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Technical & Reference Section => Tech and Restoration => Topic started by: shearer27 on December 23, 2017, 08:35 PM

Title: 1983 Montesita T-10 trials bike restoration
Post by: shearer27 on December 23, 2017, 08:35 PM
Here we have what's left of my Montesita T-10 trials bike. I have owned this since new (1983?) but it was left in an outside lean to and half buried underground for 30 years! Obviously the wheels and tyres are long gone but it looks pretty complete otherwise. Do you think it's restorable? The frame seems solid enough although very corroded. Thinking it might be best to get it sandblasted? Any advice or comments welcomed!

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/MVIMG_20171223_113710.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/MVIMG_20171223_113710.jpg.html)

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/MVIMG_20171223_113741_1.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/MVIMG_20171223_113741_1.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: Avro on December 23, 2017, 08:54 PM
Anything is restorable, the question is how much is left of the original at the end and how deep your pockets are.
Some of the corrosion looks pretty severe. I think getting it sand blasted, or similar, is a good idea. It may blow holes in those tubes but you need to find that out anyway. If the metal is that thin then the project is pretty much dead.
It would be certainly be worth the effort for sure.
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: Mikku on December 24, 2017, 12:07 AM
OMG I love that!! :smitten:

I can’t help with resto advice but definitely think it’s worth trying to save! Especially since you’re the og owner! Good luck with it all and please keep us posted with pics and progress! :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: CustardLips on December 29, 2017, 11:51 AM
Would love to get my hands on one of these. Here's me in the Euro championships in about 83.  :daumenhoch:

[attachment=1]

Get it stripped mate... gotta be worth a try.  :)
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: kalex on December 29, 2017, 12:45 PM
Would love to get my hands on one of these. Here's me in the Euro championships in about 83.  :daumenhoch:

[attachment=1]

Get it stripped mate... gotta be worth a try.  :)

That rear brake lever looks long enough to use both hands on it
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: oldschoolace on December 29, 2017, 01:04 PM
Great pic that Nick. Ive seen one or two of these on my travels. will keep an eye out for you  :daumenhoch:

Shearer, that should clean up a treat with a citirc acid bath and some tlc  :)
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: kalex on December 29, 2017, 01:08 PM
I've only just realised that these are montesita and not montesa.

Are they the same company or totally different as the front end does look like old school trials bikes with the forks being as they are.
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: CustardLips on December 29, 2017, 01:11 PM
Would love to get my hands on one of these. Here's me in the Euro championships in about 83.  :daumenhoch:

[attachment=1]

Get it stripped mate... gotta be worth a try.  :)

That rear brake lever looks long enough to use both hands on it

 :LolLolLolLol:  Yeah... think they used proper trials bike levers on em Lee.  :daumenhoch:

Great pic that Nick. Ive seen one or two of these on my travels. will keep an eye out for you  :daumenhoch:


Nice one Clint.  ;)
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: CustardLips on December 29, 2017, 01:12 PM
I've only just realised that these are montesita and not montesa.

Are they the same company or totally different as the front end does look like old school trials bikes with the forks being as they are.

Yeah same company Lee.  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: shearer27 on December 29, 2017, 04:17 PM
Thanks for all the comments guys. Not sure why or what the cross-over is between Montesita and Montesa? The headtube sticker is definitely the Montesa M with made in Spain below. Thanks for the picture of you CustardLips nice to know that someone used one competitively. So what would work best - citric acid or having it blasted? Guessing citric acid might be easier on the metal as I'm not sure how strong it is after all these years. Seems pretty thick tubing and judging by the weight it should be up to blasting! Thinking it's too rare just to leave to rot so will keep you all posted with any updates. Thanks all.
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: oldschoolace on December 29, 2017, 04:33 PM
Citric acid all the way. Check the resto stickies for a how to. Should at the very least give you a good idea of its true condition, at best leave you with a frame ready to be rebuilt  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: shearer27 on December 29, 2017, 06:22 PM
Thanks oldscoolace. I might give that a go. Should I strip the remaining paint off first?
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: oldschoolace on December 29, 2017, 06:35 PM
Just take apart what you can and get all the parts in the acid bath. Won't harm to brush off the lose paint but wouldn't bother stripping the rest until you know what you are working with.
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: Avro on December 29, 2017, 08:08 PM
That's asking an awful lot of a citric acid bath. Don't get me wrong, I use the stuff a lot but not on something this corroded. I can not help thinking that it would save a lot time to blast with some medium, get them to used walnut shell if you are worried, but grit/sand/oxide will be fine if done sympathetically. Horses for courses, only me opinion of course.
Good luck with the project.
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: griff on December 30, 2017, 12:20 AM
Would love to get my hands on one of these. Here's me in the Euro championships in about 83.  :daumenhoch:

