Huffy 10-Speed Refurb Challenge: Shiny Bits

Exploded view of front brake caliper.

The Huffy 10-Speed Refurb is starting to come together as I get all the pieces cleaned in my spare time and I gotta say it's coming out way better than expected with the chrome pieces shining up nicely.

Here's a before and after shot of the front brake:

Before: Covered in crud.

After: Bling!

The bike's chrome and spokes had a covering of hardened oil or some other kind of lubricant with a coating of grime on top.                                                                                                                                                             

Wouldn't have had these results without using brass wire brushes to remove the bulk of the crud, and then a final polish with Mother's Mag & Aluminum Polish.

Disclaimer: Always use eye protection with spinning wire brushes!                                                       

WARNING: Always wear eye protection when using wire brushes on drills!

Ladies' Diamondback Wildwood comfort bike

Ladies' Diamondback Wildwood 18-inch small size frame comfort bike. 21-speed, grip shifters, Shimano components. $85. SOLD!

Huffy 10-Speed Refurb Challenge: Headset

After taking apart the headset I found the top race is indexed, or "brinelled," according to Sheldon Brown.

For now I'll clean, relube, and put it back together and replace the crown down the road.

Huffy 10-speed Refurb Challenge: Bottom Bracket and Crank

The crank came off easily enough and should clean up nicely with a brass wire wheel on a drill.

The bearings were well greased and don't show any wear.

Huffy 10-speed Refurb Challenge: Before

I know, I know, why bother, right? But I think it has potential for at least a commuter bike or a beater. The 22-inch frame sports a Huret front derailleur and a Skylark rear derailleur, plus a Shimano Via rear hub. The bent-and-re-straightened handlebars may get swapped out for a handlebar with bar end shifters. Both of the 26 x 1 3/8 tires should probably be replaced. And the saddle is too cushy for me so that's gone.

This is gonna be an uphill battle.