Trash to Treasure (Vintage Bicycle Restoration)

[IncaSteppa]

Hi, this is amazing. How did you it. I want to restore a bike and I am currently started to watch a videos of how to do it, and most suggestions I get is not to repaint the bike. But how did you do it. Did you paint it it, and if you did, how did you saved the stencils on the frame. Amazing, amazing, amazing. Please teach me. If you do another bike can I come to look and help you. I am from London.

You magician

Best Regards

Svetozar

[showajitensha]

@IncaSteppa Thank you for your kind words. I keptt the original paint. I did repaint the carrier but the frame, fork, fenders are all original with minor touch up. I use three stage rubbing compound which can be found at any auto goods store or hardware store. Most of the credit goes to the Japanese and the high quality enamel used 60 years ago.  Good luck with your project. Richard, Kawasaki, Japan

[playingwithfirehurts]

how did you do the paint?

[showajitensha]

@playingwithfirehurts Used three stage rubbing compound. You can pick up a small kit at the local automotive store for minor body work for around $10.

[19Noe03]

whats the name of this song?

[showajitensha]

@19Noe03 Johann Pachelbel's Canon

[wrenchbender320]

wow i want it

[showajitensha]

@wrenchbender320 Thanks. I7ll keep it locked:)

[1weside]

see that crankshaft junk i knew that when i was 10 i tore them down

[showajitensha]

@1weside Yep, many of these went to the scrap pile, but those that didn't live to tell the tale.

[showajitensha]

@1weside Many are long gone their grave is the scrap pole, but those that survived live to tell the tale of "when things were built to last".

[snupcho]

How did you restore the chrome parts?

[showajitensha]

@snupcho Only the rims were replaced. All other chrome parts were ceaned up using various grades of steelwool. Hope this helps.

[BrouckeCycles]

hi

is the bike frame repainted or just cleaned up ?

its looking very awesome!!

[showajitensha]

@BrouckeCycles Hi. Paint is original, cleaned up using rubbing compound. Thanks

[joesephwind]

wow this was so frustrating, such an excellent restoration and yet ZERO info on how to do it.

[showajitensha]

@joesephwind Hi there. If you are interested in learning more about bicycle restoration kindly visit my blog. You can search Vintage Japanese Bicycles. My email is also there in the PROFILE and I'll be more than happy to share what little I know.

[dirtydby]

This...is...Awesome. Must be worth a billion now. Really a treasure.

[showajitensha]

@dirtydby  Thanks for the praise. To me she is priceless!

[showajitensha]

@rageofalphawolf Thank you sir for the praise. To keep these alive is my mission, I shall endeavor to seek out and rescue more of these wonderful machines.

[yellownp22541]

You sir have done an OUTSTANDING job in making sure such a piece of history continues to live on, thank god it found you. Beautiful!

[showajitensha]

@yellownp22541 Thank you sir indeed for your kind words. Yes, I too am glad that it found me!

[kmxtornado]

How did you do that? are those new decals?....how'd you get rid of the gunk on top w/o ruining the paint job?

[showajitensha]

@kmxtornado Hi there. The decals and paint are original. Although the chain case I did some touch up due to rust. I owe it to the original quality of materials used and three stage rubbing compound. Three stage rubbing compound really does work well on this old enamel paint. Bicycles from this period (1950's) were painted with enamel in three layers. But must be careful around the decals and pinstripes as too much pressure using the rubbing compaund will take them off. Hope this helps.

[TheBirchCreek]

Wonderful bicycle... and a great job! Congratulations.. and thanks. :)

[showajitensha]

@TheBirchCreek Thanks for your kind words. The real praise goes to the Japanese crasftsmen and women who built these wonderful machines. Because they were so well built they can be brought back to life.

[solverh]

Just plain jaw dropping restoration. … Subscribed to your channel after watching this. :)

[showajitensha]

@solverh "Just plan jaw dropping", well that there is about the top of the line when it comes to a complimnet. Thank you for the kind words and encouragement. Much appreciated.

