Elswick Folder project

[skudupnorth]

After the Pashley project which I seriously enjoyed getting back on the road, I turned my attention to a skip find I have had in the garage for nearly 10 years !
It was in the scrap bin and awaiting its fate whilst I was volunteering fir Cheshire East Ranger service at Styal.
The bike looked remarkably complete but the paint was absolutely shot so I just kept it until I found time to sort it
As a fan of a certain Czech brand of cars, I was pleased to see it had components from a Czechoslovak company called “ Favorit” and rolling on Barum tyres which sadly are perished
The rims are Favorit with a Sturmey Archer three speed hum dated 1983
Brake callipers are Favorit
The dynamo also has DDR markings which adds a bit more Cold War interest for me.
As mentioned, the blue paint is a mess along with the none original green so I’ve decided to strip it and go for a brushed steel affect which I will lacquer to stop any deterioration.
I have a better rear rack which I have to modify to fit the frame and I plan to replace the saddle with a Brooks
Here are the Easter progress photos

The panel hung on the wall is the full side of a Skoda Favorit !

Partially assembled to see what I had. The tyres are modern decathlon jobbies. Rear rack needs the rear strays shortening

 

[skudupnorth]

Might add wine bottle corks to the bar ends

 

[skudupnorth]

Nice Brooks B66 to replace the plastic saddle and I’ve done something with the handlebars

 

[skudupnorth]

Just the chain to fit, adjust the gear cable and source a rear dynamo lamp and it’s good to go
Going for bare metal finish but left the chain guard it’s original colour to break it up a little.

 

[skudupnorth]

Much to the shame of my good lady, just test ridden the little beasty and I can confirm it’s going to give miles of smiles 😆
Neighbour had to stop and chat about the new project so that’s a thumbs up for me

 

[skudupnorth]

Two classics in the garage now !

 

[Chris S]

Just the chain to fit, adjust the gear cable and source a rear dynamo lamp and it’s good to go
Going for bare metal finish but left the chain guard it’s original colour to break it up a little.
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How did you strip the paint?

 

[skudupnorth]

How did you strip the paint?

Angle grinder with a wire brush fitted for the easy to reach parts of the frame and then good old elbow grease for the fiddly bits. It took a while but I finally got the battered blue off

 

[skudupnorth]

Well the first ride ended up being a pleasant 12 miler along the Roe Green Loop Line and the Bridgewater Canal.
Quirky but fun bike to ride and I even got to test the dynamo 😁

 

[skudupnorth]

Increased the load carrying capacity by up cycling an old laptop bag and attaching it with toe clip straps to the rear carrier

 

[skudupnorth]

Found some old wax stuff in the garage so that’s now my Elswick frame protection 😆

 

[midlife]

Is that stuff for clothes?

 

[skudupnorth]

Is that stuff for clothes?

Yes 😆

 

[Cycleops]

Just don't cycle in the Highlands, you might find some friendly deer might take an interest in you.

 

[skudupnorth]

Been out on the Elswick a lot this week from hauling two sheeps worth of fleece to my local craft/wellbeing group to enjoying a bit of boat spotting next to the Manchester Ship canal or just riding the Roe Green Loop line and Bridgewater canal. Back to the grind next week