How to Restore a Columbia Sports 3 Bicycle

To restore a Columbia Sports 3 Bicycle takes just a little patience. There are lots of Columbia bikes out there, so finding parts for them is easy. To restore a bike does not mean to completely strip and repaint the bike; it means to get it into working order, removing as much dirt and grit as possible. The bike should be rideable while maintaining the retro look it had when it was new. Your Columbia bike is more valuable if you keep it as close to original as possible.

Things You'll Need

  • Channel lock pliers
  • 15 mm wrench
  • Air pump
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Tire restoration aerosol
  • Tubes
  • Universal bike tool
  • Bronze wool
  • Rubbing compound, light grit
  • Grease solvent
  • Soft cloth
  • Small nylon brush
  • Furniture polish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put the bike in a bike stand and examine it. Look at fenders, chain guards or any other sheet metal aesthetic parts. If any of these are bent, try to bend them back to their original shape with a pair of channel lock pliers. If they are bent or cracked beyond repair, remove them.

    • 2

      Spin the crank by twirling the pedal with your hands. Look for bent cranks or pedal axles. If these are bent, remove them with 15 mm or 5/8-inch wrench; they can't be fixed.

    • 3

      Fill the tires with air until they are just firm. Examine for leaks. If you find any, remove the tires, put new tubes in and then put back on the bike. Rub the tires down with a tire restore product.

    • 4

      Remove the parts that cannot be fixed. Get online and find the parts you need or go to a vintage bike swap and buy another Columbia just like yours and remove the parts you need with the bike tool.

    • 5

      Rub the frame and all the parts down with bronze wool and rubbing compound. Don't take off any paint that will not come off with only light rubbing. Use a small brush and some grease remover to get down inside tight cracks and gears to remove any old built-up grit.

    • 6

      Scrub down any chrome parts with rubbing compound and bronze wool, removing any surface rust pits. If the rust pits are too deep to remove, leave them.

    • 7

      Liberally apply grease remover to the chain as you turn the pedals on the bike. Hold the chain with a soft cloth, continue turning the pedals letting the grease remover clean the chain as it passes through your hands. Repeat until the chain runs smoothly and is shiny.

    • 8

      Put all the replacement parts back on using the universal bike tool. Liberally rub down the frame and seat with furniture polish and let it set for 24 hours. Wipe off.