[solverh]

@showajitensha Well, you kind of deserve praise for such proper restoration work. If you ever come to Iceland, then I can guarantee that the venerable members of the Icelandic Mountain Bike Club (a family oriented touring club) would love to meet you and even dedicate an open-clubhouse evening to you lecturing and presenting your restoration work. ;)

[showajitensha]

@solverh Although I would most definitely treasure both a visit to Iceland and a chance to present to your Icelandic Mountain Bike Club, the probability is low. In the future my plan is to write a book about these wonderful machines, it is still in the distant future but when I complete it I promise your Club a complimentary copy! Happy wheels to you and all your Club members.

[Begbucks]

Looks like a Raleigh Tourist.

[showajitensha]

@Begbucks Yes, the Japanese modeled their bicycles after the British bicycles so there are plenty of similarities.

[Begbucks]

@showajitensha There certainly are.

[showajitensha]

@Begbucks Yes, the Japanese modeled their bicycles after the British bicycles so there are plenty of similarities.

[kennypicPSN]

wow this is now a HOLY place for bike lovers. I just got a Red 1949-1953 Hercules Falcon three speed Herailer complete with original paint

[JuicyLuv13]

@kennypicPSN Hi there. "A Red 1949-1953 Hercules Falcon Three Speed" Now that sounds sweet! I love old bicycles and the single grear are ok, but if you live in a hilly area you just have to have a three speed. Great find and good luck. She will last you a lifetime, and you can pass it on down through the generations. Happy wheels!

[DucttapesUnicycle]

Wow, some great restore work. Definitely seems like you put a lot of effort into finding and restoring all those parts. I just inherited a 1950's Schwinn Phantom in Green. I've been waiting years to have the space and time to work on it and tomorrow the project begins. It's always inspiring to see what others have done. Especially with bikes like this one that need more than just a little loving. Thanks for taking the time to make this video.

[showajitensha]

@DucttapesUnicycle Thanks for the kind words, A 1950's Schwinn Phantom in Green. Oops, looks like some of my drool got on the keyboard:) Should be a wonderful project. Resist the urge to take any shortcuts, instead do the exact opposite and pour your heart into every detail and in the end the sense of achievement will be overwhelming. Best of luck with your restoration project.

[MrChriswun]

HANDS DOWN for you sir .. you really inspired me . :)

that was a very good restoration

i want to have one .

maybe someday . :)

[showajitensha]

@MrChriswun Wow! I am a little overwhelmed to think that I have "inspired" you. Thank you very much for your kind words, and I wish you the best in a future restoration.

[MaLTaWheels1]

Very Very Very nice to see somthing like this keep it up nice job you have done there

[showajitensha]

@MaLTaWheels1 Thank you for your kind words. Needless to say it is very encouraging to know someone like yourself appreciates the time and effort and takes the time to let me know. Thank you and I will do my best to continue on with more restorations.

[rhideSpecialized]

Amazing job... well done!

Do you know any good online resources for advice on proper restoration technique? I have a '56 Schwinn Corvette that needs some TLC, but I want to preserve as much of the original as possible... I think I will need some finesse!

[showajitensha]

@rhideSpecialized I there. Thank you for your interest in vintage bicycles. The Bike Forum under vintage & classic bicycles is an excellent resource, if they don't have the answer just post your question and I'm sure you'll get an answer. Hope this helps and best of luck with your Corvette!

[clarencecmcgee]

I sell the bottom bracket fixed cup removal tool for these bicycles. The smartest, best, cheapest design

The tool is $15.00 plus shipping and comes with a detailed instruction sheet

clarencekokkinis@aim.com

[framerkat]

Amazing restoration! Congratulations! It reminds me of the bike that Jamie (the boy) rode in the movie Empire of the Sun ;-)

[showajitensha]

@framerkat Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the video. I saw the movie many years ago, will have to watch it again! Thanks for the tip!

[Fedproman]

This is a most enjoyable video. Not only was the work you did amazing, but the way you put the video together made it more so. I would love to do something like this, but have never attempted it. After this video it sure makes me want to give it shot though.

