Raleigh Grifter Mk2 in Blue - in storage for 30 years!

[dimitriscy]

Hello everyone...

I decided to deal with my Blue Mk2, 1982, and after reading a lot of topics, here is my first one

It has been my youth bike, with which i replaced my mini chopper. Used a lot, always took care of it.
Found it in storage, and decided to Clean/Restore/Tide up a little...

I don't think it can be called a restoration, my intension is to clean as many parts as possible, keep the original paint, fit new tyres, new cables, new decals and brake pads..

One issue is the cuted rear mudguard (young sins). If i dont find any, i will keep as it is (reminds Mk1 )
I expect to see how good the rims will be after cleaning, but having try to polish some other parts, i am quite confident..

As regards the gears, the wire was broken (not by me! that's why you should never borrow your bike ) and it has been tied to make it work in one gear. I think the gears are stuck..maybe that will need some more inspection...

I allready have some before/after pics from some parts i cleaned up, i will post later..

Having restore a BSA 1952 motorcycle recently, i feel that this will be a less trouble job, and looking forward for the finished product.

I am sure i will have some issues that will need help, and will either search the forum, or ask here if i dont find solutions..

cheers

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[hazchoppers]

That looks a great project!

Obviously needs a few parts ( spoke protector and rear guard ) fairly easy parts to source and not that expensive

Keep us updated

[gingerrich76]

Excellent. Nice winter project.

[4737carling]

Nice project. First thing I would do is totally strip it all down and soak the bits in WD40/GT85. Then make a list of parts you need, cables, mudguard, tyres etc... See its got the later chainwheel and arm! Good luck.

[dimitriscy]

Thanks for the support

I have allready started stripping, and cleaning at the same time. I started with smaller parts like brake calibers, hand levers etc
Using steel wool, and then autosol gives quite good results, but not perfect. I can still see small bits scattered on the metals, i don't think i can do something more about them...
I removed the steering column easily, not much rust in there... bearings are also good, only needed some cleaning. Grease before installing will make them work like new.

White vinegar did some miracles on rusted small parts/bolts too!!

As you can see in pictures, i had a rather strange (but looking good) headlight, in chrome, with wheel alternator. It is Japan made, not from ralieigh, but i had this since the bike was bought, so it's a keeper. For me, it goes with the bike

Yesterday i found in local shops, brake pads similar with the originals, for a very cheap price, and i got them..

Question: I bought a cable for the gears some time before, but i now noticed it is only the inner wire... Is there a way to use that? Can i find only the outer black cable to fit that? If yes, do i have to cut the end of the cable and refit (so that it can pass through the outers hole? 
I saw some outer cables on market, that comes with seperate inner, for the brakes... Is this what i need??
And what is the outers cable (black) correct length?

Thank you.

Here is a photo from cleaned parts...

[4737carling]

Hi, If you want to replace the cables you can just buy new inners (if your ribbed cables are still ok) otherwise replace the complete cable with ribbed if your planning on keeping it original. I would suggest you buy a complete replacement cable with correct end.

[dimitriscy]

Dec 24, 2014 10:04:45 GMT 4737carling said:

Hi, If you want to replace the cables you can just buy new inners (if your ribbed cables are still ok) otherwise replace the complete cable with ribbed if your planning on keeping it original. I would suggest you buy a complete replacement cable with correct end.

Thank carling, i'll see what i can find... but i definetely need outers also..

What about the chain??? Is there a connecting link i cannot see???
I am scratching my head on how to remove that from the frame... Cannot see any point that i can open it..

[gingerrich76]

If the chain needs replacing, cut it off. And go to a proper bicycle shop and them to fit a new a new one, cost's about a tenner. If not a good clean and a greese will do the job.
Also try and keep your ribbed outers and souce a complete gear cable.

[4737carling]

If the chain is good I always try to keep them, buy a chain splitter for about £3 and remove it from the frame. You can use the splitter on any link but the trick is to leave a tiny bit of one of the rods in the chain, that way its easier to refit. Use an old Chinese takeaway tub and soak the chain in WD40 or GT85 while you restore the rest of the bike! Take it out, wire brush it and hey presto you have a nice ORIGINAL shiny chain!

[dimitriscy]

Merry Christmas and thanks for your answers!

Although a new one is cheap enough, I prefer to keep the original chain,and i am sure it can clean up descent if i manage to remove it..
 My Bsa's 60 years chain,was cleaned perfectly using parafin, wire brush and wd40...
I may visit some bicycle shop to  get it remove, or find the special tool to do it myself...

How about the seat? I filled up some holes using black silicone, but since it is little discoloured, i was wondering if i can paint it with black spray... Can i?? Same goes for the foam on the steering, if i can paint it all together??
What do you do with those???

[4737carling]

Here's a link to a bicycle chain splitter. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bicycle-Mountain-Bike-Cycle-Chain-Rivet-Remover-Splitter-Breaker-Tool-Separator-/141506332387?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_BikeLocks_SR&hash=item20f26f46e3

[4737carling]

The seat can be repaired with tiger seal. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Polyurethane-Upol-Tiger-Seal-Adhesive-Glue-Black-Sealant-single-tig-nb-/281533932484?pt=UK_DIY_Material_Paint_Varnish_MJ&hash=item418cbae3c4

[dimitriscy]

Thanks..
Is that tiger seal similar to silicon?? I used black silicon and result was good...
But can i paint the rest of the seat (and the steering foam) also? Or the paint will tear out?

[4737carling]

I've never painted the foam only polished it up with autoglym bumper and trim Gel. The tigerseal works better than silicon and you can make the patterns on the side of the seat just before it drys.

[dimitriscy]

I ordered my new super grip tyres + tubes, seat reflector, new petals and chain...

I continue with the cleaning, and the wheels are a real pain in the a$$..

Also, i am in a dilemma, if i have to paint the frame, or keep the original paint...and just clean & polish..