Hello New to Forum, but got a Claud Butler

[Millso]

Hi everyone, I am interested in retro (70s ish) bikes from my youth and I have taken the plunge, not a big plunge, and bought myself an old Claud Butler with 531 tubing.
I think its pretty much original, but it needs a total rebuild, which is why I bought it.
So I will shortly start stripping it down and I intend to have the frame shot blasted and re-painted. I would like to fit Campag gears etc, I have alsways liked the Nuovo Grand Sport stuff which was well out of my league when I were a lad.
The forks however are chromed but in need of a total refurb so I was wondering if anyone has any advice on how to restore these to their former glory? Its a forum I am sure someone does.
I am looking forward to the project, I have a Specialist Allez and a very old Raleigh Yukon which I did the South Downs Way on this year.
Looking to get into some retro rides once I have finished my bike, but I am in no rush.
Hey ho

 

[Drago]

Greetings and welcome.

Pop up a few photos with some close ups, it'll give the pundits and idea of what needs doing. the 'Holdsworthy era' Claud's are lovely bikes to ride. Got one myself

 

[Cycleops]

Hello and welcome to the forum.
You'll find quite a few like minded enthusiasts on here. Let's have a few pics of the Claude.
Forks could be saved with wire wool but might need re-chroming.

 

[midlife]

1970's is my era welcome

 

[MikeG]

I rode with someone today on a gorgeous 1970's Claude Butler. A thing of beauty, it was.

 

[Millso]

I think I might have to have a few more posts before I can do pictures. Thanks for your interest though I am looking forward to the build and pleased to find thid forum.

 

[biggs682]

Deffo pics needed when you can please

 

[nonowt]

Welcome!

Here's the place to look for Claud Butler information:

http://www.nkilgariff.com

As I said on MacLean thread, I'd council against repainting unless unavoidable. Chrome can be cleaned up surprising well by rubbing with scrunched up tinfoil sprayed with WD40 if it's just a bit of surface rust.

Looking forward to seeing some pictures.

 

[Fonze]

Hello there ..

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

Unless money is no object, most people seem to shotblast over old pitted chrome and then paint/powder coat the forks, rather than go to the trouble of getting them stripped and rechromed to a high standard.. If the forks are only hi-tensile rather than 531, it might be cheaper to replace a poor condition set rather than try to rechrome them.

 

[Illaveago]

Hi and .
I have a 70's Holdsworth Record. We like seeing old bikes on here.
I wouldn't rush into getting it shot blasted yet as has been said it may just need a good clean up. There are rust removing treatments available which might restore your rusty chrome forks, I have even found lime or lemon juice out of the fridge can work. Don't tell my wife.
We look forward to seeing your pictures.

 

[Drago]

And if the lemon joice doesnt get the rust off it at least makes the frame taste nice!

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

And if the lemon joice doesnt get the rust off it at least makes the frame taste nice!

Licking bicycle frames is a sign of deviant behaviour - with or without the lemon juice!

 

[Millso]

Hi thanks for the replies. I think the chrome has gone too far., it is quite badly pitted. Someone suggested shot blasting I think there is a firm locally who will do this, and then I will have to have a good look at the result.
The bike has tubeless tyres on, and I have no experience with these. Where I am there are a lot of flints and hedge cutting. I am also no light weight myself so I was wondering if you could suggest suitable tyres or do I need to replace the wheels.
Thanks

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

The bike has tubeless tyres on, and I have no experience with these. Where I am there are a lot of flints and hedge cutting. I am also no light weight myself so I was wondering if you could suggest suitable tyres or do I need to replace the wheels. Thanks

Are you sure about tubeless?? They are only a very recent thing on push bikes and I wouldn't expect to see anything vintage with them fitted. If you're talking tubulars, then that's a different thing. Expensive, fragile, and puncture way too easily. Even pro racers have moved away from tubular tyres these days.
You'll need clincher rims to fit conventional beaded tyres, and before you go out looking for some wheels you need to have a good think about what width tyres you want to run (i.e. how important ride comfort is to you), and what size will actually clear your frame and forks, especially if you want to run with mudguards. Don't run tyres with just fag paper clearance, as you need a bit of space otherwise even only a very slightly out of true wheel will cause tyre rub. I've discovered that on my old Dawes the "sporty" frame is just a little too close for comfort in the rear chainstays to be totally happy running 32 mm tyres, so I've decided to go for 28's instead and use the 32's on my hybrid. These are Schwalbe Marathon Greenguards, which measure up narrower than manufacturer's spec @ 80 PSI inflation pressure. They would be ideal tyres in a suitable size if you are plagued by thorns and flints/glass fragments.