[showajitensha]

@Fedproman Thank you very much or taking the time to comment. I was touched by your sincerity as you certainly spoke from the heart. For me, to think that the video may have inspired someone is simply overwhelming. Knowing that some people out there enjoyed the video is rewarding but to think that it may have inspired someone, well that is too above and beyond my expectations.

[2unzArt]

i applaud you :) in the middle of my 1972 Peugeot. have to replace many parts but it will be my own modern miracle.

ill be looking to you for my first resto. just looking for the right bike

5 stars brah

[showajitensha]

@2unzArt

[showajitensha]

@2unzArt Your bicycle will pay you back for all your time and effort, you will know every inch of the bicycle. Take your time and I wish you the very best with your restoration project.

[nirvana1994]

Hi @showajitensha, great work! Really inspired me to get to work on my rough old Peugeot! I was wondering if you could give me and everyone else who is interested in doing similar restorations a rundown on all of the supplies required? I have seen so many different opinions around the internet on materials and techniques, but you obviously know what you're doing and I think everyone would be very interested in learning how you do it.

Also, I'm assuming you used touch up paint forrustedoutspots?

[showajitensha]

@nirvana1994 Hi nirvana. Glad to hear you will be bringing your Peugot back to life. Thank you fro the kind words. I operate a blog on restoring vintage Japanese bicycles. for more details on paint restoration and the supplies you will need please search the web for Teikoku Bicycle Frame (Paint Before & After). (Sorry I could not post the link here for some unknown reason.) Yes you are correct I did use touch up paint for the drop outs. Take lots of pics of before and after, good luck!

[nirvana1994]

@showajitensha Sugoi! I'm very excited to start working on it tomorrow. So much to do but I know it'll be worth it in the end. So essentially I'll need the rubbing compounds, rags for said compounds, steel(have you tried bronze/brass wool?) wool, and a paint touch up pen? Anything else you'd recommend? I've got my camera and am taking pictures now, will be doing some sort of posting to show how it turns out! Itsumo arigatou!

[showajitensha]

@nirvana1994 It only takes a spark to start a conflagration! Glad you are motivated. Yes the rubbing compound steel wool and touch up pen. One thing to keep in mind is that there are different grades of steel wool so do be careful you want to use different grades depending on the material and degree of rust. The only other thing I can recommend is patience. Take your time. If the part is beyond repair you can always look on Ebay for parts. GANBATTE KUDASAI

[Welshkiteflyer]

I am about to start looking for a bike to restore wow yours looks great so rubbing compound is the things;

[showajitensha]

@Welshkiteflyer Hi there. Yes indeed, three stage compound works very well. However, I recommend trying it in an inconspicuous spot to test first. If satisfied with the results proceed with the entire bicycle. Be careful of decals, compound is an abrasive so "gentle touch" is the key. PS: love the handle "Welshkite flyer". Good luck and if I can be of any asistance do not hesitate to contact me. Happy wheels!

[MrDarwin65]

Fantastic work! I am restoring an old French Velosolex motorised bicycle, could you provide more detail on the products you used to renovate the paint. Is it safe for pin stripe paint and decals?

[showajitensha]

@MrDarwin65 Hi there. The paint is origninal, I went to a local auto parts store and purchased a small kit for doing minor body work, consisting of three tubes of rubbing compound (fine, very fine, ultra fine). Cost less than $10 dollars and worked very well. Start with Fine and proceed to finer grades. Just be careful not to apply too much pressure, go lightly and be very careful with decals. Compound is an abrasive, so always test it somewhere inconspicuous first. Good Luck!

[MrDarwin65]

Fantastic work! I am restoring an old French Velosolex motorised bicycle, could you provide more detail on the products you used to renovate the paint. Is it safe for pin stripe paint and decals?

[MrBuginator]

i did the exact thing to a old bike of mine and now its my best bike yet and only took me 3 days

[showajitensha]

@MrBuginator Good to hear. Amazing how many good bicycles are out there and with just a little elbow grease can be as good as new!

