A while back, I broke a DT cable guide of uncertain history. I have removed and reinstalled these on occasion without mishap but I’m curious: Does anyone clean, polish, touch up, and wax a rescued frame without removing them? I’m thinking of just loosening these things to work around and under them because I’m afraid of breaking them.

I’ve always removed and cleaned/waxed underneath, as the clamps themselves often require some attention. Removal really does make me wince though.

Follow-up question: when re-installing, do folks use any layers of frame protection under the bands? Some kind of film or tape? I’d like to, but would hate to create a moisture-trapping problem where there is none.

I hate removing them because of the way that the chrome can crack, the way they deform and the possibility of scratching the paint on the frame. I have resorted to using Q-tips and toothpicks to do the clean-up now.
Best, Ben
Classtime

Just encountering this-
the plan-
assuming cables at least loose
remove clamping bolt
blue tape or siliconized paper and tape farther down the tube- open the clamp a bit to be scratch free- clean tube
clean clamp- doing as it takes- keeping in mind to avoid damaging the frame clean and lube the bolt reassemble the clamp to frame - clean the clamp and lever parts
lube and reassemble.

always use tape to protect frame from install and removal- for removable work both sides of band to prevent cracking the chrome

grease/ dirt under clamp and on tube can be very tenacious. Check any cleaner to insure paint and or clear coat safe.

Early Colnagos have soft clear coat.
you have been advised

But it is scary none the less.

Timely thread. I removed the cable guide from the Cinelli just last night and I suspect it's the first time it's been off the bike. Just the tiniest mar under a lot of crud. Not bad for 52 years.

Most old frames never had them removed since they were first installed. Every time you remove them, you will be affecting their service lives as the metal will eventually start to fatigue, then crack......
So, if there's any way to clean/polish the bike frame without touching these fixtures, the better for the service life of these....