What have you been wrenching on lately?
#7776
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Estonia
Posts: 142
Bikes: HVZ Meteor 1979, HVZ Champion 1962, HVZ SS Moskva80 1981, Dürkopp 1936
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70 Posts
Been testing my new "gravel" build. Needs some slight adjustment and it should be good to go for the season. Mostly built from disgarded parts i found at work, with the tires being the most expensive part by far. Friction shifting a 9 speed is suprsingly decent.
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#7777
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Saratoga calif.
Posts: 1,074
Bikes: Miyata 610(66cm), GT Vantara Hybrid (64cm), Nishiki International (64cm), Peugeot rat rod (62 cm), Trek 800 Burning Man helicopter bike, Bob Jackson frame (to be restored?) plus a never ending stream of neglected waifs from the Bike exchange.
Likes: 0
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246 Posts
for the last few weeks I have been repairing water damage on my 1965 Shasta Compact travel trailer.
When I bought it 14 years ago it needed substantial work done to it. When I was done I had completely disassembled it down to the trailer frame and completely rebuilt it, this time with a custom interior. I did the wood framing first , followed by re installing the original (repainted) exterior alluminum sheathing, door, and windows, and resealing the roof vent and the molding covering the joint between the rooof and walls.
In a reverse from how it was originally built, I installed the interior paneling last, then the cabinetry. This allowed me to do all the rot repair, consisting reframing a portion of the roof and the wall over the door, from the inside.
I am now iin the final stage of replacing the trim that hides the joints in the plywood paneling.
In order to do all this I had to move most of my tools and "junk" from my 4x8 work table so I could cut paneling and repaint it .
Now that I am about finished I can re junkify my garage and get back to restoring funky old bicycles.
I have enjoyed my trailer for many years now, taking it to Burning Man every year since 2016 and will do so again this year.
I will be working again at the event with the Gate, Perimeter, and Exodus crew at Gate, Apex, and probably Airport, working mostly Build week.
Hopefully some of you will make it to the event. If you do, come on by the Black Hole Bar for a drink. I go by 'Wrecking Ball' at the event.
When I bought it 14 years ago it needed substantial work done to it. When I was done I had completely disassembled it down to the trailer frame and completely rebuilt it, this time with a custom interior. I did the wood framing first , followed by re installing the original (repainted) exterior alluminum sheathing, door, and windows, and resealing the roof vent and the molding covering the joint between the rooof and walls.
In a reverse from how it was originally built, I installed the interior paneling last, then the cabinetry. This allowed me to do all the rot repair, consisting reframing a portion of the roof and the wall over the door, from the inside.
I am now iin the final stage of replacing the trim that hides the joints in the plywood paneling.
In order to do all this I had to move most of my tools and "junk" from my 4x8 work table so I could cut paneling and repaint it .
Now that I am about finished I can re junkify my garage and get back to restoring funky old bicycles.
I have enjoyed my trailer for many years now, taking it to Burning Man every year since 2016 and will do so again this year.
I will be working again at the event with the Gate, Perimeter, and Exodus crew at Gate, Apex, and probably Airport, working mostly Build week.
Hopefully some of you will make it to the event. If you do, come on by the Black Hole Bar for a drink. I go by 'Wrecking Ball' at the event.
#7778
Full Member
Join Date: Jul 2023
Location: Idaho, USA
Posts: 320
Bikes: Aluminum and Steel
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214 Posts
On the home stretch for one project. So I decided to check a few things for the next bike project. I checked the frame with a string. It’s straight. I swapped out an axle spacer to fit the dropout of this bike. Looks like I get to learn all about wheel dish. I know what it is but I have zero experience.
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“Ride like the wind boy! Ride like the wind…”
-The Voice inside my head, circa 1982
“Ride like the wind boy! Ride like the wind…”
-The Voice inside my head, circa 1982
#7779
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Location: London
Posts: 564
Bikes: Motobecane C41, Matsu$hita Nashonaru
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254 Posts
That's a very eclectic mix of parts.
