Quick Update

It has been extremely busy in the shop this summer.  There are a few restorations going on a few completed recently.  The first is the completed three speed for TJ.  The three speed has now been named Wicked.  I am extremely proud of Wicked and the results, I feel its my best work yet.  I made decals as a surprise for TJ.  TJ is a Chicago Police Officer and recently his long time badge was retired.  I used that retired badge number to make a head badge decal.  Check out the restoration by clicking here or the photo below.

Click here for the restoration of wicked or the photo above.

The next are restorations going on now.  The first is the 1983 Miyata 310 Sport Tourer.  Click here for the Miyata restoration of the photo below.

Click here for the Miyata 310 Sports Tourer Restoration.

Next is a restoration of a 1977 Schwinn Le Tour III that I found in northern Wisconsin for Thomas on the East Coast.  Click here for the restoration or the photo below.

Click here or the photo above for the Le Tour III restoration.

next on the work bench is Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe 3 Speed.  It has an awesome front DynoHub and i just love three speeds to start.  Click here for the Raleigh Superbe Restoration or the photo below.

Click here or the photo above for the Raleigh SuperbeRestoration.

Last is Chucks 1950's or early 1960's middle weight bicycle.  The bike has beautiful lines and is getting a new powder coat paint job.  Click here for Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle restoration of the photo below.

Click here or the photo above for Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration

That is all for now.  Thanks for looking.

Chuck's 1950's or Early 1960's Rollfast Middle Weight Restoration - A Beautiful Frame!

A couple weeks back I started work on Chuck's Middle Weight bicycle.  I have not been able to figure out what brand or model the bicycle is yet.  I thought at first it was a Schwinn but after just a little searching I don't think it is anymore.  The research will continue.

The owner before Chuck started some restoration work on the bicycle.  They started sanding the paint off with I think a orbital sander.  From how stubborn the paint stripping went I think they gave up after lots of sand paper.  I think the frame has been painted a few times before the last black layer.

The bicycle is complete with all the main pieces there.  New powder coat paint will be applied along with a total restoration.  New tires and tubes will be installed and maybe a few other things as we go.  I really love the lines of these older frames and can't wait to see the bicycle restored with a new black paint job against all that polished chrome.

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Bicycle Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Bicycle Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Bicycle Before
Handlebars

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Bicycle Before
Head Tube

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Bicycle Before
Fork Crown

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Hub

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Rim

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Half

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Bicycle Before
Stem

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Bicycle Before
Headset

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Bicycle Before
Truss Tubes

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Bicycle Before
Top Tubes

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Bicycle Before
Saddle

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Bicycle Before
Bottom Bracket

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Bicycle Before
Bottom Bracket

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Bicycle Before
Bottom Bracket

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Bicycle Before
Seat Stays

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Wheel Hub

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Wheel

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear

It took a little doing but I was able to strip the frame of its components.  With the components removed you can really see the beautiful swooping lines of the frame.  I also feel the frame is way to light to be a Schwinn.  I have no idea what it is now.  I also really really like the fork crown, it is beautiful!

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Before
Head Tube

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Before
Head Tube

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Before
Head Tube

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Before
Frame Trusses

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Before
Frame Trusses

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Before
Top Tube

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Area

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Stays

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Before
Chain Stays

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Before
Rear

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Before
Fork

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Blades

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Crown

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Blades

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Drop Outs

The paint was extremely stubborn, very difficult to remove.  When I eventually removed it and cleaned up the frame it shows the beauty even more.  I made a few very small repairs and prepared the frame for powder coating.  Clean the pieces for powder coating three times and then when you think they are clean, clean them three more times to be safe.

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Prepared
for Powder Coating

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Prepared
for Powder Coating - Head Tube

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Prepared
for Powder Coating - Trusses

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Prepared
for Powder Coating - Seat Tube Area

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Prepared
for Powder Coating - Bottom Bracket

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Prepared
for Powder Coating - Rear

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Prepared

for Powder Coating - Fork

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Prepared

for Powder Coating - Fork Crown

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Prepared

for Powder Coating - Fork Crown

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Prepared

for Powder Coating - Fork Crown

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Prepared

for Powder Coating - Fork Crown

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Prepared

for Powder Coating - Fork Drop Outs

I applied the Ink Black powder, I did not like the way it laid down the first time so I started over a second.  The second time was fine but it was bugging me that it could be better so this week I decided to start over a third time.  The third time was the charm!!  I am just like that, I need things to be just so before I am happy with things.  The black turned out very nice!  The fork turned out amazing with that truss fork crown and that fork crown is not the easiest to powder paint.  Overall very happy with the black paint!!

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Painted

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Painted
Head Tube

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Painted
Head Tube

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Painted
Head Tube

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Painted
Head Tube

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Painted
Front

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Painted
Seat Post

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Painted
Bottom Bracket

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Painted
Bottom Bracket

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Painted
Bottom Bracket

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Painted
Seat Stays

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Painted
Chain Stays

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Painted
Drop Outs

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Painted
Rear

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Painted
Fork

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Painted
Fork Crown

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Painted
Fork Crown

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Painted
Fork Crown

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Painted
Fork Blades

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration - Frame Painted
Fork Drop Outs

With the frame painted it is time to start assembly.  The headset is a little different and a little rough.  I worked through the cleaning and the polishing and it turned out nice.  It is definitely not a Schwinn, these are not Schwinn bearings, they are actually much bigger.  I am happy with how the headset turned out and the frame looks awesome with the fork installed!