[laesquina3]

Wow ! Great work, I have the same model but is a roadmaster made in India and I got inspired by your video and I'm gonna try to make it look like yours... One day...

[showajitensha]

@laesquina3 Thank you for the praise. Good luck with restoring your Roadmaster, take your time and when you are finished you will have not only a great bicycle and a piece of history, you'll also have a work of art! Good luck.

[herongray356]

Well done...very inspiring! My impression of the bike...even in its dilapidated condition...was that whoever built it was very proud of their craftsmanship. With that in mind...you should be too. :-) Again, nice work.

[showajitensha]

@herongray356  I could not agree with you more. The pre-condition for restoration is that the bicycle be of superior quality in the first place. So the real credit belongs to the Japanese craftsmen and women who produced these bicycles. Thanks for the comment, happy you enjoyed the video.

[peterpiperriperreter]

*sniff, sniff* BEAUTIFUL! *clap clap clap*

[showajitensha]

@peterpiperriperreter  Other have mentioned they were moved by this video. Glad you enjoyed it.

[travisjedmonds100]

the bike is beutiful u did a awsome job im also in process of restoring a bike it is a

Montgomery Ward Hawthorne from 1950-1960

right now it is rusted and doesnt work yet im trying to clean it up do u have any advice on how to get rust of quickly

[showajitensha]

@travisjedmonds100 Rust never sleeps! The best way I have found is various grades of steelwool, comes in various grades from super fine 0000 to coarse 4. Best of luck with your Montgomery Ward Hawthorne, take your time and in the end you will be glad you did.

[travisjedmonds100]

@showajitensha thank you for your advice



[1339LARS]

Amazed, is not the proper word! Thanks for sharing.

[showajitensha]

@1339LARS Thank you Sir for the kinds words. The credit goes to the people that over-engineered these old bicycles to last a lifetime.

[tonyurmate]

Beautiful bike and fantastic job,well done. by far the best restored bike on youtube.

you really have a tallent. when can we see your next project?

[showajitensha]

@tonyurmate Thanks so much for the praise. I am searching for the next project and I'm currently scouring auction tor the next project. I'll be sure to post once I complete another project. Thanks again.

[116jaison]

wow you did an amzing job on a beautiful bike this is stunning very very nice

[showajitensha]

@116jaison Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed the restoration. Thanks for tuning in!

[dogsknobs]

got a old bike myself just starting.parts missing , hope it comes out as good as yrs but think a little rust is needed to state the age.

[showajitensha]

@dogsknobs Good luck with your restoration. Take your time and I'm sure you will do a good job!

[showajitensha]

@SASNIGHTCRAWLER Hi there. I used mink oil and then used several coats of shoe polish and buffed it out. But I wouldn't recomend the mink oil as it darkens the leather. Have not tried saddle soap but many people have recommended it. Good luck.

[allgoo19]

I'm speechless!!

That's nothing short of work of art!!

I admire your effort and skill.

[showajitensha]

@allgoo19 My sincere thanks for your generous praise. The real praise goes to the Japanese craftsmen who created these wonderfu machines, or, as you correctly expressed it "works of art".

[showajitensha]

Thanks for the praise, happy you enjoyed the video. Hope to post more in the future. Stay trued, happy wheels and may the wind always be to your back!

[close2water]

Fantastic restoration work! What a gorgeous bike !!

[showajitensha]

I checked it out. Impressive! Found in a park, lucky find. Watched part 2 and indeed the rust is gone and she in turning into a sparkling Black Beauty. I look forward to Part 3 the finished product and test ride, as well as French wine to celebrate:)

[antonioscheel]

@showajitensha thanks

[antonioscheel]

@showajitensha thanks

[showajitensha]

It was a challenge, but a lot of fun!

[antonioscheel]

@showajitensha check mine out!

[antonioscheel]

I thought mine was complex, nothing compared to yours!!

[IYUB30]

I really enjoyed the video. Beautiful Bike!

[showajitensha]

@IYUB30 Glad you enjoyed the video. Hope to post more in the future.

[showajitensha]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video.

