Junk shop find

[Cycleops]

Given that the weight is fairly light, is there likely to be any 531 in the frame? I can't see a small-volume builder making fairly expensive machines out of hi-tensile, it wouldn't be such a strong selling point as the customers for these would not be utility riders/commuters.

It is 531.

 

[ren531]

The front brake is adonised red not original the back brake looks original with a quick release for quick wheel removal ,also the front wheel is probably not original as it is chrome and not alloy like the rear wheel ,there is too much crud on the chain wheel to see dates at the moment ,going to tread carefully with the clean up to find a number , the brake levers are as midlife describes they are GB and have super hood on them .The frame is a very light tube set I guess probably 531 like the example bike in the link above , the best bit about this is its been saved from the skip they have 2 huge skips on site that before too long this would have been in if some one with an eye for old bikes didn't show up quick .

 

[Drago]

The more I look at that, the more I think how gorgeous it would look when rebuilt. High quality powder coat, period equipment, but with modern rims, that would be an absolute stoater.

 

[simongt]

Cracking find and well deserving of a sympathetic resto - ! My personal view would be to work down to see if you can find the original colour to use and then source appropriate decals.

 

[Illaveago]

You could try some cellulose thinners on a rag in a small area first to see if the paint comes off.

 

[biggs682]

@ren531 glad to hear it's a keeper

 

[Cycleops]

Cracking find and well deserving of a sympathetic resto - ! My personal view would be to work down to see if you can find the original colour to use and then source appropriate decals.

According to the OP the silver hiding underneath may be chrome but he'll have to see what sort of condition it's in after stripping the paint back. There's a good chance the coating has preserved it.

 

[ren531]

Yep tried some thinners for cellulose paint only a thin layer of red not layer on layer ,got down to the "silver " easily no decals at all but it does seem to shine up ok ,so far that is ,if it is chrome I would like to use it if it is in useable condition .

 

[ren531]

Up date on the chrome finish ,its very badly scored all over presumably to key in the respray paint so the nice chrome finish is no more ,WHY would you do that to such a nice frame ,so it will be a respray but maybe I could leave the lugs in chrome , the score marks would not be so obvious on the lugs ,would it look right ? would this have been an acceptable finish for a bike like this ?.

 

[Drago]

Get it rechromed?

 

[ren531]

Where would I get it rechromed sounds like it would be a postal job in both directions , maybe expensive only limited funds unfortunately

 

[Illaveago]

Any pictures of the scoring?

 

[Illaveago]

I was thinking if the scoring wasn't too deep you might be able to bring some of it back with a good metal polish and some cotton rag. If you wrapped the cloth round the frame and worked it back and forth, a bit like Ray Mears does for lighting a fire with a bow. I find that Maguire's metal polish is very good.

 

[Drago]

Where would I get it rechromed sounds like it would be a postal job in both directions , maybe expensive only limited funds unfortunately

In your town.

www.ashfordchroming.com/area/chrome-plating/Lancaster

It's a lovely looking, quality frame of slightly unusually appearance - it's be a travesty to do anything except the very best you can manage for it.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

The more I look at that, the more I think how gorgeous it would look when rebuilt. High quality powder coat, period equipment, but with modern rims, that would be an absolute stoater.

I think Shand would have something to say about that