'86 Raleigh Technium 460 Part 2

Here is the second installment of The Technium Project...

The hoods were dry-rotted, so they had to come off. Then, because I couldn't stand it anymore, I removed the handlebar tape. It was a horrid hot pink/black checkered finish (my apologies to Henry or whomever chose the tape in the first place.) Not exactly my style. The hoods came off easily, of course, but the tape left a sticky residue. I went for the old stand-by Goof-Off. It didn't take long, and the handlebars were looking shiny and new. By the way, I absolutely love the look of those vintage Weinmann (drilled out) brake levers. Totally cool...

My next step was to tackle the front chain ring and derailleur and rear free-wheel and derailleur, the crank, and the chain. They were beyond dirty.

 

I went to my LBS and picked up a crank remover. While I was there, I also ordered the handlebar tape and replacement hoods. I chose a lite gray color for the tape, and black, Cane Creek repro hoods for the brake levers. Even though I wanted to keep the Tech as close to original as possible, I couldn't see spending the extra money on NOS Weinmann hoods.

After I removed the crank and chain ring, I placed the parts in a weak solution of Krud Kutter. It did a wonderful job. They cleaned up nicely. I soaked the chain in the same solution, and it too cleaned up very well. (As an aside, here, I will probably use Mother's Mag on the aluminum parts now that I am done. I think it will do a better job than the Brasso I used.)

 



I then removed the rear derailleur and de-greased and re-greased the gears. It is buttery smooth, now, compared to the condition I found it in. No bearings here, only bushings. (The fight with the bearings comes in the third installment, as I take on the hubs.) Here is a pic of the finished product:

 

I was very lucky, by the way. The cables, and their clear plastic covers, are in excellent condition. I did not have to do anything to them other than clean the covers.

 

At this point, with my fingers, thumbs and forearms aching, my wife insinuated that I loved my Tech more than her. I simply re-directed her gaze to the soft glow of her Ipad and lived to polish another day.

 

Thanks for reading, and please join me for the third installment of The Technium Project.

 

Hickorygrove