70's / 80's Falcon "Black Diamond" Restoration

[Henry Adams]

Hi all.

This is my first post on any sort of bicycle forum, and I am doing so because I need some help.

My Father bought a Falcon "Black Diamond" around 40 years ago, and has used it for commuting and has taken part in charity rides and his own tour of north-west France probably 30 years ago. Its seen a lot of use! Sadly, he is no longer able to ride it, and has passed it on to me.

The paint work is not in great shape, and the only original parts are the frame, front wheel (got a new one ordered), gear shifters, front forks and the stem I believe. I thought it would be nice to try my best to restore it so it looks a bit nicer than it is. Before I do, however, I would like to know whether it is still possible to get transfers of the now ruined logos and brands. Does anybody know of anywhere that might have them or be able to make them again? I have pictures of the logos and stickers in their current state, but the file size is too big for this forum!

The other issue is that the seat tube has completely sheared beneath the brazed part. (I'm not sure when this happened but I used it yesterday, and I'm pretty sure I would have noticed if it had sheared). I would like to have this welded if possible, and wondered if a local car garage might do it, or if its worth taking it to a specialist classic cycle workshop?

Thanks in advance for your advice

H

 

[Midlife]

Welcome

I sold Black Diamonds BITD, nice bikes for the price with a 501 main frame. Despite the name we sold more red ones LOL

The frame would have fractured because of corrosion most likely meaning a whole new tube needs to be replaced.............unless it's of huge sentimental value then beyoned economical repair as they say

Shaun

 

[Henry Adams]

Cheers!

Yeah, this one is red too I haven't seen another one before though, yet have been told by guys in the bike shop I usually visit, that its a good frame, and would go on for years!

Hopefully once I get the stubborn bottom bracket spindle/axle out (could be something to do with the corrosion?) I will be able to confirm whether rust is the culprit.

Lets hope it can still be salvaged!

 

[Midlife]

Pictures as always are worth a thousand words

Rust can be a real killer for these older frames........

Shaun

 

[carlrh]

I was allways told to run waxy oil through the frame? they use it on classic cars to stop/treat rust its about £18 a can ive allways used it on my steel frames got a few that ive had since 80s no rust problems so i keep using it.