After so much elbow oil grease (thank you @Mouselemming@sh.itjust.works ), this is the result I’m proud of: A working Graziella, ready to take me around Salento (area in Pulia, south of Italy)(maybe that’s too much… maybe I’ll move just in the town 😅)
There is still quite some rust, but the pedals flow and the brakes work well (enough).
Do you know this old folding-bike style? The original one was called Graziella, in the '60s, and then all the Italian manufacturers produced their version. But I think it’s not known outside of Italy. Cheap, sturdy, practical… The old ones sell for a good price, if in good state (not this one 🙃 )
Also a picture while I was restoring it:
crosspostated from: https://social.tchncs.de/users/lgsp/statuses/117150575857916610
I have that bike too!! branded “stratton”, but has the exact same frame. I’ve been gradually repairing it, and it’s currently in my living room (workshop) waiting for parts (incl. new winding wire for the dynamo). It’s 50% brown paint and 50% rust, and the tyres (presumably original) are splitting apart, but I don’t plan on fixing anything that still works. There is just too much rust for me to feasibly remove or paint over. Will try to add a photo tomorrow.
Edit (The saddle is temporary, I still plan on fixing the original):