My father received my Grandfather’s Centurion Elite RS years ago and was planning to restore it, but years passed and it kept sitting in the shed. I asked if I decided to restore it, could it be mine and he said yes. I’ve loved restoration videos for years, but have never done anything like this before. My goal with this restoration is to bring it back to life without changing it’s overall appearance (like sandblasting and repainting). There are many different areas I would really appreciate some feedback on and suggestions. 1.) There is rust. I’ve used some vinegar already and scrubbed parts with coke and aluminum foil. But there are some darker marks (which you can really see on the handlebars). My plan right now is to get various grits of sandpaper, wire wool, and a small variable rotary tool to help sand and polish. Is this the right path to take? 2.) I’m trying to get the crank arms off, but need a crank removal tool, but I’m uncertain which one to get. 3.) Any suggestions on how to clean the various small mechanical parts? A steamer with degreaser spray and soap/water?
I would like to keep this all pretty cheap, but I’m willing to spend in areas I need to spend. I would love to show my Grandpa his old bike come to life and being used again. Thanks in advance!
by theawkwardbeing
2 Comments
I think the best way to clean superficial rust from chrome is the finest steel wool (0000) and WD 40. It glides over the chrome and hangs on to the rust. If the rust has loosened the chrome, nothing puts it back on. You can sand the steel to a shiny surface and keep it oiled.
For corroded alloy (aluminum) I use green Scotchbrite. It makes a satin finish that can be polished or left satin.
That’s a Japanese Industry Standard (JIS) crank and you can get a crank extractor for very little money on ebay (under $10).
You should start by washing the frame with dish soap and warm water.
That’s a nice bike and will clean up nice.
Do one thing at a time.
Looks like an awesome project!!!
You will need a square taper crank puller to get the cranks off: https://www.parktool.com/en-us/product/crank-puller-for-square-taper-cranks-ccp-22