Welp, work on the 10 speed has begun in earnest. I have it all torn apart, which counts for something. I have yet to connect with the dude in Wicker Park who restores these things. I have a race this weekend and we're planning on a multi-day ride next weekend (on my Trek touring bike mind you...not this thing), so I my time for TLC with this thing is somewhat limited. No matter. Rome wasn't built in a day right?
(as an aside, I was in Moline Illinois this weekend and while scoring various John Deere pieces of propaganda, I came to find out there is in fact a surplus leftover of these bikes. In other words, you could theoretically buy a brand new 1971 John Deere 10 Speed if you have the right connections...but what'd be the fun in that?)
So when I picked this up, I actually thought that back guard was brass. Some steel wool action revealed that it is a chrome piece (although in serious need of some help). Those spokes are in pretty sorry shape (you'll note one is missing entirely). I don't really know any efficient way to shine them up. Any ideas? Obviously one will need to be replaced and that will sort of ruin the patina effect the others have. I'll see what he'd charge just to replace all of them (I imagine it'd border on prohibitively expensive on the premise that it'd just be stupid to sink that kind of cash into a rim like this). Luckily I have a line on some tires like those in the pic, so I can keep the side-wall action. Nice.
So this actually wasn't in as sorry of shape as I thought it'd be. The actual crank is pretty much ready to roll just as it is. The gears and the drive-train is another story (You'll note the chain is still there...I didn't have a bolt cutter handy). All that will need to be re-chromed.
So as you can see, the frame desperately needs a fresh coat of black paint unless I'm going to try to pawn the scheme off as gray. However, as mentioned, the decals themselves are perfect...not really faded at all. I haven't tracked down a surplus place that still has these yet, but to be honest, I haven't really started looking either
So the handlebars are actually in pretty good shape. The brakes will need to be tightened, but all in all, save for a few minor spots, this is fairly usable.
Another decal specimen. This one is crucial...what with the Made in Taiwan moniker. This bike was originally more of a matte/satin black, and I'm thinking of spraying it in a more modern glossy black (none of that metal flake though...as that'd just be silly).
So contrary to what people have suspected, this isn't actually a Brooks saddle. It's just a brown vinyl thing. Looks pretty good, but as you can see that seatpost is almost a lost cause. I mean really...why bother when these things are a dime-a-dozen?
So that's where things stand here. I oiled/cleaned up that Free Spirit in Marley's garage. Aside from a new set of tires, we're pretty much ready to dance with that one. Pics forthcoming.