Restoration Tips for Raleigh Sprites
 

Hello gang,
For the second time this year Raleigh bikes have come my way. This time I could'nt resist a his and hers 75-76 Emerald Green Sprite pair with 10 speed Huret equipment. I wanted to pay less but I know the previous owners and they had a lot emotionally invested in the bikes having purchased them new. I paid $100 for the pair. Paint is quite exceptional, but all the rims, cranks and plated parts are rusty.
What are some good tricks for cleaning up the metal bits?
I took some pics when I unloaded the Jeep today.
The pictures are later in the thread.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=249149http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=249150http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=249151http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=249152

I would have never believed it until I tried it myself, but either WD-40 or vinegar and scrubbing with aluminum foil does wonders! I started by taking the bike completely apart and soaking the rusty parts in vinegar and then scrubbing them with steel wool, then some more soaking. Out of the vinegar, quick dip in a baking soda wash (to neutralize the acid), rinse with plain water and dry. When dry is sprayed a little WD-40 and scrubbed with aluminum foil and could not believe the results! I have some before and after pictures in a thread about finishing the clean up of my wifes 1974 Raleigh Sports.

Edited to add - just the chrome/metal parts - not any painted parts.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=249312http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=249313http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=249314http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=249316Sorry about the pictures.I blew them away in error. I will try to get them back.