Friday, March 27, 2015

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Called "Favorite" - Crazy but Cool!

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle After Restoration

About two weeks ago I started work on a restoration of this Czechoslovakian 5 speed branded Favorite.  This is the first Czechoslovakian bicycle I have ever worked on.  At first look there are some very cool things going on like the alloy fenders, the five speed drive train, the Favorite stamped stem and it actually has some very nice 700c wheels with alloy rims.  What I think is most surprising of the Favorite is that is is very surprisingly light.  Almost like 531 light but I can't imagine it would be 531 and there are no 531 decals.

Bicycles like this are very cool to me, they are different and I always like nice fenders.  The metallic avocado green is a n interesting color as well.  The Favorite will receive a total restoration along with new cables, new cable housings, new saddle, and tire tubes.  I can't wait to see the alloy fenders polished out.
A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Handlebars

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Stem

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Head Tube

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Front Brake

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Hub

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Rim

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Brake Levers

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Headset

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Fork Crown

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Front Brake

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Shift Lever

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Front Fender

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Down Tube

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Saddle

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Seat Tube

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Bottom Bracket

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Crank

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Pedals

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Seat Lug

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Rear Fender

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Rear Brake

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Rear Derailleur

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Chain Stay

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Rear Fender Reflector

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Rear Wheel Hub

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Before
Rear View
With the components stripped from the frame I do not see any major chips or scratches in the paint.  The green paint almost looks like a transparent wash put over a silver or chrome paint.  The decals are not in great shape but not bad for the chrome style decals, they do not hold up well at all.

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Before
Head Tube

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Before
Head Tube

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Before
Down Tube

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Before
Down Tube Decal

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Before
Seat Lug

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Before
Seat Tube Decal

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Before
Seat Lug

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Before
Brake Bridge 

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Before
Drop Outs

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Before
Fork

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Before
Fork Crown

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Before
Fork Crown

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Before
Fork Crown

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Before
Drop Outs

The frame cleaned extremely nice, polishing was not easy.  The green colored wash over the silver paint is very thin an soft making it very difficult to polish.  To much polishing and it would polish all the green paint away.  Slow careful polishing did the trick and the green polished very nicely.  A little bit of sealer wax and the frame looks great!!

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Polished

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Polished
Head Tube

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Polished
Head Tube

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Polished
Down Tube Decal

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Polished
Seat Lug

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Polished
Seat Tube Decal

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Polished
Bottom Bracket

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Polished
Bottom Bracket

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Polished
Bottom Bracket

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Polished
Seat Lug

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Polished
Drop Outs

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Polished
Fork

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Polished
Fork Crown

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Polished
Fork Blades

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Frame Polished
Fork Drop Outs
The crank was loose which was nice because that meant the cotter pins where not too stuck but they where still stuck enough that I bent the cotter pins but at least I didn't have to drill the pins out.  The headset and bottom bracket went into the crock pot for cleaning.  After cleaning the pieces polished beautifully!

Installed the headset and bottom bracket look great!

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Headset & Bottom Bracket
Before
A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Headset & Bottom Bracket
Polished

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite
Headset Cups - Pressed

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite
Headset - Complete
A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite
Headset - Complete

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bottom Bracket
Bearings Packed

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bottom Bracket
Complete

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Headset & Bottom Bracket
Complete

The stem has a nice shape and I like the Favorite lettering stamped in the side.  I was surprised that the Favorite has alloy handlebars, a very nice touch.  The only thing on the whole bike that is sketchy is the brake levers.  They are just straight handlebars that where bent to go around the bend of the handlebars.  Being bent the brake levers do not work the greatest.

I cleaned all the handlebar area pieces and then got on with the polishing.  The stem polished very nicely and the handlebars polished amazingly.  Installed the handlebars and stem look amazing against the green avocado paint.  I am extremely pleased with the results! I really like the shape and look of the handlebars.

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Handlebars & Stem
Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Stem - Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Stem & Handlebars
Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Handlebars
Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Stem & Handlebars
Polished

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Stem - Polished

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Stem & Handlebars
Complete

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite
Stem & Handlebars - Complete

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Stem & Handlebars
Complete
As I mentioned before I do not like that the brake levers where bent around the shape of the handlebars but the brake levers did polish very nicely.  I am pleased with the polished brake levers and they do look great.

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Brake Levers
Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Brake Levers
Polished

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Brake Levers
Installed
With the brake levers installed I cleaned the handlebar grips and installed them.  The handlebar grips look great installed!

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Handlebar Grips
Installed

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Handlebar Grips
Installed

I like the crank a lot.  There is always something nice about cotter cranks, they have such classic character and they usually restore nicely.  This crank polished very nicely and has very nice character with the star shape spider.  I installed new cotter pins and installed the crank look fantastic.  I really really like the way the Favorite is coming along.

