Ernie Clements 531 Falcon San Remo

[sjcprojects]

Perhaps the original got damaged?

The Velox is the RD specced on some models around this time (1972 seems most likely), so I would guess it’s original.

Great to see everything coming out nice and shiny so far.

 

[Harvo]

Nicklin or Williams spring to mind, can you see the logo? Typical 2 tooth difference in chainring size for 1972

No logo that I can see and the chainring size difference does seem a bit pointless!

 

[Harvo]

Any news on a date on the brakes?

Sadly not. I can't see a date stamp on anything so far.

 

[Harvo]

Had a good day on the frame today. Gave it a good wash and then started on the rust with T -cut. Pardon the pun but that was not cutting it so I carefully applied Farclea G3 cutting compound with a gentle rub of wire wool. This removed the rust and has left me with a decent patina on the rest of the frame. I've not done a preservation project before and I'm quite liking the cared for not cared for look! Well it is 50+ years old and original so not bad considering.

 

[Harvo]

The wheels have been stripped down . Rigida rims with Maillard Normandy hubs and no dates! How can this bike have no dates!
A good attack with the brass wheel is bringing them up to a decent enough finish.

 

[JoeH]

G3 and wire wool, interesting combo, and it didn't scratch the paint?
I can imagine it's powerful combo.

 

[Harvo]

G3 and wire wool, interesting combo, and it didn't scratch the paint?
I can imagine it's powerful combo.

It was fine wire wool and had the effect of polishing the paint really. It was quite dull before I started and only a light wax aftewards brought it up quite pleasingly. I would say it's a fine line between taking the rust off and going through the upper paint layer though.....needs a gentle approach!

 

[Harvo]

Brakes cleaned up. Just to show I'm not going mad, there's no date on these. Only a stamp of the size and made in Switzerland. The hunt for a date stamp continues....

 

[Harvo]

Downshifter time. Pretty gummed up with crud and poor movement plus the obligatory surface rust. All stripped, cleaned with soap and fine wire wool. A small smear of oil on the friction surfaces sees this working like new. This may have been the cheaper components Campagnolo were turning out at the time but they were still quality items.