It seems that 40 years ago they used to use real steel, not recycled soda cans. All traces of surface rust have disappeared. I used an angle grinder with a flexipad and fine grits for the tubes. The lugs were sanded manually.
In retrospect, it would have been much easier (and tons quicker) if I had it sandblasted. Though, I did not know anyone who has experience in sandblasting bike frames and doing it safely with fine mixes.
Disassembling was straightforward (for the most part). Big exceptions were the seatpost, the cranks and the drive-side bottom bracket cup.
I finally managed to save the cup, but had to sacrifice the seatpost and cranks. It took days, substantial amount of WD-40 and several tricks. The bike is now ready for color stripping and sanding.
This was my dad’s 1973 Raleigh. Not any special or high-end model, but of very special sentimental value.
I recently decided to (try to) rebuild it. I am going to pay for leaving it outside to be beaten by the elements for the last 8 years. This is the “before” state.
