Ladies Raleigh Chiltern Restore Log

[FeistySquirrel]

Ok, so this is a project I've been sat on for months... The other half wanted a bike, and is into all this 'vintage' kind of style... So, being the nice person I am, bought her one of eBay, a 1989 Ladies Raleigh Chiltern in Dusty Pink. £35. Can't go wrong at that. Of I go pick it up, ride it home (I'm 6ft..), and straight over glass. Looks like I'm walking the last half mile!!

Imagine this, but in slightly worse condition...(Not my photo, I forgot to get photos!)

Here's my riding home photo that I sent to her...
[I can't find the photo...Whoops]

Anyway, the next few days were reasonable, so I started taking parts off. Wheels, Saddles, Mud guards etc.

The Chromed Wheels where nice and rusty (never mind), Saddle was original and in OK condition, Mud Guards were rusted through at the connections with big holes so they will be replaced. The frame is in reasonable condition, but she wants a nice blue color, and a blue she will get.


Anyway, got a fair bit dissembled etc, then I got a new job, and here's how it has been for the past few months (covered up)



Fast forward to today
I now have 5 days off a week and the weather has picked up, kind off, so off we go again!
Let's get those cranks off.....


Brilliant, seized Cotter Pins...


Hoorah, finally got them out without damaging them!



OK, Let's get the handlebars and forks out...


OR Maybe not, we're gonna need a bigger spanner...


Let's get this thing off for now...



Now, BRB, off to the shop for a bigger wrench!!

I will be updating this thread with the progress as I wrestle my way through this!

As for all this rust, it hasn't got any worse from when I bought it, so that's good...

 

[FeistySquirrel]

So I bought a bigger wrench, and began work...

Let's get the bottom bracket out first...



Awwww crraaappp



Now the forks...


I a victorious!!

Let's paint!


...


...

Looking pretty nice..




Aww crap I dropped it.



..Started on the frame, and ran out of blue paint... Fail.


That's it for now.. Forcast rain tomorrow, great!

And Yes. I am hanging them from the washing line, and no, no flies got stuck in the paint

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

You may like to know Decathlon have these at £2.99

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/650x35a-world-tour-tyre-white-id_8212912.html

Think that works out the same size as the 26 x 1 3/8 and similar look to the Raleigh Records (albeit different tread pattern) that would have been fitted originally

 

[FeistySquirrel]

Super! Thanks a lot! Tyres are on my shopping list.

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

I have still to start on a bike I got last year too, so this is a great thread for motivating me, thanks!!

 

[BrianEvesham]

Great thread, keep up the good work.

 

[Chris S]

You may like to know Decathlon have these at £2.99

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/650x35a-world-tour-tyre-white-id_8212912.html

Think that works out the same size as the 26 x 1 3/8 and similar look to the Raleigh Records (albeit different tread pattern) that would have been fitted originally

26 x 1 3/8 inch tyres are actually 590 mm. Those ones would probably be far too big for the rims?

 

[FeistySquirrel]

I'll check the size on the old tyres :-).

And as for today's progress... The rain has called of today's work, how ever; it hasn't called of the neighbor from hanging out her washing...hahaha.

Maybe I'll go and buy some more paint

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

26 x 1 3/8 inch tyres are actually 590 mm. Those ones would probably be far too big for the rims?

650 is the French size (as it's Decathlon, a French company) equivelant to the ISO 590

http://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

 

[Chris S]

650 is the French size (as it's Decathlon, a French company) equivelant to the ISO 590

http://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

Thanks - I'll get some as well!

 

[FeistySquirrel]

This rain just doesn't give up!! Maybe I'll go buy some stuff for it ready.

 

[FeistySquirrel]

Too risk getting the next layer of primer on, or not to risk? ...I hate this weather. One minute it rains, then it doesn't for 3 hours, then it does for 10 minutes..

 

[FeistySquirrel]

I should get a medal for my bravery! ...
First, here's the damage from dropping the damn thing!

Quick rub down with some sand paper...




Here we go again!



Gave the frame a last coat of primer..



Just look at the sky!!




ARSE, forgot about this!



Overnight protection! (Wrapped this inside some bike covers too lol


Weather depending, I'm aiming to get the paint and top coat on tomorrow ..... .. I wish we had a shed I could get in, or a garage .

My shopping consisted of Paint, Break Cables, a new Chain link tool.. And soon to be some white outer cable and tyres.

 

[FeistySquirrel]

I think I'm racing against the rain clock again today.... Now, do I leave it hanging whilst I nip out?

... Yes, I'm aware it's patchy. It's only a thin first coat.

 

[young Ed]

saturday was wonderful weather (in kent) so did you get anything done?
Cheers Ed