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Crank
Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Crank Polished
New Cotter Pins

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite
Crank - Complete

The brake calipers are pretty standard but a cool feature is they have Favorite stamped into them.  I cleaned the brake pieces and then did the polishing.  The polishing turned out fantastic and with new brake pads the calipers look fantastic installed.  I love this stuff!

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Brake Calipers
Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Brake Calipers
Exploded

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Brake Calipers
Polished

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Brake Calipers
Complete

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite
Front Caliper Installed

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite 
Rear Brake Caliper - Installed

The rear derailleur is a basic Hurett derailleur.  These are not my favorite derailleurs to restore but they sure do look goo when they have been restored.  These derailleurs are complicated derailleurs and take some doing to restore.  This derailleur looks great installed!

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Rear Derailleur
Before
A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Rear Derailleur
Exploded

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Rear Derailleur
Polished

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Rear Derailleur
Complete

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite
Rear Derailleur - Installed
The shift lever is actually better constructed then it looks.  I don't know where the after installed photo went but the shift lever looks great installed.  The white plastic cape really came back nice.  I like it.

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Shift Lever
Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Shift Lever
Exploded
The pedals are nice and still function very tight and smooth.  I cleaned and polished the pedals and they lok great and that will be seen later on down the post.

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Pedals
Before

The seat post is in good shape.  The old saddle is done and is being replaced with a synthetic brown leather one.  I think the saddle has a good look for the Favorite.

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Seat Post - Before


A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Seat Post Polished
New Saddle

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite
Saddle - Installed
The fenders are nice alloy fenders.  They have some interesting hardware but I like the way it connects to the rear brake bridge.

I disassembled the fenders and straightened the fender struts.  The fender struts came out nice and straight.  

Polishing took some time, a few grits on the power polisher but it was worth every bit of time.  The fenders are beautiful, absolutely beautiful and make the whole bicycle!

Polished hardware and then installation and then amazing!

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Front Fender
Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Front Fender
Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Front Fender
Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Front Fender Strut
& Hardware - Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Front Fender
Hardware

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Rear Fender
Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Rear Fender
Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite
Rear Fender - Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite
Rear Fender Reflector - Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Rear Fender Strut
Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Fender Hardware
Polished

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Fender Struts
Straightened

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Fenders
Installed

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Front Fender
Complete

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite
Front Fender - Complete

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Rear Fender
Compelte

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite
Rear Fender - Compelte

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite
Rear Fender Reflector - Complete

The wheels are in good starting shape.  The wheel rims polished very nicely! I am very pleased with the results of the wheel polishing.  The wheel hubs where cleaned and rebuilt and spin very nice.  The tires that where on the Favorite are being reused for now.  I don't think the tires where ever used because all the mold marks are still on them.  Installed under those fenders the wheels look fantastic!!


A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite
Rear Wheel - Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Rear Wheel Hub
Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Rear Wheel Hub
Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Rear Wheel Rim
Before


A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Rear Wheel Hub
Polished

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Rear Wheel Rim
Polished

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Wheel Hub Axle
Pieces - Ready

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite
Rear Wheel - Complete

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite
Front Wheel - Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Front Wheel Hub
Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Front Wheel Rim
Before

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Front Wheel Hub
Old Grease

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Front Wheel Hub
Polished

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Front Wheel Bearings
Packed

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite
Front Wheel - 
Complete

I really like the axle bolts photoed below.  Something you don't see all the time and they polished great!

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Wheel Axle Nuts
Polished

I wanted to photo the freewheel.  You really never see a freewheel stamped "Made in Czechoslovakia".

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Czechoslovakia
Freewheel

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Wheels
Complete
Next is to wire the bicycle.  Ice gray cable housings again because they just look right.  Wired the bicycle shifts very well.


A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - New Cables &
Cable 
Housings

The pedals cleaned and polished beautifully!  I really like these pedals.  Installed they look amazing and its rare to have pedals in this good of shape.

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Pedals
Polished

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Pedals
Installed

That completes the Favorite!

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle
Complete
I have become very impressed with the Czechoslovakian Favorite.  It is surprising made very well and is very light and the look of the Favorite is very cool.  I love those fenders and the color has really grown on me.  I like it a lot!! The restoration came out beautifully!


A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Complete

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Complete

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Complete
Handlebars

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Complete
Head Tube

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Complete
Front Brake

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Complete
Front Wheel Hub

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Complete
Front Wheel Rim

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Complete
Stem

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Complete
Shift Lever

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Complete
Front Half

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Complete
Down Tube 

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Complete
Saddle

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Complete
Drive Train

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Complete
Crank

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Complete
Rear Derailleur

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Complete
Rear Brake 

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Complete
Rear Wheel Hub

A Restoration of a Czechoslovakian Favorite - Bicycle Complete
Rear Fender

Thank you for all the interest!
John Z.