Help restoring my Raleigh!

[HCFC Clark]

Hey everyone,

I've recently been given a bike by my dad, it's a 1986 Raleigh Record Sprint:

It's not in the best condition at the minute, but my aim is to strip it all down, clean it, re-spray and then pruchase new parts to re-store it.

However i need some help on what to do first, because ive never done anything like this before and dont know exactly what im doing, so what should be the first thing i should do?

Any help is appreciated, i know some of you are really clever at this stuff

 

[smokeysmoo]

Rule number 1, take your time, if in doubt photograph something before you strip it, (and while you strip it if necessary too).

I've done a couple of resto/conversion bikes now, and there isn't anything difficult TBH, but the old adage about a job being easier with the right tools definitely comes into play.

I've jumped into mine head first but I already had a sound mechanical knowledge of bikes before I started. There are loads of vids on you tube that have helped me in the past, (and no doubt will in the future too).

If you are painting it as you say, I'd say go for it as you will need to strip the whole frame anyway to do a decent job. I've had mine pro-sprayed, but you don't need to go to that extent, and I'm actually fancying spraying one myself then I've done everything, I'm just waiting for the right project to come along to do that with.

Parts should be pretty easy to source. Things like chainsets and brake calipers will surprise you how well they polish up. I actually sold all the original bits off the bikes I did, so you'll usualy find bits on ebay from similar projects/conversions.

I can promise this, there is nothing better than standing back looking at your finished bike and knowing that you did it yourself. You stripped it, prepped it, re-built it etc, very satisfying, and frighteningly addictive, you have been warned

Here's the two I've done, they were both 80's Peugeot road bikes, the first one I did a fixed gear conversion, the second one I did a 10 speed conversion and it is now my daily commuter

 

[casper-d]

Spot on advice and some lovely bikes there! Great jobs!

I have recently got back in to bike building and that is pretty much the route I took. I would also say have a load of money bags / plastic pots handy to put all the nuts and bolts and washers etc for a specific part in a seperate, labelled place. Really helps when it comes to putting it all back together!

Like Smokey said, Youtube has loads of videos that will help you - they certainly helped me. Also, if you think a tool you are using isn't up for the job, either don't use it or be very very careful how you use it because scratches on metal don't come out easily -or at all Better the right tool first time round...

Take it slow and take your time and you will no doubt create an original masterpiece to be proud of and, most of all, you will be very happy to ride

 

[smokeysmoo]

Spot on advice and some lovely bikes there! Great jobs!

Thank you

I would also say have a load of money bags / plastic pots handy to put all the nuts and bolts and washers

Great bit of advice, I use old aerosol lids for this

 

[Sleeper]

Tip: if you're after the 'full-fat' restore (concours) look, check into availability the same graphics/decals

edit (save a new post) those two are BEAUTIFUL, smoke!!

 

[smokeysmoo]

Tip: if you're after the 'full-fat' restore (concours) look, check into availability the same graphics/decals

Good point well put. I've used two ebay sellers for my decals, one HERE and one HERE The service from both was superb, and the quality is top notch too. As Sleeper says though, if it's important check they do your decals first. With my two I went for retro decals to get the best look, (IMO), although both frames are actually younger than the decal designs I chose.

those two are BEAUTIFUL, smoke!!

I thank you