Illaveago
Guru
- Location
- Chippenham,Wiltshire.
This tandem was posted in the Ebay and auction watch section by Biggsy. I had spotted it but hadn't paid much attention to it until a few days had passed.
I already own a tandem minus wheels and a few other components and when I noticed that it was still for sale I thought that it might make a good donor for parts. I mentioned it to my wife and she thought that it might be better for her as it had a ladies rear frame.
We contacted the seller and arranged for me to go and have a look at it on Saturday. A nice trip up the M4 on a dingy grey day and I finally arrived at my destination.
I was greeted by a nice couple who showed me the tandem. They had bought it some time ago from the previous owner and had intended to do it up but were now sadly having to let it go. It was in original condition with plenty of rust on the chrome work and faded paintwork and in need of a good clean. The wheels and hub brakes were in very good condition, it had a Sturmey Archer 3 speed.
Looking over the frame I could make out the faded transfers Coventry Eagle on the down tube. On the seat post there were some letters missing but I could make out Triple Ace with some fancy decorations in the form of 3 pointed prongs. The sections of the frame were held together by a mortice and tenon type of joint secured with large nut and bolt. I asked the seller if it came apart for transporting it and he said that it should break down into 3 sections. I paid for the tandem and went to my car to collect my tools.
A lot of joking and laughing followed as we loosened the frame bolts and tried to figure out how things were held together. Once the rear brake rod was finally disconnected we could split the frame into it's 3 main sections, which easily fitted into the back of my car.The front and rear sections could be fitted together to make a normal cycle if required.
When I got home I unloaded my car and set to work treating the rust with some rust removing gel. The handlebars are badly corroded but are cleaning up slowly. The chainrings are also badly rusted but are slowly revealing the eagle motif that has been stamped into them.
The head badge is in the form of an art deco eagle which looks like it wouldn't look out of place adorning a skyscraper.
After a good clean this morning I found a date stamp on the rear hub 51 5 this could tally with the number 1950 stamped into sections of the frame. I also discovered a transfer on the seat tube " Fretton Cycles Coventry" which I assume is where it was originally purchased.
This is an on going project.
I already own a tandem minus wheels and a few other components and when I noticed that it was still for sale I thought that it might make a good donor for parts. I mentioned it to my wife and she thought that it might be better for her as it had a ladies rear frame.
We contacted the seller and arranged for me to go and have a look at it on Saturday. A nice trip up the M4 on a dingy grey day and I finally arrived at my destination.
I was greeted by a nice couple who showed me the tandem. They had bought it some time ago from the previous owner and had intended to do it up but were now sadly having to let it go. It was in original condition with plenty of rust on the chrome work and faded paintwork and in need of a good clean. The wheels and hub brakes were in very good condition, it had a Sturmey Archer 3 speed.
Looking over the frame I could make out the faded transfers Coventry Eagle on the down tube. On the seat post there were some letters missing but I could make out Triple Ace with some fancy decorations in the form of 3 pointed prongs. The sections of the frame were held together by a mortice and tenon type of joint secured with large nut and bolt. I asked the seller if it came apart for transporting it and he said that it should break down into 3 sections. I paid for the tandem and went to my car to collect my tools.
A lot of joking and laughing followed as we loosened the frame bolts and tried to figure out how things were held together. Once the rear brake rod was finally disconnected we could split the frame into it's 3 main sections, which easily fitted into the back of my car.The front and rear sections could be fitted together to make a normal cycle if required.
When I got home I unloaded my car and set to work treating the rust with some rust removing gel. The handlebars are badly corroded but are cleaning up slowly. The chainrings are also badly rusted but are slowly revealing the eagle motif that has been stamped into them.
The head badge is in the form of an art deco eagle which looks like it wouldn't look out of place adorning a skyscraper.
After a good clean this morning I found a date stamp on the rear hub 51 5 this could tally with the number 1950 stamped into sections of the frame. I also discovered a transfer on the seat tube " Fretton Cycles Coventry" which I assume is where it was originally purchased.
This is an on going project.
My wife doesnt like not being able to see where she is going, but doesn't want to be in charge of brakes & gears either 
We've done a few rides, max of about 10 miles but reckon it will be up for sale next year, takes up too much space in the garage for so little use. Probably a good time of the year to pick one up cheap if you are on the lookout 