Help needed identifying an 80's Frame

[8mph]

Here it is. Looks very like a Carlton I owned a while back but the Reynolds decal dates it at post 85. The serial number is too faint to read.

(The last pic is of the head tube, where the headbadge used to be)

 

[Once a Wheeler]

Not at all sure about this but I am intrigued by the 3-pin fixing for the head badge. The only one I can think of that fixed one at the top and two at the bottom is Raleigh:

Check out the measurements and that may give you the answer.
The fluted seat-stay tops do not look very Carlton to me, but the Carltons I knew were from 20 years before this machine.
Nice frame just the same — if you are tall enough to fit it — should restore really well. Enjoy the refurb.

 

[8mph]

Not at all sure about this but I am intrigued by the 3-pin fixing for the head badge. The only one I can think of

Thanks for that @Once a Wheeler
The holes are 18 x 26mm apart, so could very well be.

The paintwork is in fantastic condition. Makes me wonder if it was hand painted. Just cannot make out the serial number.

Indeed it is very fine quality. I shall probably pass this on to someone whose into this type of bike. I have a friend who is to small for his current ride, due to his advanced years,so I'm lining up a few options.

 

[Sterlo]

I'm no expert, but it looks like a bike frame. Hope it helps!

 

[midlife]

Dies look like Raleigh badge holes. Quite a few had those flutes seat stay caps

 

[8mph]

Dies look like Raleigh badge holes. Quite a few had those flutes seat stay caps

I do hope so. It looks similar to a "Record Ace" in every respect bar the lack of fender mounts. I should get a chance to weigh it tomorrow.

 

[Gunk]

Could have originally been a Raleigh 531 Classic or Royal

The timeline would fit

 

[8mph]

@Gunk @midlife @Sterlo @Once a Wheeler
Thanks for taking an interest. I couldn't resist sanding back the paint to get a better look at the serial number. I'm keeping hold of the frame in any case as it fits (60cm)
Here you can see its stamped across the the bb shell and divided by 3 slashes.

Can't make out more than a few of the digits but maybe the sequencing will look familiar to one of you.

7/?109/??/?

 

[midlife]

NB1 or WB1 at the start which is a, Raleigh / Carlton 1981 number

 

[8mph]

NB1 or WB1 at the start which is a, Raleigh / Carlton 1981 number

That would contradict the 531 decal (from 1985)

 

[Gunk]

Is there any indication of the original frame colour?

 

[midlife]

531 decal sits on the shoreline of a lug which is unusual if OEM, paint looks like humbrol enamel!

 

[8mph]

Is there any indication of the original frame colour?

Not that I can see, just bare metal where I've sanded and on the few chips in the red paint.

 

[Cycleops]

That decal has been added at some time since it's been painted (obv).

 

[Paulus]

Is it actually a 531 frame?