[attachment=1]

Get it stripped mate... gotta be worth a try.  :)

That rear brake lever looks long enough to use both hands on it

 :LolLolLolLol: beat me to it

Great pic Nick! Didn't know you did trials but would love to see more pics if you have em? BITD Kickstart was one of my favourite programmes but we used to just set up crap obstacles to go over

Makes sense that Montesa / Montesita are the same company, in Spanish 'Montesita' would translate as 'Little Montesa' so can see how they might have decided to give that name to their pedal bikes
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: CustardLips on December 30, 2017, 12:33 AM
Only did it the once John and the only pic I've got. Borrowed the bike on the day and came 3rd out of 5 in the novice section. Got a medal at the presentation night an all that shit.  It was good... i enjoyed it.   :daumenhoch:
Medal disappeared along with my few racing trophies somewhere down the line unfortunately.  :-\
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: CustardLips on December 30, 2017, 12:39 AM
Yeah Kickstart... Eddy Lejeune and John Lampkin... shit hot.  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: shearer27 on January 01, 2018, 11:30 AM
Thanks for adding your comments and input - much appreciated. I've added a new pic below just to show that I've managed to remove the stem, bars and saddle although the seat post is going to need more persuasion! I've also started to remove some of the old paint and rust. Looks pretty solid underneath. The worst parts are those that were buried - especially the front dropouts.

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/MVIMG_20180101_104218.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/MVIMG_20180101_104218.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: CustardLips on January 01, 2018, 12:47 PM
Looking much better already.  :)
A citric bath for a few days may help release the seat post if not Clint may be able to help with his seat post removing contraption.  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: CustardLips on January 01, 2018, 12:58 PM
Did you manage to get the stickers off before stripping ?
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: oldschoolace on January 01, 2018, 01:02 PM
Yeah if you get stuck with the post (pardon the pun) drop me a line, I've got just the tool to fish it out  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: shearer27 on January 01, 2018, 08:37 PM
I managed to take all stickers off before stripping so they will give me an idea of reproducing them when I need replacements. I think I'm going to try the Citric acid method and I'll let you know if I need help with the post if this fails. I'll keep you posted!!
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: shearer27 on January 04, 2018, 12:30 PM
After a little digging on the internet - who would have thought that after all these years a correct number plate would still be available in the UK for my Montesa T10!

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/MVIMG_20180104_120403.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/MVIMG_20180104_120403.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: In2bmx on January 04, 2018, 01:02 PM
Great Resto thread  :4_17_5: 

Looking forward to seeing the updates  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: Mikku on January 04, 2018, 01:05 PM
Loving that plate!! :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: bmxmatt1974 on January 04, 2018, 01:20 PM
good to see another old cyclo trial bike. I have a Wilson trials frame with a bash guard built in. used to have a rockhopper bitd but never seen one come up for sale
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: sawzall on January 04, 2018, 02:09 PM
Looking good cy, I'm you decided to restore it
If you need any advice just give me a shout  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: shearer27 on January 04, 2018, 03:19 PM
Thanks guys. Will be updating thread as and when time allows!
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: shearer27 on January 24, 2018, 12:30 PM
So, I had some citric acid turn up this morning and I'm just waiting for a paddling pool to be delivered so I can give this a bath to see what's left behind. Any guidance or things I should do to get the best results? I've heard warm water works best and around a 12 hour soak?
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: griff on January 24, 2018, 01:20 PM
Warm water
Fill up plastic bottles or use bricks to fill spaces (so less water needed)
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: shearer27 on January 24, 2018, 01:25 PM
Thanks griff I'll make sure I do that.
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: oldschoolace on January 24, 2018, 01:49 PM
little scrub with a toothbrush or similar every 4 hours or so on the heaviest rust areas really helps it to penetrate too  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: shearer27 on January 24, 2018, 02:34 PM
Question. Will it harm rubber/plastic? I have hard rubber gators around the BB shell and headset. Should I remove them first to be sure?
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: oldschoolace on January 24, 2018, 02:44 PM
Won't harm rubber, plastic or decals  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: kalex on January 24, 2018, 03:26 PM
I'm looking forward to seeing the results on this
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: shearer27 on April 07, 2018, 10:10 PM
So it's been a while so I thought I'd add a few more pictures and give you an update of where I've got to with the Montesa. It's had a citric acid bath, a severe sanding and today I've given it a spray with some rust inhibitor. I've also put some filler over the worst affected tubes hoping that these can then be sanded to make them smoother.

