Not for a final build type thing but more for a fit session to make sure the basics are right before investing in a paint restoration.
I built it up with a very eclectic parts bin mix that won't really reflect what will go on it when restored other than the Mafac Racers.
When I originally got this straight from the chicken shed storage it had been in for some years it had black guards and some Mavic M2 rims with 700 x 28 tyres. I cleaned and stripped it right away and pulled of the mix of road and mtb parts off it, most rusted or corroded beyond repair and thought I paid attention and took everything in. I have been slowly plodding away with this for quite some time trying to clean up and preserve the frame/paint or at the very least stop the corrosion and rust that was going on all over. Oxalic acid, scrubbing, touch up, waxing and while it needs proper paint to bring it back and stop completely it's not come up too bad. My issue today was the fitting of the Mafac brakes. When I got it it had no name sidepulls fitted and these were pulling from the opposite side from Shimanos finest, pulled them off a not nice but pretty corroded anyway. Now with the Mafacs they are at the deepest drop and without the mudgaurds it is such a huge clearance both front and rear that I am pretty sure this was built with 27' wheels in mind. This for me is a problem as clearance is already at the upper limit and is not an option.
It was only a short ride for about 2 miles and the only thing I needed to work was the brakes and the chain to see how it felt. It felt very very nice and so thats why the 27 thing took the shine off a bit.
Remember the builds only for a cruise round the block and I know the cables are too short and the rear derrailleur is a bit tight etc and this is because most was what either was lying about or was borrowed from the Mercian for the day. I have some really nice Nitto rando bars, stem along with a new Stronglight headset and other nice stuff for it when it gets finished. The Mafacs will stay maybe?/hopefully but the first gen Dura Ace cranks are for my BMX
Just thought I would share, especially seen as my usual ridding buddy has been building as well.
Jamie
Some before pics:
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