The new bottom bracket has been installed. And surprisingly, I actually had the correct tool to install it. I didn’t have to order a tool or go to the local shop to have them install it. Finally, success without intervention.
The front hub came apart easily, and after cleaning and inspection, the cone, cup, and bearings look great. Added fresh grease, reassembled, and adjusted the preload. Installed the front tube and tire. Actually, I installed it twice. I paid attention to the rotation arrow, and lined up the label with the valve, but I didn’t have the label on the hub reading from the right direction. I realized I would always see that and get irritated at myself over it, so I just took the tire off and flopped it the other way and it’s ready to go. Wow, that seems almost over-the-top just reading it – but it’s just a few minutes of my time and paying attention to the details is part of the pride in a job done well.
There is a lot of clearance for a wider tire up front. That’s good to know, since I’m considering changing to 700c rims and wider tires in the future. Looking at the clearance in the back, there is a lot of clearance there too. The dimpled chainstays definitely increase the width of the tire that the frame can handle.
The rear hub, however, is a different story to the front hub. It came apart easily enough, but the results weren’t nearly as good. Both cones are pitted, and there was some corrosion on the axle itself. The cups in the hub look OK, but they will need a brushing with a brass brush in a dremel tool to clean them up properly. I’m hoping that I can save the hub and that I can find replacement cones. I may have to pick up a used hub as a donor, but there’s no guarantee that those cones will be in better shape. Still, it’s worth a try. Disappointing considering the condition of the rest of the bike, but that’s the C&V game. Frustrating sometimes, but the enjoyment of riding a 29 year old bike that is literally better than new is worth it to me.
The updated tally for parts I hadn’t planned on is:
a new chain
a new bottom bracket
a new headset
replacement rear hub cones and bearing balls
I’ve ordered the replacement bearing balls. It would be really dumb to replace the cones and then damage them because I didn’t replace the balls.
I headed over to the local bike shop to get the new headset installed and see if they have cones that will work. A successful trip – headset installed, and cones found. Now I just have to wait for the balls to be delivered and I can reassemble the rear hub.
Getting closer to the maiden voyage.