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/MVIMG_20180125_190945.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/MVIMG_20180125_190945.jpg.html)

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/IMG_20180407_154621.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/IMG_20180407_154621.jpg.html)

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/IMG_20180407_154750.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/IMG_20180407_154750.jpg.html)

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/MVIMG_20180407_154802.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/MVIMG_20180407_154802.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: shearer27 on April 16, 2018, 11:20 PM
I got bored tonight so decided to redraw the frame stickers.

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/COBRAArtboard%201-80.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/COBRAArtboard%201-80.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: shearer27 on April 23, 2018, 11:35 AM
So this weekend after a long time spent filling, sanding and prepping I finally got round to giving the old girl a lick of paint - no powder-coating this one just good old rattle-cans. This is in no way going to be an expensive restoration project but more of a clean up and see how she turns out kind of job! I wasn't expecting much when I started but I think it's coming together ok. I'm especially pleased with the rear stays as these were very heavily pitted.

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/IMG_20180420_185415.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/IMG_20180420_185415.jpg.html)

Before:
(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/MVIMG_20180407_154822.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/MVIMG_20180407_154822.jpg.html)

After:
(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/MVIMG_20180420_185752.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/MVIMG_20180420_185752.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Montesita T-10 trials bike
Post by: shearer27 on April 30, 2018, 03:49 PM
A few more pics from this weekend. Fork and head tube stickers added.

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/IMG_20180428_132142_1.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/IMG_20180428_132142_1.jpg.html)

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/IMG_20180428_132116_1.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/IMG_20180428_132116_1.jpg.html)

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/IMG_20180428_132107.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/IMG_20180428_132107.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 1983 Montesita T-10 trials bike restoration
Post by: deeman on April 30, 2018, 05:16 PM
Nice job mate...lookin good, reminds me of my Strika!!  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 1983 Montesita T-10 trials bike restoration
Post by: bobafett on May 04, 2018, 04:17 PM
Looks like you're havin fun there mate - good stuff  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 1983 Montesita T-10 trials bike restoration
Post by: CustardLips on May 04, 2018, 04:22 PM
Come up a treat that mate... looks great.  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 1983 Montesita T-10 trials bike restoration
Post by: BMX1973 on May 04, 2018, 08:37 PM
Looking good.  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 1983 Montesita T-10 trials bike restoration
Post by: shearer27 on May 04, 2018, 10:53 PM
Thanks for your comments. It's taken a while but I'm pleased with the results and will keep you all posted on any more progress...
Title: Re: 1983 Montesita T-10 trials bike restoration
Post by: shearer27 on May 13, 2018, 05:35 PM
Bars rubbed down, filled, sprayed and fitted. Seat clamp sprayed and mounted. Numberplate brackets bodged and plate secured. Getting there slowly!

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/IMG_20180513_171051.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/IMG_20180513_171051.jpg.html)

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/IMG_20180513_171035.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/IMG_20180513_171035.jpg.html)

Title: Re: 1983 Montesita T-10 trials bike restoration
Post by: kalex on May 13, 2018, 10:05 PM
Looking very good, carry on  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 1983 Montesita T-10 trials bike restoration
Post by: Avro on May 14, 2018, 09:26 AM
Very cool project indeed.
Title: Re: 1983 Montesita T-10 trials bike restoration
Post by: shearer27 on May 29, 2018, 11:18 PM
Today I received the frame stickers and applied them this evening. Thanks Delcals for printing them.

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/IMG_20180529_221109.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/IMG_20180529_221109.jpg.html)

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/IMG_20180529_221046.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/IMG_20180529_221046.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 1983 Montesita T-10 trials bike restoration
Post by: griff on May 29, 2018, 11:46 PM
Love it  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: 1983 Montesita T-10 trials bike restoration
Post by: kalex on May 30, 2018, 11:35 PM
Today I received the frame stickers and applied them this evening. Thanks Delcals for printing them.

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/IMG_20180529_221109.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/IMG_20180529_221109.jpg.html)

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/IMG_20180529_221046.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/IMG_20180529_221046.jpg.html)

You've done a very good job on applying these decals, it's the one job I hate
Title: Re: 1983 Montesita T-10 trials bike restoration
Post by: shearer27 on May 31, 2018, 09:30 AM
I know what you mean. It's one job I get nervous about too. Just the one chance especially as I could not lift and re-apply as I was scared they might lift the paint if I did!
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