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Headset - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Headset - Polished

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Pressing Headset Cups

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Headset Cups Pressed

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Headset Bearings - Packed

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Headset Complete - Love that black & chrome!!

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Headset Complete

The handlebars and stem are in good starting shape.  I worked through the polishing wheels and the handlebars and stem came out very nice.  there is a little bit of road rash scrapping on the handlebar curves but a little filing and polishing made a huge difference.  The stem and handlebars look great installed.

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Stem - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Handlebars - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Stem - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Stem - Exploded

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Polished

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Handlebars - Polished

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Stem - Polished

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Stem - Complete

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Installed

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Installed

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Complete

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Complete

The bottom bracket is a little rough but should clean and polish very nice.  The crank is in fantastic shape to start with.  I love the design of the crank and it is a little more heavy duty then most which is very cool!  The crank polished beautifully and the bottom bracket with new grease spins fantastic!  I love how the crank polished and turned out.

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Bottom Bracket - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Crank - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Crank & Bottom Bracket - Polished - Beautiful!!

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Bottom Bracket - Polished

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Pressing Bottom Bracket Cups

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Bottom Bracket Cups - Pressed

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Crank - Complete

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Crank - Complete

The seat post is in good shape and with the seat collar and seat binder polished everything just pops with the new black paint.  I installed the seat binder, seat post and seat collar.  After cleaning I will install the saddle an see how it looks.

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Seat & Seat Post - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Seat Post - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Seat Post - Seat Collar & Binder - Polished

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Seat Post - Installed

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Seat Post - Complete

Tomorrow is wheel day in the shop, I have 6 to restore and these two will be part of them.  The rear coaster hub will need to be overhauled and everything else polished and greased but whats nice about these wheels are the rims are beautiful.

I dissembled the wheel hubs and cleaned out all the old hard grease.  With the wheels cleaned I started the polishing process.  The wheels polished beautiful, just one rough small spot of the front wheel rim.  I installed the new tire tubes and the new Kenda White wall tires.  The white wall tires are perfect for the Rollfast with the black paint and chrome.  The wheels turned out very nice and spin great, I am very happy with the results.  The new white wall tires totally transform the looks of the bicycle.

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Rear Wheel - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Rear Wheel Rim - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Rear Hub - Old Grease

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub - Old Grease

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Coaster Brake Pieces - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub - Polished

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Coaster Brake Hub Pieces - Ready

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub Bearings - Packed

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Rear Wheel Caster Brake Hub - Complete

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
New Kenda White Wall Tires

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Rear Wheel Complete

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Front Wheel - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Front Wheel Hub - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Bicycle Restoration
Front Wheel Rim - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Front Wheel Hub - Old Grease

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Front Wheel Hub - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Front Axle Pieces - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Front Wheel Hub - Polished

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Front Axle Pieces - Polished

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Front Wheel Bearings - Packed

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Front Wheel - Complete

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Wheels Complete - Fantastic!!

While I worked on the wheels I also worked on the chain guard.  I love the lines and the long length of the chain guard.  I removed the old paint, ran the chain guard through the media blasting cabinet and applied the black powder paint. The chain guard turned out fantastic.

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Chain Guard - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Chain Guard - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Chain Guard - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Chain Guard - Before

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Chain Guard - Stripped

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Chain Guard Painted

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Chain Guard - Complete

 The original pedals where shot.  To far gone to bring back.  I looked through my pedal collection and found these original Schwinn pedals that I think will look great with the Rollfast.  I gave them a light polishing and lubricating.  They look great installed.

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Original Pedals

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Replacement Pedals

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Pedals Installed

With that it was time a for a test ride.  It rides and coast forever.  Best off all the rear coast brake works fantastic!! One of the better ones I have come across.

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Test Riding

I installed the handlebar grips and gave the Rollfast another good riding.  I am impressed with the condition of the rear coaster brake hub.  It is very smooth and brake very hard, feels like it could ride coast forever.  I also am impressed with the Kenda white wall tires, they are very cushy and feel like they want to do some off roading.

I am still working on a rear rack and baskets but I wanted to take some photos of the Rollfast almost complete.  Man it sure looks good in that sun!

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Bicycle Almost Complete

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Bicycle Almost Complete

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Bicycle Almost Complete

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Bicycle Almost Complete - Handlebars

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Bicycle Almost Complete - Head Tube

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Bicycle Almost Complete - Beautiful Fork Crown

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Bicycle Almost Complete - Front Wheel Hub

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Bicycle Almost Complete - Front Wheel Rim

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Bicycle Almost Complete - Stem

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Bicycle Almost Complete - Head Tube

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Bicycle Almost Complete - Front Area

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Bicycle Almost Complete - Front Half

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Bicycle Almost Complete

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Bicycle Almost Complete - Saddle

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Bicycle Almost Complete - Drive Train

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Bicycle Almost Complete - Crank
I love the design of this crank! So Art Decco!

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Bicycle Almost Complete - Rear Hub

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Bicycle Almost Complete - Saddle

Chuck's Middle Weight Rollfast Bicycle Restoration
Bicycle Almost Complete

Check back soon.