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Hello all, apologies for non-MTB content but hopefully you might be able to help.
I am getting into servicing and tinkering with peoples bikes for a bit of extra cash and a friend of a friend has dropped off her old, 70s Dawes Kingpin which has certainly seen better days for a full service.
I am going to need some help as I really much more used to working on newer bikes than something of this vintage!
I don't think she wants a full gutting and cleaning/sanding and is happy to put up with some of the rust.
In which case, the rims are OK and fairly true, will need some sanding (any tips on what kind of paper to use?) to get them shining. The front hub is acceptable. The crankset, pedals and BB is also acceptable with a surprising absence of play and wear on the teeth. The same goes for the headset and stem, perfectly acceptable if you like some cosmetic rust.
I will of course replace tyres, cables, pads etc. and give everything else a damn good fettling...
What however is worrying is the rear wheel and hub (Sturmey Archer 3sp). There is next to no lubrication in it, has probably never been serviced and the freewheel is a joke, it just about coasts but wants to re-engage and turn the pedals all the time, plus shifting is unsurprisingly a pig.
So, my questions are:
-What are my options for rebuilding a new rear wheel? Ideally, I would like to be able to buy a decent condition replacement used one from somewhere but where?
-What size replacement chain do I need/can I get away with using?
-What size seat post are these? I don't have calipers but using ruler estimates a 27.8mm tube would work.
-Tips for sanding down chrome bits
-Tips for re-threading cables through frame eyelets...
Your expertise would be much appreciated!
Harry
SO you want us to tutor you so you can earn money...what's our reward?
In brief:
Don't sand steel rims, they will just rust more. Chrome polish is good.
Parts don't always need replaced just because you are servicing a bike.
There's quite a lot to servicing a 3sp hub, I wouldn't go there if you don't know what you are doing.
1/8" chain but of course you know you may need a new sprocket?
TBH I'd pass it on to a shop as you don't seem to know wnough to charge for servicing...there's more to servicing than external rust and replacing everything...
Don't sue me.
You can clean out the SA hub with petrol, old SA oil really gunks up. Flush it out and replace with light oil.
You can tidy the chrome with proper chrome cleaner on wire wool.
Those old posts often had the size stamped into it, clean it and check.
Tips for re-threading cables through frame eyelets..
You got me there, just put the cables through the holes...maybe?
I doubt you'll find a new seatpost anyway...poss same re. rims etc.
cynic-al - cheers for the head's up. That's right, I don't know enough for servicing these components! Ah, well, happy to have a crack at it, it's not like its a bling bike or anything. I've told her to go to a shop but she wants me to do what I can. She's happy to put up with the gritty hub etc. She's a bit odd and I think she quite likes the look of a semi-knackered bike... It's a friend of a friend and we're on good terms.
As for re-threading cables, the cable routing is inside the downtube, so fiddly as hell. Have bodged something up with fishing line and a BB weight as a pull-through. Did the job.
H
"there's more to servicing than external rust and replacing everything..."
Wha??