1940s Raleigh rescue - Should I or shouldn't I?

[ChrisEyles]

Red wheels, as promised:

Just need to buy a couple of replacement bolts that sheared off when I stripped the frame down, and then I can re-assemble

I'm still missing the front rod brake stirrup - I found a possible replacement part, but not sure if I can make use of it... because I can't seem to remove the old (broken) front brake! It *looks* like once you've loosened the locking nut (not pictured below, I've taken it off) the brake part should slide off the thinner rod (which is attached to the brake lever on the bars). Am I missing something silly here..?

 

[mjr]

http://www.cyclesofyesteryear.com/cycleshop/sparepart.htm makes me think you're right that it should slide off but do you need to extract what the nut was on?

 

[raleighnut]

Red wheels, as promised:

Just need to buy a couple of replacement bolts that sheared off when I stripped the frame down, and then I can re-assemble

I'm still missing the front rod brake stirrup - I found a possible replacement part, but not sure if I can make use of it... because I can't seem to remove the old (broken) front brake! It *looks* like once you've loosened the locking nut (not pictured below, I've taken it off) the brake part should slide off the thinner rod (which is attached to the brake lever on the bars). Am I missing something silly here..?

Tap the end of the bolt with a hammer to release it slightly but you can bet its rusted solid inside, so a bit of penetrating oil (for a couple of days) and then a blowtorch.................rest and repeat but go gently it doesn't take much to snap the rod when you're trying to free it if you try twisting it to loosen it off.

 

[ChrisEyles]

Thanks for the suggestions!

I've already given the bolt a few good solid taps with a hammer, and squirted in some GT85 as suggested - I don't have a blowtorch, but can try over a gas hob, and cross fingers.

The cycles of yesteryear site looks excellent, thanks for flagging this up. Will probably get some new brake blocks and cotter pins from here.

 

[mjr]

I've already given the bolt a few good solid taps with a hammer, and squirted in some GT85 as suggested - I don't have a blowtorch, but can try over a gas hob, and cross fingers.

I found Halfords (urrrrrgh ) "Shock and Unlock" (a plusgas rip-off I think, in with the car supplies rather than the cycling stuff) shifted my corroded stem and finally allowed me to straighten the bars and do other maintenance. Better than GT85 but it didn't work on corroded mudguard bolts.

You're very welcome to the cycles of yesteryear. It was my plan B if a suitable hub-geared bike didn't appear on sale.

 

[ChrisEyles]

Started putting the bits together - need to go and buy a few more bolts tomorrow to replace some of the ones that sheared.
Getting the wheels to spin freely is a bit of an art, since the hub axles don't have locknuts, but are held in place by the nuts holding the axle into the dropouts.
A little more fettling and it may even get a brakeless gentle test run over the weekend

 

[AndyRM]

If I could 'like' that more than once, I would. You've done an absolutely phenomenal job so far, and the end seems in sight.

Are you going to ride it around in an awesome tweed suit smoking a pipe? Because that's what I'd do.

 

[ChrisEyles]

Thanks a lot! The only tricky job left to do is to sort the front brake out, but yes, the end is in sight. No rest for the wicked (well, OK, obsessive) though, I'll be starting work on its older brother next!

I'm already on the lookout for a suitable flat cap and V-neck tank top for the maiden voyage

 

[roadrash]

Go on .... you know you want to

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mens-Twee...286160462?pt=UK_Hats&var=&hash=item3cd5de684e

 

[roadrash]

you could look like this

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8DTNFnNI0g


excellent work on the restoration by the way

 

[ChrisEyles]

Go on .... you know you want to

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mens-Twee...286160462?pt=UK_Hats&var=&hash=item3cd5de684e

You're absolutely right - I do!

 

[ChrisEyles]

Well, five minutes with a hacksaw, and I've got the offending broken rod brake sleeve off of the handlebars. Just ordering a new set of stirrups and clips now, which should finish the job nicely.

Also need to choose a seat... what do people reckon?

:

If I went for either of the first two, I'd paint the rails/springs in black to tone them down a bit. I did look at getting a B66, but my eyes are still rolling around on the floor after seeing the price tag... the ones above are all under a tenner.

 

[ChrisEyles]

Re the video, I will have to work on the flick of the moustache around 40 seconds in

 

[mjr]

Any of the black saddles would look fine. I don't like nose springs but it's your taste that matters!

 

[raleighnut]

I like the one on the left.