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1962 CCM Catalina
Ok so I found this bike locally here in Thunder Bay and from what I can see its original paint, but with more than a little wear and tear to the finish as it looks like some corrosive substance like brake fluid or some such was allowed to splash on the front mudguard and down tube. Other wise an acceptble amount of scratches and rust elswhere for me to be happy leaving it as is with just the usual TLC. The chromium on the stem is pretty much gone. The rims I are straght, original seat I think, Crank and hubs are in good shape ( rear is a Perry hub).
Do you have any suggestions of how to get the majority of rust off those really bad areas or the frame without disturbing surrounding paint to much?
Where might I be able to source new or used tires for my bike, Being a novice I am little shy to just order any 26 x 1.75 because I have read somewhere that a 1.75 is not the same bead seat measurement as a 1 3/4...the front continental white wall on the bike has 26 x 1.75 x 1 3/4 on the side wall. Is there an alternate size that may be commonly found to fit? just looking at the clearance it seems like its pretty much maxed out with a tire width of 1.75" so standard mountain bike tire might be too thick.
One last think does anyone know the exact chain length for this bike?
Thank you in advance...Jim
You need tires with a bead diameter of 571 mm. Its as simple as that.. Nothing else will work. This means that you will have to buy 26 X 1 3/4 tires, which might also be labelled as 26 X 1.75, but you should check the bead diameter.
Ok thsnks for the input i will pull a wheel off and take it to my local bike shop just to be sure I dont buy the wrong size.
Bikes finished now to the point its a really nice riding survivor:) found some 47 -571's at my local bike shop thanks to input from jdwilla and was able to re use the old tubes. cleaned and re lubed the hubs and crank...
I know this is probably a no no but I took the chance on a test spot using muriatic acid to remove heavy surface rust without affecting the original paint and pinstripping. I was careful not to get any acid on chome etc by positioning the bike to capture dripping on sensitive areas and using a spray bottle, then neutralizing with water. Took several applications to accomplish my desired result. Just kinda did that on a whim but am surprised and happy it worked.
Finally i used Rust check in a can from Canadian Tire to lightly coat the frame to protect the newly exposed metal. Sray on and wipe off. I will repeat the rust check on my bikes yearly as needed to keep a sheen and protect that character.