Finally - Motobecane Grand Record restomod
#1
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Finally - Motobecane Grand Record restomod
Hi, all. Here's the Grand Record (1976, I think?) that I've been working on for the last couple of months. (C&V has been a great help!) It was my father-in-law's, he bought it from the original owner in the early 80's. He lives by the ocean, so it was covered in terrible surface rust. Since it needed a paint job, I decided to go with my own, non-Motobecane, color scheme, but in a similar pattern with the contrasting head and seat tubes. I had it blasted and repainted at the Color Factory, here in NJ. I lined the lugs myself with a gold Sharpie paint pen.
I rode it a bit today finally, but there are a few more things to do:
- rear wheel could use a rebuild. I have spokes on the way, going to reuse the Super Champion rim and Campy hub
- both hubs seem to spin well, but I'll rebuild those too
- saddle has a lot of wear from being left out in the weather, likely will replace with a B17
- may replace the crankset with a wider range double at some point - it's hilly here!
- the Stronglight headset toothed washer is cracked - it works, but may replace down the line
Besides a lot of polishing tiny bits of hardware, I've also done this:
- handlebars replaced with Nitto Noodles
- SOMA Faux Leather bar tape (not sure if I like this or not)
- downtube shifters (they were Shimano!) replaced with SunTour barcons
- brake levers replaced with Tektro RRL
- stem replaced with Nitto Technomic, partially sanded down to 22mm
- tires replaced with Pasela 27x1-1/4s
- replaced the very rusty brake cable guides
- converted the Nuovo Record rear derailleur to long cage with the SOMA kit
- seized freewheel replaced with IRD 13-32 5 speed (quality does not seem commensurate with price, but it works)
- new cables and housing all around. I did save the old shift housing, but I'm using new compressionless housing for now
- pedals replaced with MKS
ANYWAY - here are some pictures:
Before view:
Close-up of the surface rust:
After:
I rode it a bit today finally, but there are a few more things to do:
- rear wheel could use a rebuild. I have spokes on the way, going to reuse the Super Champion rim and Campy hub
- both hubs seem to spin well, but I'll rebuild those too
- saddle has a lot of wear from being left out in the weather, likely will replace with a B17
- may replace the crankset with a wider range double at some point - it's hilly here!
- the Stronglight headset toothed washer is cracked - it works, but may replace down the line
Besides a lot of polishing tiny bits of hardware, I've also done this:
- handlebars replaced with Nitto Noodles
- SOMA Faux Leather bar tape (not sure if I like this or not)
- downtube shifters (they were Shimano!) replaced with SunTour barcons
- brake levers replaced with Tektro RRL
- stem replaced with Nitto Technomic, partially sanded down to 22mm
- tires replaced with Pasela 27x1-1/4s
- replaced the very rusty brake cable guides
- converted the Nuovo Record rear derailleur to long cage with the SOMA kit
- seized freewheel replaced with IRD 13-32 5 speed (quality does not seem commensurate with price, but it works)
- new cables and housing all around. I did save the old shift housing, but I'm using new compressionless housing for now
- pedals replaced with MKS
ANYWAY - here are some pictures:
Before view:
Close-up of the surface rust:
After:
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#2
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That's a fine job and a fine looking bike. That's a wet paint job, right? I really like the green and cream. I have a Witcomb with an ugly paint job and I'm thinking of using a similar color scheme (likely British racing green with white).
Yeah that's too bad about the IRD freewheel. I've heard less than stellar things about it as well. At least it has modern tooth profile so hopefully the shifting is decent.
I've been riding my '72-'73 Moto Grand Record but the paint job has crackled. I'm jealous of your spiffy paint job!
Yeah that's too bad about the IRD freewheel. I've heard less than stellar things about it as well. At least it has modern tooth profile so hopefully the shifting is decent.
I've been riding my '72-'73 Moto Grand Record but the paint job has crackled. I'm jealous of your spiffy paint job!
#3
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Hella handsome.
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1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 197? Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1971 Raleigh International, 1970 Raleigh Professional Mark I
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 197? Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1971 Raleigh International, 1970 Raleigh Professional Mark I
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
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#4
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Thanks and yep! I painted an old GT Timberline last year with spray.bike and, after spending $100 on paint and hours on prep, I wasn't happy with the durability. Given the family history, I figured this deserved a pro job. Bead blast + DuPont Imron wasn't too bad - around $200.
Last edited by cb400bill; 04-02-21 at 07:36 AM.
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#6
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Wow, that's beautiful! Someone recently recommended Color Factory to me for an upcoming paint project I have, and I will consider it for that or a different project. Really a great result, and the color combo is very tasteful. Looks like a Rivendell the way you've built it up.
