Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Ron's Gianni Motta preservation - Can it possibly get any cooler then this?

Man this is cool!  This is Ron's Gianni Motta Personal, it is in for what probably is more a preservation than a restoration.  Ron is the original owner. (Correction: Ron is the second owner of the black Motta, he is the original owner of the white Motta photoed below.) I have never worked on one before, I have only seen one other in person and it was red and yellow, I like the mat black a lot!

The Motta arrived disassembled so I will not have a before photo of the bike assembled.  The frame is in pretty good shape, just the usual use wear.  The chrome has a few thin spots typical to thin Italian chrome but not bad at all.  The Motta will also receive all new cables, cable housings, handlebar tape and new tubular tube.  I can't wait to see the Motta complete and hopefully the snow will be gone or at least dry rods so I can try it out!


The frame is in pretty good starting shape, a few spots here and there from use.  The frame is mat black so it will not be polished but will be deeply cleaned very gently to keep the looks and the decals. Below our the before photos.

One thing is I could not get the drive side bottom bracket cup to come out.  It is rock solid in there.  I tried all the gentle tricks I know.  I could get it out heating it up but I do not want to destroy the paint.  It will make for a little bit more work cleaning it out and packing the bearings with it in place but the bottom bracket cup will remain in place and it will be fine.

Ron's Motta Preservation - Ron's Original Owner


Ron's Motta Preservation - Head Tube
Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Wheel Hub - Before


Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Brake Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear wheel Hub Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Before
Head Tube

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Before
Head Tube

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Before
Top Tube

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Before
Head Lug

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Before
Down Tube

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Before
Down Tube

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Before
Seat Lug

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Before
Seat Tube

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Before
Bottom Bracket

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Before
Bottom Bracket

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Before
Bottom Bracket

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Before
Seat Lug

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Before
Seat Stays

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Before
Rear Brake Bridge

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Before
Chain Stays

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Before
Stays

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Before
Drop Outs

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Before
Fork

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Before
Fork Crown

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Before
Fork Crown

Over the years I have come up with a paste I make that does a beautiful job cleaning paint and does it very gently.
Ron's Motta Preservation - Cleaning Paste
I don't know where the overall photo of the frame went after the cleaning and protecting of the paint and I already pressed the headset cups before I remembered to take the photos.  The frame turned out amazing.  The paint cleaned beautifully and the decals really pop now, the photos and fluorescent lights just don't do it justice.  I am thrilled with the results.  I also am happy with how the frame chrome polished!

Ron's Motta Preservation - Frame Cleaned
Head Tube

Ron's Motta Preservation - Frame Cleaned
Head Tube

Ron's Motta Preservation - Frame Cleaned
Top Tube

Ron's Motta Preservation - Frame Cleaned
Down Tube

Ron's Motta Preservation - Frame Cleaned
Down Tube

Ron's Motta Preservation - Frame Cleaned
Seat Lug

Ron's Motta Preservation - Frame Cleaned
Seat Tube

Ron's Motta Preservation - Frame Cleaned
Seat Tube

Ron's Motta Preservation - Frame Cleaned
Bottom Bracket

Ron's Motta Preservation - Frame Cleaned
Bottom Bracket

Ron's Motta Preservation - Frame Cleaned
Bottom Bracket

Ron's Motta Preservation - Frame Cleaned
Seat Lug

Ron's Motta Preservation - Frame Cleaned
Seat Stays

Ron's Motta Preservation - Frame Cleaned
Drop Outs

Ron's Motta Preservation - Frame Cleaned
Chain Stays

Ron's Motta Preservation - Frame Cleaned
Fork

Ron's Motta Preservation - Frame Cleaned
Fork Crown
All the components are going to be cleaned and then everything polished by hand.  A little more work then using the polishing wheels but its going to be worth it.  The goal of hand polishing is to keep the components looking as close to factory original as can be.  This isn't always possible depending on how far gone components are but the Motta it still should not be a problem. 