#7780
1991 PBP Anciens
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Elburn, Illannoy
Posts: 725
Bikes: 1954 Robin Hood, 1964 Dunelt, 1968 Raleigh Superbe, 1969 Robin Hood, 197? Gitane, 1973 Raleigh SuperCourse, 1981 Miyata 710, 1990 Miyata 600GT, 2007 Rivendell Bleriot
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190 Posts
Due to lack of conscious preventative maintenance on my part, it was Carburetor Rebuild Day for my pressure washer.
Carb, itself, was easy. Getting it off and back on the Tecumseh engine was a job.
Carb, itself, was easy. Getting it off and back on the Tecumseh engine was a job.
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#7781
only here for the "LIKES"
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: squirrel cage of anxiety and delusion
Posts: 483
Likes: 0
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1,084 Posts
A while back, one of my machinist friends made me a press plate which allows me to support the housing of a Phil Wood bottom bracket, while being able to press out the axle and bearing.
I figured it was about time to try it out. I recently picked up a Phil bb that is going to work for what I want it for. I was just going to remove the seals, clean and re-grease, but someone before me had made a mess of the seals, and I just happened to have the correct sized bearings in my parts stash, so I figured why not...
disassembled
reassembled
I figured it was about time to try it out. I recently picked up a Phil bb that is going to work for what I want it for. I was just going to remove the seals, clean and re-grease, but someone before me had made a mess of the seals, and I just happened to have the correct sized bearings in my parts stash, so I figured why not...
disassembled
reassembled
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#7782
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Michigan USA
Posts: 1,057
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes.
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498 Posts
On the home stretch for one project. So I decided to check a few things for the next bike project. I checked the frame with a string. It’s straight. I swapped out an axle spacer to fit the dropout of this bike. Looks like I get to learn all about wheel dish. I know what it is but I have zero experience.
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#7783
Henderson, NV
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Henderson/Las Vegas NV
Posts: 671
Bikes: Trek Alpha 3700, GT STS DH, Raleigh Grand Prix, Fisher Montare, Fisher CR-7, Fisher Aquila, Diamondback Sorrento, The Bike Beat Revolution, KHS XC 504R
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369 Posts
Picking up parts tomorrow for a new project. I'm thinking for a 26" BMX style cruiser
Ukai 26 x 2.125 HE Blue anodized rims. Unknown hubs at this time.
Ukai 26 x 2.125 HE Blue anodized rims. Unknown hubs at this time.
Last edited by Desert Ryder; 04-15-24 at 09:58 PM.
#7785
Steel is real
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Not far from Paris
Posts: 2,460
Bikes: 1992Giant Tourer,1992MeridaAlbon,1996Scapin,1998KonaKilaueua,1993Peugeot Prestige,1991RaleighTeamZ(to be upgraded),1998 Jamis Dragon,1992CTWallis(to be built),1998VettaTeam,1995Coppi(to be built),1993Grandis(to be built)
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848 Posts
Perhaps the first time that it was a headache to install a race face bottom bracket that I had to use adjustable pliers, lots of grease and a cloth. Not very pretty but I managed to get it done
#7786
1991 PBP Anciens
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Elburn, Illannoy
Posts: 725
Bikes: 1954 Robin Hood, 1964 Dunelt, 1968 Raleigh Superbe, 1969 Robin Hood, 197? Gitane, 1973 Raleigh SuperCourse, 1981 Miyata 710, 1990 Miyata 600GT, 2007 Rivendell Bleriot
Liked 498 Times
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190 Posts
Mistakes were made by getting rid of my old Troy-Bilt garden tractor last year yet keeping the tow behind lawn equipment. The zero turn mower, while the catsass in mowing the lawn in one third the time of the old tractor, has an engine between my arm and the levers to raise, lower, or stop the equipment. I can't reach it. So I threw together an extension handle using metal from my experience pile, hack saws, a drill press and stick welder. Right now, it looks like hell, but functional AND removable. A few more holes to drill to finish it then will post embarrassing pics.