#8
Senior Member
That’s gorgeous and the paint sounds like a bargain. Your color choices are great.
Have you treated the saddle? It looks a bit dry.
I agree the bar tape is the one questionable part. Something like tan cloth with amber shellac would match the saddle pretty well and give it a more vintage look.
Have you treated the saddle? It looks a bit dry.
I agree the bar tape is the one questionable part. Something like tan cloth with amber shellac would match the saddle pretty well and give it a more vintage look.
#9
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Thread Starter
That’s gorgeous and the paint sounds like a bargain. Your color choices are great.
Have you treated the saddle? It looks a bit dry.
I agree the bar tape is the one questionable part. Something like tan cloth with amber shellac would match the saddle pretty well and give it a more vintage look.
Have you treated the saddle? It looks a bit dry.
I agree the bar tape is the one questionable part. Something like tan cloth with amber shellac would match the saddle pretty well and give it a more vintage look.
#10
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Beautiful paint work! The rest of the build is classy too.
#11
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The 2-tone color is very nice...
I have a Moto Grand Record just like the 1st pic you posted (silver & black). I've dated mine to be a '74 model, but it might me a later model...? I bought it new in '79 as a frame only. For me, there was no way of checking the components used w/in the 74-76 years. Took my time & slowly built it mostly w/ Campy SR parts...
Recently, turned into an 8-sp.
I have a Moto Grand Record just like the 1st pic you posted (silver & black). I've dated mine to be a '74 model, but it might me a later model...? I bought it new in '79 as a frame only. For me, there was no way of checking the components used w/in the 74-76 years. Took my time & slowly built it mostly w/ Campy SR parts...
Recently, turned into an 8-sp.
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#13
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Wow, utterly stunning. This could give any Rivendell a run for its money.
#14
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Nice job! I really like the seventies Motobecanes. I am building a 1980 Grand Sprint that I recently got back from the powder paint guy. It is a really nice burnt orange that he matched to the original paint. I ordered seventies decals for it , I really didn't like the graphics for the 1980 model. I am going with Campagnolo NR components and running 27" wheels I think. I only paid $20 for the bike without wheels so I am taking creative measures to personalize it. I love the color of your bike and the paint job looks terrific. You got a very good deal on the paint.
#16
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Thread Starter
The 2-tone color is very nice...
I have a Moto Grand Record just like the 1st pic you posted (silver & black). I've dated mine to be a '74 model, but it might me a later model...? I bought it new in '79 as a frame only. For me, there was no way of checking the components used w/in the 74-76 years. Took my time & slowly built it mostly w/ Campy SR parts...
Recently, turned into an 8-sp.
I have a Moto Grand Record just like the 1st pic you posted (silver & black). I've dated mine to be a '74 model, but it might me a later model...? I bought it new in '79 as a frame only. For me, there was no way of checking the components used w/in the 74-76 years. Took my time & slowly built it mostly w/ Campy SR parts...
Recently, turned into an 8-sp.
How did your 8 speed conversion go? I'm ok with 10 speed in theory, but would really like a lower gearing than the 42-32 I have. I'm used to having a much lower gear on my newer bikes.
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#18
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That is OUTSTANDING! Like others have said, bike nerds that see you on the street are going to think you're rocking a Rivendell. If you don't like the bar tape, maybe look into some Brooks leather tape? Also, I'd put some clear protective tape on the sides of your head tube to protect that gorgeous paint job from the adjusters rubbing up against it.
#19
Senior Member
Beautiful. I was going to say something about the fork but it appears some of them were quite steep and straight.
#20
Senior Member
I already had a Sachs 8-sp 12-26 freewheel, a Chorus 8-sp RD & Sedis SL chain.
Was going to use 90’s Campy DT index shifters but there were no braze-on bosses on the Moto. So, the shifters went on another bike. Instead, I managed to cobble part of the previous Campy clamp-on shifters so I could attach a set of Suntour Accushift DT Shifters which are supposed to be 7-sp, but somehow, I can access all 8 speeds out of them...?
I happened to see a Specialties TA 41 tooth chainring for sale on eBay & I installed it in place of the 42.
Turned out to be a easy conversion, giving me, a more useable set of gears since I hadn’t ridden the bike for quite awhile. I usually ride other bikes w/ brifters...
Last edited by 1 Lugnut; 04-02-21 at 08:14 PM.
#21
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Thread Starter
The conversion to 8-sp was pretty simple if I recall. The d//o spacing was opened up years ago due to running a 6-sp Campy Alum freewheel.
I already had a Sachs 8-so 12-26 freewheel, a Chorus 8-sp RD & Sedis SL chain.
