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Cleaning up old handlebars

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Cleaning up old handlebars

Old 09-11-18, 07:00 AM
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Cleaning up old handlebars

I have a classic Cinelli handlebar, probably dating back to the 60's which I'd like to sell. Can anyone recommend a method for removing all the sticky gunk that has built up from years of handlebar tape?

Thanks

John
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Old 09-11-18, 07:07 AM
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Acetone works well.
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Old 09-11-18, 07:28 AM
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I cleaned my cinelli bars with wd40. Spray it on after you remove levers and add generous amounts of elbow grease. If you have a plastic scraper, that helps too. Don’t forget to wipe wd40 at the end or tape won’t stick to it.
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Old 09-11-18, 07:43 AM
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Originally Posted by Brofessor
I cleaned my cinelli bars with wd40. Spray it on after you remove levers and add generous amounts of elbow grease. If you have a plastic scraper, that helps too. Don’t forget to wipe wd40 at the end or tape won’t stick to it.
Even better - mineral oil. Cheaper and doesn't leave an oily residue.
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Old 09-11-18, 08:37 AM
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#0000 steel wool and WD40 are what works for me.
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Old 09-11-18, 08:46 AM
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Originally Posted by 2cam16
#0000 steel wool and WD40 are what works for me.
Doesn't steel wool scratch aluminum bars?
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Old 09-11-18, 08:49 AM
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Originally Posted by brandonk
Acetone works well.
...acetone and one of those green scrubby pads from 3M. Wear gloves, it's absorbed through the skin. Do it outside, you don't want to breathe the fumes.
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Old 09-11-18, 09:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Brofessor
Doesn't steel wool scratch aluminum bars?
I haven't had problems with 0000. Besides, for me, the bar tape covers everything.
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Old 09-11-18, 10:08 AM
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I've found wood alcohol effective.
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Old 09-11-18, 10:35 AM
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Thanks, all. I've ordered some acetone of eBay.
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Old 09-11-18, 11:26 AM
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Goo Gone or Goof Off work great. Wear gloves.
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Old 09-11-18, 11:56 AM
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I always use rubbing alcohol, it takes some elbow grease but it works and is cheap. I also use it for normal degreasing as the odor dissipates quickly and I figure its the least toxic, readily available product.
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Old 09-11-18, 01:18 PM
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I am an acetone guy myself , although the fumes and such are VERY unhealthy! I have also used denatured alcohol it just takes a little more time and energy. I don't like using anything abrasive as a lot of handle bars have an anodized finish with a satin texture. I just did a set of 3ttt bars that were once wrapped with sticky cloth tape and left outside for a long time. The glue had turned to a resin and was not coming off with the alcohol , acetone and about 45 minutes and they looked great. Joe
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Old 09-11-18, 01:31 PM
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olive oil and baking soda. a little elbow grease but comes out a treat and no harmful fumes or skin contact. Although if the glue has actually hardened you might need to work harder on it or go for a very mild abrasive like a light auto polisher paste
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Old 09-11-18, 04:56 PM
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Old 09-11-18, 05:08 PM
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Originally Posted by jgwilliams
Thanks, all. I've ordered some acetone of eBay.
...you can get some pretty good reusable vinyl gloves in large and extra large with high cuffs for about 5 bucks at Home Depot. But any latex or vinyl gloves will work.
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Old 09-11-18, 05:18 PM
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Old 09-11-18, 08:29 PM
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Old 09-12-18, 01:24 AM
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Originally Posted by 3alarmer
...you can get some pretty good reusable vinyl gloves in large and extra large with high cuffs for about 5 bucks at Home Depot. But any latex or vinyl gloves will work.
Thanks, but given the cost of crossing the Atlantic to get to Home Depot I think I'll look closer to home.
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Old 09-12-18, 02:48 AM
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Old 09-12-18, 03:05 PM
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Heat. Either a very hot hair dryer or paint remover on the lowest setting, held safely away from the bar to avoid overheating and messing with the heat treatment.
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Old 09-12-18, 04:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Cibi42
olive oil and baking soda. a little elbow grease but comes out a treat and no harmful fumes or skin contact. Although if the glue has actually hardened you might need to work harder on it or go for a very mild abrasive like a light auto polisher paste
This sounds brilliant.
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Old 09-12-18, 04:17 PM
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Originally Posted by jgwilliams
Thanks, but given the cost of crossing the Atlantic to get to Home Depot I think I'll look closer to home.
...I can't believer there's a place on earth without Home Depot. Where do you buy plywood, for gosh sakes ?
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Old 09-13-18, 02:13 AM
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Originally Posted by 3alarmer
...I can't believer there's a place on earth without Home Depot. Where do you buy plywood, for gosh sakes ?
I know, right? We have to struggle by somehow. Though funnily enough if you go to diy.com you get to the British company B & Q - they did well to get that URL..
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Old 09-13-18, 02:37 AM
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Originally Posted by Cibi42
olive oil and baking soda. a little elbow grease but comes out a treat and no harmful fumes or skin contact. Although if the glue has actually hardened you might need to work harder on it or go for a very mild abrasive like a light auto polisher paste
This is a great treatment. Diesel oil is also working well in case glue residue is hardened too much.
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