#7787
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 3,556
Bikes: 1984 Miyata 310, 1986 Schwinn Sierra, 2011 Jamis Quest, 1980 Peugeot TH8 Tandem, 1992 Performance Parabola, 1987 Ross Mt. Hood, 1988 Schwinn LeTour, 1988 Trek 400T, 1981 Fuji S12-S LTD, 197? FW Evans
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605 Posts
Mistakes were made by getting rid of my old Troy-Bilt garden tractor last year yet keeping the tow behind lawn equipment. The zero turn mower, while the catsass in mowing the lawn in one third the time of the old tractor, has an engine between my arm and the levers to raise, lower, or stop the equipment. I can't reach it. So I threw together an extension handle using metal from my experience pile, hack saws, a drill press and stick welder. Right now, it looks like hell, but functional AND removable. A few more holes to drill to finish it then will post embarrassing pics.
Likes For Pompiere:
#7788
1991 PBP Anciens
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Elburn, Illannoy
Posts: 725
Bikes: 1954 Robin Hood, 1964 Dunelt, 1968 Raleigh Superbe, 1969 Robin Hood, 197? Gitane, 1973 Raleigh SuperCourse, 1981 Miyata 710, 1990 Miyata 600GT, 2007 Rivendell Bleriot
Liked 498 Times
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190 Posts
It was for that reason that I removed the trailer hitch when I got my zero turn mower. I was never going to use it, plus it stuck out about 4 inches. You couldn't see the hitch from the seat, so eventually, I would have hit something with it while operating in tight quarters. I still have the tractor for other duties.
Hind sight being 20/20, I should have held on to the tractor but it was 25 years old, came with the house when we bought it, and kept outside. It was a haven for wasps, the seat was always wet, and also doubled as a mosquito fogger. It was a PITA to get out when it would get stuck in a ditch, too. It would get stuck no matter how I approached the ditch.
#7789
Cantilever believer
This came in on a regular customer's bike yesterday at the co-op. Upon seeing it, I pronounced it "Honorable Mention - Practical Modern Sculpture". He thought it was a perfect description. Helped him replace it, and the front shifts smoothly again.
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Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
#7790
Old age cyclist
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 141
Bikes: Motobecane Grand Record, Motobecane Super Mirage (3x5 speeds), Motobecane Mirage, Atala (unknown model), Peugeot mixte frame Tourist and Schwinn Sport. A bunch more kids bikes. Most recently a Trek Verve One, tricked up for serious touring.
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39 Posts
Any idea how that happened?
#7791
Cantilever believer
Sometimes, it's best not to ask. But knowing the owner's skills as a raconteur, we'd probably get some sort of explanation involving an escaped lion or fending off crazed Taylor Swift fans.
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Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
#7793
Cantilever believer
I recently purchased two more Park Y spoke wrenches - the beefier new design seems less prone to failure than earlier versions.
The only minor drawback is the size numbers are very small. So I put durable colored tape (actually beaded retroreflective sheeting) on each size corresponding to the Park color code. I have a couple of these already tagged in such a manner, and it speeds the truing/building process considerably.
The only minor drawback is the size numbers are very small. So I put durable colored tape (actually beaded retroreflective sheeting) on each size corresponding to the Park color code. I have a couple of these already tagged in such a manner, and it speeds the truing/building process considerably.
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Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
#7794
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Utah
Posts: 9,013
Bikes: Paletti,Pinarello Monviso,Duell Vienna,Giordana XL Super,Lemond Maillot Juane.& custom,PDG Paramount,Fuji Opus III,Davidson Impulse,Pashley Guv'nor,Evans,Fishlips,Y-Foil,Softride, Tetra Pro, CAAD8 Optimo,
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2,009 Posts
Finally got back to the Miele after work today. Cabled it up and put on a new 9 speed chain and pretty much dialed it in. Hopefully tomorrow I can get the bars wrapped and it will be pretty much ready to ride. Still need to get a couple of bottle cages for it though.
