I recently found my dad's old road bike (that he used in college) in the back of the shed; it is a red 1982 (approximately) Raleigh Rapide. Overall, it is in pretty decent condition. However, the frame has some rust spots, the chain is pretty rusty, the rear derailleur is pretty rusty in grimy, etc. By the end of this summer, I want to get this bike up and running. Is there any recommended cleaners I should use to spiff up the parts (and touch up the frame) on this road bike.

I want this bike to become a long-term restoration project/hobby of mine. With that being said, down the road (when i'm not a poor college student anymore!) I would like to get the bike repainted. I am fully aware of potential costs (which is why this is definitely going to be down the road), but could an automotive body shop do this for a bike frame? I would also like to update the components on the machine. Would I be able to do this? For example, perhaps I would like to install a brake/shift combo, such as Shimano total integration system, or replace some other component that is up-to-date. Does this sound reasonable or is the bike too old, which would make it incompatible with up-to-date road bike components?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Post some pics so we have a better idea of condition.

Simple green is great for degreasing, WD-40 is also very good and quite gentle and you can use oxalic acid for rust or things like vinegar soaked paper towels for rust spots on frames.

Nice to meet you Steve and good luck with that fork. My name is Jake by the way. I posted some pictures, which were taken with a computer camera (probably not the best clarity, but I hope it will suffice). Sorry for the delay. I have been real busy lately trying to gather data for my summer internship, which is shortly finishing up. Just let me know what you think. Thanks!