[anaputra]

beautiful

[showajitensha]

Thanks for the kind words. I use several different grades of steelwool and lots of elbow grease:) to get the rust off. The rims were replaces as the chrome was too far gone. Regarding the paint, I use three stage (fine, extra fine and ultra fine) compound. The paint on these old bicycles was quite good, three layer enamel paint so it cleans up nicely.

[freemusicblogg]

What was used, to remove all that rust? How you make to shine like that? Nice work!

[showajitensha]

The assembly is held in place by a long expansion bolt. As seated on the bicycle you will notice a bolt on the top center of the handlebars. After disconnecting the rod brake linkage, simply loosen this until the bolt rises up about 1/4 inch and then using a rubber mallet strike the bolt down. This will free the expansion nut and by twisting and pulling you can pull out the handlebars and remove the fork. Send me an email and I will be happy to send photos.showajitensha@hotmail.c­o.jp

[moviescorner]

Hi can u please explain how did u removed the front fork and handlebar ?

[showajitensha]

Hi Nick You and I are in the same boat. I see vintage Superbes and Sunbeams on Ebay and have looked into purchasing and having them shipped to Japan, but in the end it is just too costly. Thus, I imagine you will have to settle for British and European bicycles, and I with the Japanese. Japan doesn't participate in Ebay and I find most of my project listed as junk on Yahoo Japan auction, but it is only in Japanese. But I do appreciate your kind words and passion for vintage bicycles!

[NICKFROMESSEX]

Hi I love this video so much can't stop watching it I am restoring a raleigh robin hood at the moment. where could I find one of these beautiful japanese bicycles? in simular condition as you found yours I love to restore bicycles. there are loads of superbes on Ebay but I love the japanese bicycles too.

Best Wishes Nick

[showajitensha]

Hi Nick. The paint on these bicycles clean up nicely with three stage compound. Saddles, much like skin, becomes old and begin to sag. As you may have noticed I had to give it a tuck by drilling holes and lacing underneath like a shoe. The surface came back to life after some saddles soap and sevral coats of shoe polish. Good luck with your project. If I can be of any help contact me at: showajitensha@hotmail.co.jp Cheers.

[showajitensha]

Hi Nick, Good day to you. Thank you for your kind words. Nice to know there are other people like myself you appreciate classic bicycles. I see Raleigh Superbe's on ebay UK and would love to purchase one but shipping to Japan is just too much. Japanese copied the UK bicycles and after WWII when the Supreme Allied Commander forbid Japan to pursue aeronautics, all those engineers that used to design fighter planes, turned to creating exquisite bicycles. Email me: showajitensha@hotmail.co.jp

[NICKFROMESSEX]

Hello Again, Sorry I forgot to ask you how do you restore the saddle so perfectly?

Best wishes and kindest Regards

Nick

[NICKFROMESSEX]

Hello, What a beautiful bicycle and video seeing such an old bicycle unloved and un cared actually brought tears to my eyes. sad to admit but true. I am a lover of these old classic bicycles too. As I read in one of the comments you want to restore a Raleigh superbe. Let me tell you they are the Rolls Royce of bicycles. in their day.

modern day bicycles just are not the same Loved your bicycle and video and it is nice to know there are people like me in this world that love them

Nick U.K

[showajitensha]

Thank you so much for the compliment. It means a great deal to know people appreciate the effort.

[ecclespia]

good job

came out stunning

[showajitensha]

Thanks for the compliment. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[kotirein]

really awesome! 

[princesssammygirl71]

Wow graet job !



[showajitensha]

@princesssammygirl71 Thanks for the kind word. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[HighTreason610]

I'm not really into these foreign bicycles myself, always been a BSA man (I'm from England). But this is just beautiful, a very good job, hope I can pull something like this off with mine.

[showajitensha]

@HighTreason610 If I lived in England I would be in heaven. Old Raleighs and Sunbeams...the English made some mighty fine bicycles. I still have my heart set on restoring an old Superbee someday. Thank you for the compliment and best of luck with your project.

