and I would not want to diminish this frame anymore in any way.

You should be able to carefully drive a plastic, maybe nylon plug in the cable holes a little way for a backstop.

Great score, very good on ya for coming to the rescue.

SJX426 

@merziac - That port is threaded.
Thanks for the encouragement!

I was thinking of a fine screen with floss to pull it into place and put the epoxy on it and then cut the floss off when dry. Of course, the edges of the hole should be clean for adhesion. Like patching dry wall.

This is somewhat of a mystery frame set. Bianchi didn't sponsor any TDF teams in 1971 that I could find. Here are some frame and fork features in pictures.
Note the "L" stamped into the crown. It is also on the BB shell. Indication they go together.
P1060046 on Flickr

P1060038 on Flickr

Shell goes right to the limit of the CS
P1060039 on Flickr

Long tangs on the fork
P1060036 on Flickr

no spiral in the steerer
P1060045 on Flickr

Campagnolo DO not Bianchi
P1060037 on Flickr

P1060041 on Flickr

P1060040 on Flickr

Can't tell what is going on with the dimple. Like it was pressed from the inside toward the BB shell.
P1060044 on Flickr

The other side of the seat cluster
P1050693 on Flickr

The ST takes a 27.2 post and the frame is completely chromed.

SJX426 

Threw some stuff on there just to get an idea of what it might look like. Wheels will have Record hubs instead of the Tipos. 54/46 chain rings!
PXL_20220724_114540082 on Flickr

Definitely will have sewups! Likely Nisi rims, or I may move these over to the Record hubs. I even have a chain from about the same time period.
P1000578 on Flickr

merziac

@SJX426

You're welcome. anytime.

If that hole is threaded it may be for a zerk or oldschool fliptop port.

I did a lot of hand wringing when Randy put this up, and a lot more as it stayed up, had it been any bigger.....

This is a fantastic get IMO, when do we ever see an old one like this for any sane $$$?

It may or may not be one of the most desirable ones by the book, who cares, again its fantastic no matter what and you would have to spend much more time and $$$$$ to do any better if at all.

We all know how "stupid" these can be.

I bought a way too small bottom of the line older one similar to this just because and it has some ok parts on it, maybe it will bring me a better bigger one.

SJX426 

Color mismatch. Out of focus but you get it.

smd4

Don't know why it would be for grease. Why would you want to fill your entire headtube with grease? If it's threaded, just screw in an appropriately-sized bolt.

Mr. 66

That hole is threaded for a very short screw. I have that on the '64 bianchi.

SJX426 

Ago15

....

SJX426 

Could you ask your question in another way? Sorry, I don't understand what you are asking me to do. All the markings in the frame are in the pictures provided. The 171 does not have a folllowing set of numbers with the exception of the 060 on the other side. The seat lug does not have space for that size stamping.
More pictures here.
1971 Bianchi Specialissima | Flickr

Ago15

....

merziac

Oldschool thinking, I've seen a few older frames with them, oil seems to be the likely choice, pretty sure some did get filled with grease.

Here's an old discussion.

What's the use for this bolt on the back of the headtube?

SJX426 

@merziac Thanks for that reference! The crown was brown with lubricant at the base of the race.

It is visible in one of Randys pictures.
Bianchi_Randy6 on Flickr

embankmentlb

Maybe get some enamel hobby paint and custom mix until it is close. Wonderful bike you have!

SJX426 

I may have a bead on the right mix. A BF'r is sending me what worked for him.

Thank you for the comment. It helps me towards getting over the holes!

I am going to look at sifting screen material. It may have small enough mesh to use as a backing. I believe it is SS so it would also be a structural component of using the epoxy.

cocoabeachcrab 

you can buy tubing cable guides on frame builders' websites to dress up those holes in the top tube and keep the internal cable routing. just JB weld them in place.

SJX426 

I will consider that approach. Easy way out. May do this if the other approach fails.

merziac

Not sure but I believe this could be the livery for this, even if not, I think it is one of the best they had.

Modern Squadra frame, PCed and dressed up that I got early on when I landed here.

Unfortunately still languishing way down in the queue.

SJX426 

@merziac - Looks right for my frame! I think Randy figured that one out. Cyclomondo set.
P1060050 on Flickr

Looks like I could go with Celeste, Red or blue for housing and bar tape.

merziac

DOH!

Didn't remember he did that, excellent!

SJX426 

An update is that I filled the holes in the TT. Filling top tube holes - Bike Forums
After a more thorough inspection of the frame and fork, I am leaning toward cleaning up the paint and assembling it to ride.
If I can find or follow through with the suggested paint touch up paint mix, I will likely do the major exposures and let the rest stay.
Application of the decals is still up in the air.

merziac

Fantastic work over there, well done. Such a challenge on one like this, "what to leave in, what to leave out" as the great Bob Seger sang.

Decals will be a tough call, "maybe" have some later early 80's version plain block lettering sign shop vinyl stick ons made cheap and see if it gets you to the older ones with out painting or gives you an alternative you can live with.

Might be able to age the older ones a bit too if somebody knows a trick.

SJX426 

Good Idea on alternative but decals tend to run about $50 or so regardless.

Aging process is also up for consideration. Any suggestions? Intense UV light? Weathering – Aging Decals – Trains4Africa

jdawginsc 

I would not repaint that. Great paint and patina—awesome combination.