Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by ChrisO! on January 28, 2013 at 12:02pm

^ I feel ya; as standards change (viable) parts become frustratingly scarce. When you talk about parts from the 70's and 80's the success rate takes a huuuuge dip. In the past, I've found the best way to get a classic old frame up and running is to cut bait on being "period-correct" and just focus on it running smooth and safe. From there, you can always dress it up with some era appropriate touches like skin/gum-wall tires, leather everywhere and the such.

What kind of frame are you building?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on January 28, 2013 at 12:12pm

Every wed is women and trans night at west town. I'm going next week for a clothing swap but pretty sure you can oick up parts there too.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on January 28, 2013 at 3:02pm

Bike parts are pretty standard; you should be able to use new parts for pretty much anything if you know what to get.

Amanda said:

I have always worked with older bicycles. My dad always tinkers with vintage bicycles. I am working on a vintage bike right now, and I just need to find somewhere where I can find parts for it. I have tried adding newer parts to older bicycles before, and most of the time it just doesn't work. Simple things like changing out the bars, chain, seat, etc are fine, but working with a BB and wheels is where it gets tricky. I thought that if I could find somewhere that carried old parts that I might be able to find something that will work for my build. 

ChrisO! said:

Any reason why you prefer older parts?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Amanda on January 28, 2013 at 4:04pm

Thanks for the heads up. I'll have to keep that in mind when I have some funds I can spend!

Julie Hochstadter said:

Every wed is women and trans night at west town. I'm going next week for a clothing swap but pretty sure you can oick up parts there too.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Amanda on January 28, 2013 at 4:05pm

It's mostly the bottom bracket I'm worried about. Once I find once that will fit my bike, then I can get whatever crank works for it.

notoriousDUG said:

Bike parts are pretty standard; you should be able to use new parts for pretty much anything if you know what to get.

Amanda said:

I have always worked with older bicycles. My dad always tinkers with vintage bicycles. I am working on a vintage bike right now, and I just need to find somewhere where I can find parts for it. I have tried adding newer parts to older bicycles before, and most of the time it just doesn't work. Simple things like changing out the bars, chain, seat, etc are fine, but working with a BB and wheels is where it gets tricky. I thought that if I could find somewhere that carried old parts that I might be able to find something that will work for my build. 

ChrisO! said:

Any reason why you prefer older parts?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Amanda on January 28, 2013 at 4:08pm

I have an old Hawthorne. They used to be sold at Montgumary Wards way back, but its a 26 in wheel size, and some of the parts are odd ball sizes too so it's definitely been a challenge. My last build was converting a Schwinn Continental to a Dixie. That was a walk in the park. I have such a love affair with Schwinns. But this Hawthorne was free from a buddy, so beggars can't be choosers I suppose. Oh we'll, iin the end it all just adds to my learning.

ChrisO! said:

^ I feel ya; as standards change (viable) parts become frustratingly scarce. When you talk about parts from the 70's and 80's the success rate takes a huuuuge dip. In the past, I've found the best way to get a classic old frame up and running is to cut bait on being "period-correct" and just focus on it running smooth and safe. From there, you can always dress it up with some era appropriate touches like skin/gum-wall tires, leather everywhere and the such.

What kind of frame are you building?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Amanda on January 28, 2013 at 4:26pm

I'll have to try working bikes, currently striking out on the Internet.

notoriousDUG said:

Working bikes, West Town Bikes and the internet are your best bet for old stuff.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on January 28, 2013 at 4:33pm

What kind of a bike is it, it should be really easy to find a bottom bracket that will fit it.  Do you know the width of spindle that you need or the BB shell width?  Cotter or square taper crank?  

Amanda said:

It's mostly the bottom bracket I'm worried about. Once I find once that will fit my bike, then I can get whatever crank works for it.

notoriousDUG said:

Bike parts are pretty standard; you should be able to use new parts for pretty much anything if you know what to get.

Amanda said:

I have always worked with older bicycles. My dad always tinkers with vintage bicycles. I am working on a vintage bike right now, and I just need to find somewhere where I can find parts for it. I have tried adding newer parts to older bicycles before, and most of the time it just doesn't work. Simple things like changing out the bars, chain, seat, etc are fine, but working with a BB and wheels is where it gets tricky. I thought that if I could find somewhere that carried old parts that I might be able to find something that will work for my build. 

ChrisO! said:

Any reason why you prefer older parts?

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page