Need Help with Small Barn-Fresh Basket Case [VLGC]

[Bill Hagan]

Am posting this on several sites, but trust that webmasters will not take too much offense given that the beneficiary is a toddler.

 

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Think I posted a pic of this little two-wheeler some time ago, but reality, code for Evangeline is 2+ and headed here this summer for a visit, scared me into getting started on the restoration.

 

Here are some pix to refresh your recollection or introduce you to my challenges, and I could use some help in suggesting courses of action and parts sources.

 

http://tinyurl.com/Graziella-Baby

 

BTW, the Kodak program went stupid with punctuation, so ignore that, please, in the captions.

 

Now, I am reasonably adept (or was as "recently" as 1983 [!]) in tearing down and fixing high-end road bicycles, i.e., I could chase bearings all over the floor. But, this one poses some additional problems besides mere readying it for "the road."

 

While I would appreciate any suggestions on rust removal, etc., as may occur to you after looking at the pix, my biggest problem is sourcing new tires and tubes.

 

Thought this would be, while not necessarily easy, at least doable. Starting to worry about that.

 

Haven't even gotten to the tube challenge yet, but the OEM tires are made in Belgium, say "Graziella Baby" on them, and are size, "44 - 194, 10 x 1 5/8." Found this website, http://www.bikecult.com/works/wheelsizes.html, which added to my knowledge with "Bead Seat Circumf. 609."

 

One can find used ones on the web, e.g., http://tinyurl.com/ygk4a7d & http://tinyurl.com/ygunhmq, I cannot find tires.

 

BTW, for the eagle-eyed among you, I (think I) have the pedals in the attic, but I may be trying to get those, too.

 

And, even tho I do not have in mind a complete concours-level restoration, but only to make it nice looking, ridable, and safe little bicycle, I asked this poster in Naples about his decals. but haven't heard back yet:

http://tinyurl.com/yhyhr53

 

It may also be that I am missing something in my (pathetic attempts at) translating the Italian web pages. But if anyone here has some ideas about vendors in USA or overseas, please tell me. I (and Evangeline!) would be very grateful.

 

Bill

[docc]

You will always be Col-O'-nel Opa to me . . .

 

Yet, the lovely 'Kathy' will not ever be "Oma."

 

Bringing back old bicycles is a noble art. Or , at least, that is what I keep telling my wife and my credit card company . . .