Carlton Corsa?

[Glenn2605]

Hi All,

So this is my first post and first break into classic/vintage and I’m hoping to learn a thing or two!

I’ve just picked up what I believe to be a Carlton Corsa based on images I’ve looked at on the internet, she’s had a hard life and needs TLC and restoring but I’m not sure where to start - all my other bikes are carbon..

The frame is going to need stripping back due to rusting/peeling paint and that’s the start - how do I best go about this?

Thanks in advance,
Glenn

 

[midlife]

Polychromatic Aqua Green if memory serves. Cracking colour

 

[DCLane]

Welcome.

And at least yours looks vaguely like it did originally. My Carlton Corsa arrival yesterday:

 

[Cycleops]

Hello Glenn and welcome to the forum.

Remove all the components. You can try to strip it yourself but its a Long messy job or you can send it to a shot blaster who might also be able to do the respray. Decals are available from a company called Lloyd's I think.

Good luck and keep us updated.

 

[davidphilips]

Only my view but your Carlton looks ok as is? May look better stripped and painted but theres something nice about a well used bike perhaps just clean polish and a good service?

 

[midlife]

Doesn't look bad enough to strip as mentioned, what are the first 3 letters/ number on the bottom bracket.

 

[Glenn2605]

Doesn't look bad enough to strip as mentioned, what are the first 3 letters/ number on the bottom bracket.

WE6 is what I'm reading from the bottom bracket :-)

 

[Glenn2605]

Welcome.

And at least yours looks vaguely like it did originally. My Carlton Corsa arrival yesterday:

View attachment 429665

Jeez I'd say there's a project right there, at least a good few evenings in the shed and half a box of tea bags !

 

[Glenn2605]

Only my view but your Carlton looks ok as is? May look better stripped and painted but theres something nice about a well used bike perhaps just clean polish and a good service?

I've already stripped her this evening and now I can see what's lurking underneath it would be good to get everything back the former glory if possible, maybe losing a bit of weight along the way...

 

[southcoast]

Jeez I'd say there's a project right there, at least a good few evenings in the shed and half a box of tea bags !

Just a wipe with an oily rag!? Lol

 

[Illaveago]

Hi and .
Your Carlton looks to be in pretty good condition, perhaps you could just treat the badly rusted areas and touch them in and give the frame a wax polish.

 

[Glenn2605]

Thanks for the reply’s, any advice on how to clean up the rims/spokes?

 

[midlife]

Frame number is April 1976 made in the Worksop factory..... A good year

For the rims if they are steel then fine wire wool and light oil to help lubricate, same for spokes.

The drive train is newer and looks like Shimano in the pics.

 

[Glenn2605]

Frame number is April 1976 made in the Worksop factory..... A good year

For the rims if they are steel then fine wire wool and light oil to help lubricate, same for spokes.

The drive train is newer and looks like Shimano in the pics.

1976 eh, older than me at least. You’re correct they are Shimano drive components, I’m assuming to get a more varied gear range than the original also the gear selector has been repositioned at some point to the stem.

The cable routing had been changed as well whereby someone didn’t use the guides and just cable tied them to the frame!

The saddle is looking quite brittle so investigating how to restore it...

Cheers for the tips on the wheels, that’s tonight’s activity sorted :-)

 

[Illaveago]

Thanks for the reply’s, any advice on how to clean up the rims/spokes?

Your rims look like chrome. I use Hammerite rust removing gel which I find works well. Other people use different methods but I find that I can brush it on and let it work before working at it with a stiff brush and finally washing it off with water.