Restoring Cook Bros CBR Cranks - Final Update

[ridevintagemtb]

I dont know whether I have anything to add here... but this past weekend I used Neilll's advice on ano stripping on pair of black Cook's RSRs.

My thoughts:

It works. But it takes some serious elbow grease. I left mine in the bath too long and they stayed black. You need to scrub very hard with a nylon brush, and then polish right away. I would recommend a bench polisher or one that attaches to a mouse sander.

The Cook's logo is etched into the aluminum, so mine stayed black as well.

Edit: Oh yeah, my driveway is now a waste hazard site. Dont do this near anything living.

 

[South Bound]

Right, will try them tonight with a couple of spare rings to make sure, but look like MTB cranks then.

I like this - numpty no idea bloke suddenly has mystery cranks!

 

[kaiser]

Right, will try them tonight with a couple of spare rings to make sure, but look like MTB cranks then.

I like this - numpty no idea bloke suddenly has mystery cranks!

Its exciting isn't it

 

[South Bound]

lol, might start hanging around the tip next!

Why not take the spider off?

Would dry-media blasting damage the cranks?

 

[stevet1]

As an aside my cranks are now en route back from the anodisers and I will be trying the reverse decal etch method over the weekend.

Ameybrook - I'm surprised it was that difficult unless like you said you overcooked them and the stuff you had to polish off wasn't the original anodising.

 

[kaiser]

I believe that the spider has to be pressed off, which can ruin the spider and possibly the lock ring when removing that too. Though someone else has done it, perhaps :?:


Note the ambiguity throughout that answer. If I could just fit a maybe in there it would cap it of nicely.

 

[South Bound]

Yeah, let me think about this. I just bought a pair of cranks about which I know nothing (but I do understand BCD now!), have no idea how to fit 3 chainrings to them or even if it is possible and you really think I am going to start taking difficult things to bits? Methinks not. Ride it, break it, take it to the shop for new shiney things and then repeat.

Star-drive bolt holding the crank to the spider looks a bit corroded, so might need replacing, but will not remove the spider on your advice fella!

 

[DM]

The Cook's Crank thread To End All Cook Crank Threads

The Cook's Crank thread To End All Cook Crank Threads:

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=192813

You'll need to register to see all the relevant photos.
(but you really should be signed up to VRC already )

 

[South Bound]

VRC?

Ahhh, it all becomes clear. Thanks, did not know it existed. Hoepfully the pics will help me identify mine later on!

Cheers

 

[South Bound]

Right, think I have identified them - think they are CBRs as they are round with nothing machined away at the back.

Chain ring thing sorted, was being an idiot. Looking forward to trying the polishing tips now - just got to smuggle them home and pretend they have been there all along.

Thanks for your help everyone

Have also emailled a laser etching firm to see if that can be done! Will let you know