Ol’ Paint has been sitting unused outside the Halfakid’s apartment since he bought his new bike in January, while I’ve been planning a total refurbishment — including a new paint job, naturally. Today I picked her up to get the project rolling. We’d already cannibalized the pedals, so I brought along some that I’ve had sitting in the parts bin.

I just rode her to my workplace, about 7km, where the stripping and painting will be done. These photos are a record of how low she’s fallen before the work begins, as well as showing some of the components before they’re replaced.

It took me a couple of tries to remember how the shifters work!
The seatpost is stuck in the frame. We’ve tried penetrating oil and riding the bike a couple of months without the seatpost bolt — no luck. Today I sprayed the area with apple cider vinegar (which I’ve read is good for this aluminum-to-steel corrosion). Then I turned the bike upside-down, stepped on the saddle and twisted the bike frame. After some effort I felt something give. Closer inspection revealed that I’d done nothing more than break the saddle.
On Monday I’ll put the seatpost in a vise and try twisting the frame again. If the seatpost won’t come out, there’s no point in continuing the project.
One thought on “Ol’ Paint before the work begins”
You must log in to post a comment.