[BaGuaWalk]

Great job and beautiful bike! How did you restore the paint and finish of the frame and fender?

[showajitensha]

@BaGuaWalk Only cost me $8 to restore the paint on the frame and fenders. I used a three step trial compound kit from the local automotive store. Perfect for a bicycle. The paint on these old bicycles is amazing, three layers of enamel. Thank you for your interest.

[wilbuckingham]

Beautiful video!

[showajitensha]

@wilbuckingham Thank you for your kind words. Actually that was my very first video and I have a long, long way to go; but I'm happy that you enjoyed it.

[thaihungthinh]

in 1954 Southern California, all we have is all kid's [kodomo] bicycles , Japan is a very different world in 1954, where utility jitenshas are commonplace. This jitensha is too lovely.

[showajitensha]

@thaihungthinh Children's bicycles were for the affluent only and most households were lucky to have a bicycle in 1954. Childen learned to ride the family bicycle even with their feet too short to reach the pedals due to the crossbar (top tube). Japanese children invented a style of riding called SANKAKU NORI "riding triangle style" with one leg inserted through the

main triangle.

[thaihungthinh]

wow! a fantastic restoration job! excellent vid. thanks.

[showajitensha]

@thaihungthinh Hi there. Thanks for the praise and happy you enjoyed the video. Stay tuned I will be up loading more in the very near future.

[rover868888]

hello

[rover868888]

Hello , What a great day , I have 2 vintage  FUJI bicycle (富士 運搬車) . May I know where to buy the BE type tire 26X2.0 4 pieces . I would find the cheapest way to ship them to my TAIWAN place. Thanks your kind help.

[showajitensha]

@rover868888 Hi there and thank you for your interest. Wow, two FUJI heavy duty carrier bicycles, fantatsic. I would love to see photos. Unfortunately unable to find 26x2 BE tires in Japan anymore. I think you would have a better chance of finding a supplier in China as there are so many utility/carrier bicycles there. Sadly the days of carrier cycles in Japan are gone. Good luck and happy wheels.

[lizecn73]

Amazing, here in the US is hard to find a classic bike like this, almost impossible. The craftmanship in the old time has been destroyed by the modern technology. It is a joy to watch the video. Thanks a lot, and I hope you post more video like this.

[showajitensha]

@lizecn73  Thank you for your kind words. I agree with you 100%. Most old things get a bad reputation simply due to their age; however, the reality is that most old things were over-engineered and really built to last. Yes indeed, you are correct sadly craftsmanship is far and few between these days. Old things really are a form of art. I will be posting more videos, so please drop in from time to time and "set a spell".

[premopies]

As usual another outstanding restoration , I know what you mean about using the right grade of steel wool and I've found soft wire brass brushes are also very handy on cleaning hard to get at areas, recently I have used some kitchen oven cleaner with good results as well. Keep up the great work

Don

3speedtouringinjapan

[Ypacarai]

Amazing! Did you replated chromed parts? or just polished them? I'm interested in how do you restore old leather saddles too.

[showajitensha]

@Ypacarai Thanks for your kind words. I replaced the rims and spokes, the remainder of the chrome is original. Steel wool is great, it comes in many grades (just like sandpaper grit) and it is important to select the right grade for the right job. I have had the unpleasant experience of using too coarse a grade on crank cotterpin covers and unintentionally and regrettable quickly went through the surface rust right down to the bare metal.

[showajitensha]

@Ypacarai The saddle was sagging so I gave it a tuck by drilling five or six holes on both sides along the bottom edge, and then lacing with cord under the saddle to pull both sides together. You can see the tan cord in the "after" photos. I polished the saddle many times with brown shoe polish and finally gave it a coat of mink oil. I have read many people that advise against mink oil so use at your discretion.

[WOODRUFFAPTS]

What a wonderful restoration! Finding a replacement crank arm must have been a challenge. Thanks for sharing.

[showajitensha]

@WOODRUFFAPTS　Thank you for the kind words. Yes searching for replacement parts is difficult, but that adds to the thrill of the hunt.