Cinelli Restoration Complete!
01-16-12, 04:57 PM
#1
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Cinelli Restoration Complete!
I put up a thread about 9 months ago when I acquired a very special 1964/65 Cinelli SC (you can find that thread here: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...y-this-Cinelli!)
It took me the better part of that time working on the restoration, a very fun project but it's also fun to be finished! Thanks for all the advice along the way. Most everything is original save for the bar tape, tires, cables/housing, toe clips/straps, and rims. I'll need new brake pads put can let that wait until its the weather is safe to ride.
Grabbed some quick shots today, and thought it would be fun to line up before and after shots side by side, and the some extra afters thrown in at the end.
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
It took me the better part of that time working on the restoration, a very fun project but it's also fun to be finished! Thanks for all the advice along the way. Most everything is original save for the bar tape, tires, cables/housing, toe clips/straps, and rims. I'll need new brake pads put can let that wait until its the weather is safe to ride.
Grabbed some quick shots today, and thought it would be fun to line up before and after shots side by side, and the some extra afters thrown in at the end.
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
01-16-12, 05:08 PM
#4
South Carolina Ed
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A beauty. I have an all chrome project that been waiting to be finished for about two years - to much work work.
01-16-12, 06:22 PM
#8
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Those all chrome Cinellis are certainly special. And breath taking.
01-16-12, 09:19 PM
#9
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Nope. Most of the rust came right off off with a little WD-40 and lightly rubbing with a scrubby sponge. On the really bad spots where the chrome flaked revealing exposed (and rusted over) steel, I removed the rust with a dremel and brass brush, and coated over the steel with clear coat to try and prevent future rusting. I tried OA on a couple troublesome spots using OA soaked rags, but it didn't work well and I was scared might get to the decals somehow, so quickly stopped attempting that method.
Last edited by Alan@TreeFort; 01-16-12 at 09:22 PM.
01-16-12, 11:24 PM
#11
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sweet... a 60's/ 70's cinelli is definitely one of the last few bikes on my must have checklist. interestingly, i just acquired a very similar bike as your cinelli. also in the 63/64 time period and by a top tier italian builder, with a first gen NR set up and universal 61's. i hope to unveil its identity with photos soon!
01-16-12, 11:31 PM
#12
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That is superb
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01-17-12, 07:35 AM
#14
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Nope. Most of the rust came right off off with a little WD-40 and lightly rubbing with a scrubby sponge. On the really bad spots where the chrome flaked revealing exposed (and rusted over) steel, I removed the rust with a dremel and brass brush, and coated over the steel with clear coat to try and prevent future rusting. I tried OA on a couple troublesome spots using OA soaked rags, but it didn't work well and I was scared might get to the decals somehow, so quickly stopped attempting that method.
01-17-12, 08:03 AM
#15
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Great job, Alan. It's gorgeous!
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01-17-12, 11:16 AM
#17
Senior Member
Been waiting for this. Looks superb Alan. I know you don't need the peanut gallery quibbles but, shorten up that rear brake housing just a bit, maybe both, and thread those toe straps through the bottom of the pedal cages and twist them twice before exiting the cage. Other guys here too polite to say this, I'm sure. Of course, you're probably still fine tuning it. That said, you did an outstanding job on it. What a fine old bike. The rough spots on the frame just give it character and an honest use look. Splendid. What a bike. I don't lust after many bikes, but that is on the top of the list.
01-17-12, 01:28 PM
#18
Senior Member
Congratulations Alan - stunning result. I've been waiting to see this one. If I were you, I couldn't resist springing for some NOS Universal levers with hoods. It would complete the bike IMHO and make riding more comfortable too. I got a set from Mike Barry in Toronto of Mariposa Bicycles, I believe he still has a few if you're interested. Anyway, what you've done is my favourite kind of restoration - gently bringing a bike back to life instead of turning it into something totally different. Well done.
01-17-12, 01:36 PM
#20
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Interesting about the toe straps... I was scared I'd cut the housing too short so left it long with the intention to cut later, not sure when (or if) that will happen :-)
01-17-12, 01:48 PM
#21
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Good to know, I'll look out for it!
01-17-12, 04:27 PM
#22
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Well done! It looks great. Enjoy the hell out of it!
FYI, you can also get reproduction Universal hoods from Robbie Fellows.
FYI, you can also get reproduction Universal hoods from Robbie Fellows.
01-17-12, 04:34 PM
#23
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It looks good. I would have been really torn and probably would have had it rechromed for big dollars as I just don't like peeling chrome. But, if needed it can always be done later.
01-17-12, 04:53 PM
#24
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Alan:
What a thrill taking a bike and bringing it back to its original glory without removing the patina of age. Your bike looks gorgeous and carries the dignity of its age well. You did a great job bringing your Cinelli back to life!
What a thrill taking a bike and bringing it back to its original glory without removing the patina of age. Your bike looks gorgeous and carries the dignity of its age well. You did a great job bringing your Cinelli back to life!
01-17-12, 05:59 PM
#25
Senior Member
nice bike :>