Was going to use 90’s Campy DT index shifters but there were no braze-on bosses on the Moto. So, the shifters went on another bike. Instead, I managed to cobble part of the previous Campy clamp-on shifters so I could attach a set of Suntour Accushift DT Shifters which are supposed to be 7-so, but somehow, I can access 8 speeds out of them...?
I also happened to see a Specialties TA 41tooth chainring on eBay & I installed it in place of the 42..
Turned out to be a easy conversion giving me a more useable set of gears since I hadn’t ridden the bike for quite awhile. I usually ride other bikes w/ brifters...
I already had a Sachs 8-so 12-26 freewheel, a Chorus 8-sp RD & Sedis SL chain.
Was going to use 90’s Campy DT index shifters but there were no braze-on bosses on the Moto. So, the shifters went on another bike. Instead, I managed to cobble part of the previous Campy clamp-on shifters so I could attach a set of Suntour Accushift DT Shifters which are supposed to be 7-so, but somehow, I can access 8 speeds out of them...?
I also happened to see a Specialties TA 41tooth chainring on eBay & I installed it in place of the 42..
Turned out to be a easy conversion giving me a more useable set of gears since I hadn’t ridden the bike for quite awhile. I usually ride other bikes w/ brifters...
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#22
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You did a fine job! Where in New Jersey are you?
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#23
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#24
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Fantastic! Moto GR is close to my heart since I rode one across the continent in 1976.
The TA Pro 5-vis "Cyclotouriste" would be a logical choice, if keeping in the spirit of the original is important. That would go right onto your existing BB spindle, and you'd really only need the right crank — the left is identical between those two cranksets.
Keep an eye out for a CLB centerpull housing stop hanger with the teeth built in. Not really better than other options, just cool and trick IMHO. Note, the one in the linked pic has been polished by the owner, they're a bit rougher as-delivered (but not bad). Take care when shopping for one because they also made them smooth on the bottom, no teeth, so look closely.
Alternatively if you just want the original Stronglight part, Wayne Bingham of Velo Classique recently said on the CR list that he has them, $20.
If I may make a suggestion, I think those cages benefit from having the chain a bit longer, so the cage is rotated back or clockwise from where you have it. Puts the upper pulley closer to the cogs for better shifting. Of course if that causes the pulley to hit on the big cog, no clearance, then ignore my advice! Chain too long can also cause the chain to sag in small-small (sorry I know that's obvious, just adding for completeness).
I tried those gum-colored hoods but found they showed dirt, worse than say Campy hoods, and held onto the dirt/stains (i.e. they were hard to wash), so I switched them to black ones. My LBS had spare black hoods in stock! I don't know if they're normally hard to find, haven't looked. That would take care of the odd color match with the tape too, which is a bit off, to my eye, not that anyone should care what I think. I also think with black hoods the levers don't attract as much visual attention to their being anachronistic, not period-correct. I'm not a slave to period-correctness (obviously, if I'm using Tektro levers) but I'll make allowances in that direction on a classic bike. I guess you could say gum colored is more PC, but there's just so much of it — the hoods are enormous compared to the originals.
Mark B
Jealous in Seattle
- the Stronglight headset toothed washer is cracked - it works, but may replace down the line
Alternatively if you just want the original Stronglight part, Wayne Bingham of Velo Classique recently said on the CR list that he has them, $20.
- converted the Nuovo Record rear derailleur to long cage with the SOMA kit
I tried those gum-colored hoods but found they showed dirt, worse than say Campy hoods, and held onto the dirt/stains (i.e. they were hard to wash), so I switched them to black ones. My LBS had spare black hoods in stock! I don't know if they're normally hard to find, haven't looked. That would take care of the odd color match with the tape too, which is a bit off, to my eye, not that anyone should care what I think. I also think with black hoods the levers don't attract as much visual attention to their being anachronistic, not period-correct. I'm not a slave to period-correctness (obviously, if I'm using Tektro levers) but I'll make allowances in that direction on a classic bike. I guess you could say gum colored is more PC, but there's just so much of it — the hoods are enormous compared to the originals.
Mark B
Jealous in Seattle
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#25
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That's a fine job and a fine looking bike. That's a wet paint job, right? I really like the green and cream. I have a Witcomb with an ugly paint job and I'm thinking of using a similar color scheme (likely British racing green with white).
Yeah that's too bad about the IRD freewheel. I've heard less than stellar things about it as well. At least it has modern tooth profile so hopefully the shifting is decent.
I've been riding my '72-'73 Moto Grand Record but the paint job has crackled. I'm jealous of your spiffy paint job!
Yeah that's too bad about the IRD freewheel. I've heard less than stellar things about it as well. At least it has modern tooth profile so hopefully the shifting is decent.
I've been riding my '72-'73 Moto Grand Record but the paint job has crackled. I'm jealous of your spiffy paint job!