Three Tips for Restoring Your Bike

Whether you have your childhood BMX bike or you found some cool wheels at a yard sale, fixing it up is all about the preparation. I have done quite a few bikes and while they aren't factory correct when I'm done, they sure look better than when I found them. Making an old, cuddy-looking BMX or other bike shine again is very gratifying, and it's a fun hobby to boot. Let's check out some tips that make the job a better one.



Paint removal: If you plan on painting your old BMX or other bike, it's very important to get all the old paint off of the frame, handlebars and forks (and anything else you may want to paint that already has a coat on it). There are several acceptable methods, but I use the old elbow-grease way: implementing a wire wheel on a drill for the big stuff, and sandpaper, wire brushes and a Dremel for the small portions. The key here is to remove *all* the paint, and get the bike down to bare frame everywhere you possibly can. If you just get the big stuff but leave a lot of little things behind, the bike is going to show it when it's repainted. Trust me on that one.



Handgrip Removal: If you've ever tried to get a set of these buggers off after they've been attached for 20 years or more, then you know what a fun job it can be. What I do is pry up the inner portion of the grip carefully with a long, flat-blade screwdriver. Then I either squirt in water or glass cleaner (but I'm sure WD-40 or anything else would work, I just don't like to get stuff lubed up that much because then you just have to remove it) and slowly work the screwdriver to the other end of the grip, squirting in liquid intermittently. Once you have made it to the outer end, try to rotate the grip. If it'll turn, it'll come off. If the thing won't budge, try the same method on the other side of the grip, and work your way around until it comes off. If you *do not* wish to save the grips for later use, simply cut them off with a carpet razor or sharp knife. Done.



Pedal Removal: Unless you have a really odd set of pedals, they come off using the same 15mm wrench that the wheels do. That is standard on most bikes, especially older ones. The right one comes off like normal, with a lefty-loosey type thing. The left pedal, however, must be turned in the opposite direction. It is designed this way to keep them from becoming loose when pedaling. So to remove the left pedal, turn the wrench like you are tightening it instead, and I'll come off. Depending on the condition of the pedals and crank, you may want to use a lubricant like penetrating oil or PB Blaster before removal, and let it soak in a while. They can be a bear if they've been on there a while and have been subjected to the elements.