Working by hand the headset and bottom bracket really turned out nice!  They both look great installed next to that cleaned paint.  

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bottom Bracket
Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Headset Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bottom Bracket & Headset Polished

I am very proud of the work that went into the stem and handlebars.  Both has rough surfaces and some tarnish on the lacquer that seals the polish of the aluminum.  Working by hand I gave both a good cleaning and then worked with a paste I make special for aluminum components with lacquer finishes.  Both the handlebars and stem look just beautiful!! I am really proud of the work that went into them.  I am especially happy the way the "C" badge on the stem turned out, I was able to get the yellowing out of the white paint/plastic.  One thing I was very careful with is the cam pad that holds the stem to the handlebars had a crack in it close to one edge.  The crack should not be a problem where it is because its to one side and there is still  lot of good surface area.   

Ron's Motta Preservation - Stem & Handlebars
 Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Stem & Handlebars Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Stem Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Stem Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Stem & Handlebars

Ron's Motta Preservation - Handlebars Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Stem Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Stem Expolded

Ron's Motta Preservation - Slight Crank

Ron's Motta Preservation - Stem Polished

Ron's Motta Preservation - Stem Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Stem Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Handlebars Polished

Ron's Motta Preservation - Handlebars Polished

Ron's Motta Preservation - Stem & Handlebars
Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Stem & Handlebars Complete
Proud of the results of the badge, no more yellow!

Ron's Motta Preservation - Stem & Handlebars Complete
The crank is the beautiful Campagnolo classic design.  Its hard to fine a better looking crank.  It was very dirty so I cleaned it and sent it through the sonic cleaner.  After it was cleaned I worked through polishing grits by hand.  The crank has some normal wear but it sure looks good!

Ron's Motta Preservation - Crank Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Crank Hand Polished & Ready

Next I installed the headset and bottom bracket.  I am thrilled how the cleaned and hand polished headset looks with the frame!  I worked with a Dremel extension to prepare the bottom bracket cup I could not remove.  With bearings in fresh grease the headset and bottom bracket spin beautifully!! Like Campagnolo headsets and bottom brackets should spin!

Ron's Motta Preservation - Pressing Headset Cups

Ron's Motta Preservation - Headset Cups Pressed

Ron's Motta Preservation - Headset Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Headset Complete


Ron's Motta Preservation - Bottom Bracket Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bottom Bracket Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Headset & Bottom Bracket Complete

Next the stem and handlebars where installed.  I love how the stem looks with the headset!  I can't wait to see the handlebars with new handlebar tape!

Ron's Motta Preservation - Stem & Handlebars Installed

Ron's Motta Preservation - Stem & Handlebars Installed

Ron's Motta Preservation - Stem & Handlebars
Installed

Ron's Motta Preservation - Stem & Handlebars Installed
It is really hard to beat the styling of a Campagnolo crank.  Installed the crank just pops with the mat black frame as a back drop!

Ron's Motta Preservation - Crank Installed

Ron's Motta Preservation - Crank Installed
I cleaned and lubricated the brake calipers and then worked through polishing grits by hand.  The brake calipers did not turn out perfect but man they sure are close to perfect!  And the brake calipers function perfect!  I am amazed with the photo of the front caliper installed with the headset, chrome fork and head tube in the back ground, just amazing!

Ron's Motta Preservation - Brake Calipers Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Brake Calipers Polished

Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Brake Caliper
Installed

Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Brake Caliper
Installed

Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Brake Caliper
Installed

Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Brake Caliper
Installed

Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Brake Calipers
Installed

Ron's Motta Preservation - Brake Calipers Installed

The front and rear derailleurs are my favorite derailleurs made from an era.  I love the black accents and the alloy and chrome.  And its hard to beat that Campagnolo script on the rear derailleur framed by the black and silver.  I broke down both derailleurs and worked by hand to clean and polish the pieces.  Assembled the derailleurs turned out beautifully!  I couldn't be happier with the results and how they looked installed!

Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Derailleur Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Derailleur Before


Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Derailleur Polished

Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Derailleur Polished


Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Derailleur Installed

Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Derailleur Installed

Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Derailleur Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Derailleur Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Derailleur Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Derailleur Exploded

Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Derailleur Polished

Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Derailleur Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Derailleur Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Derailleur Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Derailleur Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Derailleur
Installed

Ron's Motta Preservation - Derailleurs Installed
The brake levers didn't need much work at all.  I gave them a good cleaning and lubricating and installed the new brake elver hoods.  I think Ron said he has original style hoods or had them coming but I did not write that down in my build notebook so I am not sure.  Installed the brake elvers look good, they will look even better with the new handlebar tape.

Ron's Motta Preservation - Brake Levers Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Brake Levers Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - New Brake Lever Hoods

Ron's Motta Preservation - Brake Levers Hoods Installed

Ron's Motta Preservation - Brake Levers Installed

Ron's Motta Preservation - Brake Levers
Installed

Ron's Motta Preservation - Brake Levers Installed

Classic Campagnolo shift levers.  The chrome on the tension nut and plate is very rough, thin Italian chrome.  I did the best I could to make that chrome better, its still pretty rough but at least better then it was.  Replacement pieces can be found down the road if wanted.  The rest of the pieces turned out nice with hand polishing.  Installed they look great!
Ron's Motta Preservation - Shift Levers Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Shift Levers Ready

Ron's Motta Preservation - Shift Levers Installed

Check back for more photos soon.

Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Wheel Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Wheel Hub Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Wheel Rim Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Wheel Rim
Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Wheel Rim
Old Glue

Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Wheel Rim Polished

Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Wheel Hub Polished

Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Wheel Hub Polished

Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Wheel Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Wheel Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Wheel Hub Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Wheel Hub
Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Wheel Rim Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Wheel Rim Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Wheel Rim
Old Glue
Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Wheel Hub
New Bearings & Grease

Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Wheel Hub - New Bearings
& Grease

Ron's Motta Preservation - Axle Pieces Ready
Ron's Motta Preservation - Rims Old Glue Removed

Ron's Motta Preservation - New Tubular Tires

Ron's Motta Preservation - Wheels Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Wheel Hub
Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Wheel Rim
Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Wheel Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Front Wheel Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Wheel Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Rear Wheel Rim Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - New Tape  & Awesome Plugs Ron Had

Ron's Motta Preservation - Tape & Cables Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Tape & Cables Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Tape & Cables Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Tape & Cables Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation -Freewheel Before

Ron's Motta Preservation -Freewheel Flushed & Lubricated

Ron's Motta Preservation - Seat Post Ready

Ron's Motta Preservation - Seat Post Installed

Ron's Motta Preservation - Seat Post Installed

Ron's Motta Preservation - Pedals Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Pedals Before

Ron's Motta Preservation - Pedals & Clips Polished - New Straps

Ron's Motta Preservation - Pedals & Clips Polished - New Straps

Ron's Motta Preservation - Pedals Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Pedals Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Pedals Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Free Wheel & Chain
Installed

Bernard Hinault Turbo saddle! Come on man, the Badger!  So cool!

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bernard Hinault Turbo Saddle

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bernard Hinault Turbo Saddle

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bernard Hinault Turbo Saddle
Installed

Ron's Motta Preservation - Drive Train Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Complete
Stem

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Complete
Handlebars

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Complete
Head Tube

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Complete
Front Brake

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Complete
Front Wheel Hub

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Complete
Front Wheel Rim

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Complete
Stem

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Complete
Head Tube

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Complete
Fork Crown

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Complete

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Complete
Shift Levers

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Complete
Rear Derailleur

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Complete
Rear Wheel Hub

Ron's Motta Preservation - Bicycle Complete
Thank You,
John