Need to restore bike and need some tips...

[Emoco]

First off, I want to clean up all the hardware on the V brakes. Some bolts are rusty so I want to try and soak them in something to get rid of the rust.

Second, the frame has a lot of scratches, bits that look like black dirt but it won't run off. What could I use to clean this? Also, the gears etc are a bit stiff. Is there anything I can spray on them to loosen them up a bit?

 

[South Bound]

Rusty bolts are rusty forever, replace them!

 

[FSR-Si]

Drown it in bike perfume aka GT85, That should free up any rusty bits and help get it moving, Rusty bolts either bin them or clean and paint.

 

[ridevintagemtb]

1st - Rust issue - rather than soak that stuff, I take a more aggressive approach and use the metal bristle dremel tool head on small parts. Works like a charm and doesn't do any damage.

2nd - black goo. I use a variety of solvents and degreasers, but I'm in the US so I cant recommend anything over there. Nail polish works well in most situations.

3rd - Gears - it sounds like this bike needs some love or a mechanic. It may be as simple as getting some solid lube on your chain and all moving parts, but it might require more. Use a lighter lube for your cables and housing and a thicker one for your chain. In the end, nothing saves a drivetrain like a new chain, cassette, and cables & housing. It makes the bike like new.

 

[Pickle]

Second, the frame has a lot of scratches, bits that look like black dirt but it won't run off. What could I use to clean this? Also, the gears etc are a bit stiff. Is there anything I can spray on them to loosen them up a bit?

Buy a bottle of Degreaser and soak the the drivetrain in it. Also, try Muc-Off for the frame; well, the whole bike to be honest.

Both products can be purchased from Halfords.

I am a bit of a cheap skate and buy a seperate trigger spray and water the fluid (degreaser and the Muc-Off) down about 25% to make it go further! It still works just as well, and lasts longer

 

[Emoco]

I actually used to be a bike mechanic at Halfords. Just can't think for the life of me any of the products I used.

Great idea about the dremel tool. Can't believe I didn't think of that as I use it every excuse I can.