I went more modern with the idea that this will probably be one I ride in the rotation for a year or two and then pass on.
I went more modern with the idea that this will probably be one I ride in the rotation for a year or two and then pass on.
__________________
Steel is real...and comfy.
Steel is real...and comfy.
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#7795
Old age cyclist
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 141
Bikes: Motobecane Grand Record, Motobecane Super Mirage (3x5 speeds), Motobecane Mirage, Atala (unknown model), Peugeot mixte frame Tourist and Schwinn Sport. A bunch more kids bikes. Most recently a Trek Verve One, tricked up for serious touring.
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39 Posts
As supportive as my wife of 50 years is, she would KILL ME if I brought my bike into the living room!
Yours looks in repose in yours.
Yours looks in repose in yours.
#7796
Henderson, NV
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Henderson/Las Vegas NV
Posts: 671
Bikes: Trek Alpha 3700, GT STS DH, Raleigh Grand Prix, Fisher Montare, Fisher CR-7, Fisher Aquila, Diamondback Sorrento, The Bike Beat Revolution, KHS XC 504R
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369 Posts
Started piecing it together. I'm calling this an "economy build" BMX cruiser.
I plans: Remove the multi speed and install a single speed freewheel.
Change stem to 4 bolt BMX stem. Install higher rise BMX handlebars.
Change 3 ring crank to single.
I plans: Remove the multi speed and install a single speed freewheel.
Change stem to 4 bolt BMX stem. Install higher rise BMX handlebars.
Change 3 ring crank to single.
#7797
Not lost wanderer.
Old Schwinn Le Tour a lady friend of mine wanted a more upright posture. Got rid of the chrome wheels because of rust and simplified the shifting, nice ride.
Cleaned a bunch of garage dirt first.
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72 Geoffery Butler, 72 Guficatizion Witcomb, 72 Raleigh Gran Sport SS, 73 Raleigh Super Course dingle speed, 74 Raleigh international, 81 Centurion Pro-Tour, 74 Gugie Grandier Sportier, 85 Gazelle Primeur, 29rBMX, Surley Steamroller 650b
72 Geoffery Butler, 72 Guficatizion Witcomb, 72 Raleigh Gran Sport SS, 73 Raleigh Super Course dingle speed, 74 Raleigh international, 81 Centurion Pro-Tour, 74 Gugie Grandier Sportier, 85 Gazelle Primeur, 29rBMX, Surley Steamroller 650b
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#7798
Cantilever believer
What am I wrenching on at the moment?
Plus a middle-of-the-night urgent care trip for a family member. To be honest, I'd much rather be working on a bike.
But since I was out in the backyard, I continued cooking a batch of gunky shifters I started last night. So I got something bike-related done...
Plus a middle-of-the-night urgent care trip for a family member. To be honest, I'd much rather be working on a bike.
But since I was out in the backyard, I continued cooking a batch of gunky shifters I started last night. So I got something bike-related done...
__________________
Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
#7799
Happy With My Bikes
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 2,487
Bikes: Hi-Ten bike boomers, a Trek Domane and some projects
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1,282 Posts
Not vintage, but a necessary task. Bottom bracket service, chain and cassette cleaning and lube, brake inspection, and a wash and wax. And call me a luddite if you want, while press fit bottom brackets are easier to work on than threaded cups and loose balls, I don't think they are as durable.
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"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
#7800
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2024
Location: San Diego
Posts: 1,225
Bikes: Columbine, Paramount Track Bike, Colnago Super, Santana Tandems (1995 & 2007), Gary Fisher Piranha, Trek Wahoo, Bianchi Track Bike, a couple of Honda mountain bikes
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271 Posts
Not vintage, but a necessary task. Bottom bracket service, chain and cassette cleaning and lube, brake inspection, and a wash and wax. And call me a luddite if you want, while press fit bottom brackets are easier to work on than threaded cups and loose balls, I don't think they are as durable.
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Cheers, Mike
-Stupid hurts....ride safe
Cheers, Mike
-Stupid hurts....ride safe
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