Overhaul

oakins242

Morning all.

I’ve just dusted off my old (ancient) Raleigh 405TI.

Firstly I was wondering if anyone knows anything about them. I’m under the impression that it has a steel frame with titanium lugs. Is this correct and are they any good?

Secondly I have just finished completely stripping the thing and was looking for tips on the best way to clean the components and also how I can give the frame a good clean, inside and out??

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers, Joe.

Monty Dog

I presume you're talking Dynatech - there were models with titanium main tubes, steel chainstays and seatstays or all-steel models. They were bonded rather than welded. They weren't particularly light and some early ones had a propensity to come unstuck. In terms of cleaning components, some degreaser and a toothbrush is a good start, followed by some metal polish and a fine Scotchbrite pad to remove any corrosion or tarnishing. Depending on the quality of the grooupset, it may be difficult to remove the effects of ageing - 105 and RSX groupsets of that era weren't particularly well finished and have bare alumnium and steel parts prone to corrosion - check parts for cracks and severe pitting.