What have you been wrenching on lately?
#7776
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Near Pottstown, PA: 30 miles NW of Philadelphia
Posts: 2,233
Bikes: 2 Trek Mtn, Cannondale R600 road, 6 vintage road bikes
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Not so much wrenching, but a big day. Rights of spring. Wrenching this winter involved two big projects. Frame up rebuild of my ShopSmith MkV and troubleshooting and fix of a Honda tracked snowblower. Both projects looked pretty intimidating with parts and fasteners all over they place with great uncertainty on success. But both were a success, leaving the shop/machine room a mess. So yesterday was the first day mowing grass for the season, straightening out the machine room then bringing the "good bikes" down from the loft. Oh, what joy to see the line up ready to play in the warm air.
Schwinn Voyageur, Raleigh Professional, Nishiki International, Crescent Pepita, Fuji TSIII and my "Ersatz Gran Prix". And Toro commercial mower. Nice line up. Usually the Gran Prix would go back up into the loft for the summer but I may take that to ride in New Hampshire this year. I could almost hear them arguing: "me first! NO, me first! Scab! Me FIRST"
Schwinn Voyageur, Raleigh Professional, Nishiki International, Crescent Pepita, Fuji TSIII and my "Ersatz Gran Prix". And Toro commercial mower. Nice line up. Usually the Gran Prix would go back up into the loft for the summer but I may take that to ride in New Hampshire this year. I could almost hear them arguing: "me first! NO, me first! Scab! Me FIRST"
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#7777
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SF Bay Area, East bay
Posts: 7,971
Bikes: Miyata 618 GT, Marinoni, Kestral 200, Soma double cross 2002 Trek 5200, KHS Flite, Koga Miyata, Schwinn Spitfire 5, Mondia Special, Univega Alpina, Miyata team Ti, Santa Cruz Highball, Waterford rs11
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Reversed another bottom bracket on a garbage save. Always makes me wonder how much trouble the last guy had putting that in.
#7778
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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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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#7779
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.
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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.
#7780
Full Member
Join Date: Jul 2023
Location: Idaho, USA
Posts: 317
Bikes: Aluminum and Steel
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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
#7781
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Location: London
Posts: 564
Bikes: Motobecane C41, Matsu$hita Nashonaru
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That's a very eclectic mix of parts.
#7782
1991 PBP Anciens
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Elburn, Illannoy
Posts: 719
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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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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#7783
only here for the "LIKES"
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: squirrel cage of anxiety and delusion
Posts: 483
Likes: 0
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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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#7784
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Michigan USA
Posts: 1,052
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes.
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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. Its 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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#7785
Henderson, NV
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Henderson/Las Vegas NV
Posts: 664
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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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.
#7787
Steel is real
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Not far from Paris
Posts: 2,428
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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834 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
#7788
1991 PBP Anciens
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Elburn, Illannoy
Posts: 719
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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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.
#7789
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 3,554
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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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.
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#7790
1991 PBP Anciens
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Elburn, Illannoy
Posts: 719
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 488 Times
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186 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.
#7791
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
#7792
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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Any idea how that happened?
#7793
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
#7795
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
#7796
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Utah
Posts: 9,007
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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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.
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Steel is real...and comfy.
Steel is real...and comfy.
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#7797
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.
#7798
Henderson, NV
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Henderson/Las Vegas NV
Posts: 664
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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366 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.
#7799
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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#7800
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...
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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