Stronglight 49D question
 

So far I have yet to find a definitive answer and I would think it would not be an issue, but just to be safe is it possible to retrofit the early bolt head design chain ring bolts in place of the later hex key style bolts. I would like to have my early '60's French road bike look the part.


I recently bought a small box of misc. vintage bike parts locally - the lady was firm at 100 Cdn. but I was able to use the first generation Weinmann center pull Vainqueur 999s with the single return spring and they seem rather uncommon, I find them to be quite good in regard to braking power versus effort, at least with Mafac levers.



Also there was a Campagnolo Gran Sport front derailleur 1005/2 ( match box design ) which was welcome and replaced the Valentino I had on the bike. So basically I am looking to make the bike as period correct as I can, any help appreciated!

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the early c/w bolts for the 49D are smaller in diameter than the later allen key ones so the chainwheels made for them have smaller bolt holes.

would think the simple route would be to replace both the chainwheel set and the bolts back to the pre-1973 type.

alternatively, you could go to Traction Avant c/w's. creates no period correct problem.

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As I suspected - perhaps I can find an appropriate bushing or something - can't hurt to look into that. Finding those earlier chain rings and bolts, I would be better off most likely buying the entire crank set for what they will most likely cost. Thank you for the information!

I don't think there's a good way to replace the new style bolts with the old style bolts. The new design is simply more robust.

BUT you can make a purely cosmetic fix that will make it look right. Run a standard m5x0.8 tap through the allen wrench hole in the existing bolts. This won't do them any real damage; and then you can put m5x0.8 stainless bolts, with a smooth hex head, into them just for decoration.


https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/C5kAA...OEE/s-l500.jpg
The heads may be too thick and may have numbers and letters on them; if so, you'll need to file them down to a suitable thickness and polish them smooth.

I may have a set of older style rings/bolts in my stash. I can check tonight, and maybe we could do a trade. That's the tooth count on yours?

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any old style c/w sets available are likely to be OEM takeoffs so dentition will be limited. the usual suspects are 40-52, 42-52 & occasionally 45-52. if you need other dentition it would be necessary to purchase individually. this would require separate purchase of correct fasteners.

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somewhat related note may have mentioned previously - one thing you might wish to keep an eye out for is a model 57 right arm or set. it dings all the bells of national origin correct, period correct and aesthetically good. they are fairly rare but one never knows what may turn up at your favourite vintage fittings search haunts...

a model 63 right arm would also be good. you could use it with your present BB, left arm, c/w bolts and inner c/w.

https://lfgss.microco.sm/api/v1/file...ce1f26dfb4.jpg

http://velobase.com/CompImages/Crank...FE096C694.jpeg

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no rush. what you have on there now fits in much better than the Peyrard set mounted for original assembly. IIRC the first generation Star launched ~1967.

always very good work & good choices with your projects. much appreciated here. :thumb:

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