Rebuilding 1987 Bianchi

Chuckrossin · Mar 22, 2004

I recenly found a 1987 Bianchi Strada 57 cm. frame that I would like to use for a wider-wheel city/touring bike.

The frame is in OK shape (some scratching, quite small amount of corrosion on rear stays and top tube). Steel is advertised as "High Tension B Special Tubing" Haven't weighed it but it feels very heavy. Only parts attached are the original Shimano SIS light action levers, front der., rusted chain, fork with grinding headset, and a very gritty feeling BB.

I'm not looking for speed. I'm comfortable with my fairly light drop-bar 18-speed but would like wheels that can take 28 mm., flat or CH bars, etc.

I've no problem buying stuff to dress it in and I know it's not the frame of the decade. My question is: What should I do to the frame - strip parts, clean, and touch up? Or should I strip 'er right down and re-paint before adding?

buffedupboy · Mar 22, 2004

Strip parts, convert to 9/10sp. Don't think it will take 28, probably 25 but you will have to check.

Respraying is really up to you and the condition of the frame. I would remove rusted areas, touch up with brush (if they are not that big).

The problem you will encounter is probably a stuck BB. So have fun trying to get that out. My last project required a 3 ' steel pipe wedge and about 1 hour of torgue.... figure out whether it is Italian or English before trying...

You can see whether you can salvage the parts, I did with mine because they were okay, once I removed all surface rust the components were superb. Needless to say, check for rust inside the frame.

Regards,
Sean

Chuckrossin · Mar 23, 2004

Originally posted by buffedupboy

You can see whether you can salvage the parts, I did with mine because they were okay, once I removed all surface rust the components were superb. Needless to say, check for rust inside the frame.

Regards,
Sean

Thanks for the advice - I'd like to retain what I can. The rust issue is a prime consideration. I haven't checked fully yet (wait until the head tube is emptied and BB is out). If there is any rust, what to do?

Should I treat with naval jelly, a wash, and some sealant? Throw it away (I don't know the drawn thickness of the tube)? How would you progress?

Even if there is no rust, would a sealant be a do-able, good idea?

buffedupboy · Mar 23, 2004

First uninstall everthing.... and I mean everything.... chances are for a frame that age, you are going to have some rusting inside, unless the previous owner was an anal.... which would be good for you.

There is not much you can do once it has started rusting inside. However, chances are should be safe, just try and limit the damage. There are a few methods of doing this, naval jelly is one, frame prep poured through the tubings is another.

Don't throw it away. It's a steel frame, it shouldn't fail catastrophically on your ass.

Clean out all components, my fav. is to use some metal polish, autosol on the components. Then clean it with some water and repolish with some car wax. Then relube and reinstall.

Regards,
Sean

Search

Rebuilding 1987 Bianchi

Chuckrossin

New Member

buffedupboy

New Member

Chuckrossin

New Member

buffedupboy

New Member

Similar threads

We value your privacy