New to restoring bikes!
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Northern Ireland
New to restoring bikes!
I have just been given a 1956 (I think) hercules ladies bike but it needs a bit of TLC !
I am a complete novice at restoring bikes but want to get stuck in. I have been to my local bike shop who can help me with bits I get stuck with but I want to do as much of it as possible to keep costs down. How do I remove rust etc and polish up frame without damaging paintwork and decals.
Any advise greatly appreciated!
I am a complete novice at restoring bikes but want to get stuck in. I have been to my local bike shop who can help me with bits I get stuck with but I want to do as much of it as possible to keep costs down. How do I remove rust etc and polish up frame without damaging paintwork and decals.
Any advise greatly appreciated!
#2
Bianchi Goddess



Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 28,962
Likes: 4,228
From: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
Good Morning and welcome to the forums. Nice looking bike, I would love an old Ladys frame with rod brakes.
To remove rust a lot of guys here us a oxalic acid bath. But they can provide more details.
To remove rust a lot of guys here us a oxalic acid bath. But they can provide more details.
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
#3
Old fart



Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26,401
Likes: 5,332
From: Appleton WI
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
Yellow Jersey has some rod brake parts and some other roadster hardware if you find you need those.
#6
Pedal to the medal


Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 331
From: The Arsenal of Democracy
Bikes: 1991 Team Miyata Track, 1992 Lemond Alpe d'Huez, 19?? Schwinn High Serra, 1982 Trek 614, 198X Raleigh Alyeska
Welcome to the forum, you'll like it here.
Be careful about "cleaning" bikes, a lot of collectors prefer the "patina" on old bikes, especially 50's bikes like yours.
For restoring the bike, grease everything that needs to be greased and lube the chain. Consider replacing the brake and shifter and their respective housing, again may want to hold on to the originals, they *may* have monetary significance, others would know better than me.
To start cleaning, try a soft cleaner like Orange Aid and a brass brush, and start in a inconspicuous place.
Take time and read through previous post, learn to use the search bar, and enjoy yourself!
Be careful about "cleaning" bikes, a lot of collectors prefer the "patina" on old bikes, especially 50's bikes like yours.
For restoring the bike, grease everything that needs to be greased and lube the chain. Consider replacing the brake and shifter and their respective housing, again may want to hold on to the originals, they *may* have monetary significance, others would know better than me.
To start cleaning, try a soft cleaner like Orange Aid and a brass brush, and start in a inconspicuous place.
Take time and read through previous post, learn to use the search bar, and enjoy yourself!
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William D.
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