Please help with old Sun Wasp and Carlton

[Mateusz1979]

Hi to All. I'm new here however I've seen some of your posts regards vintage bicycles before and I think you could possibly help me with dating my two projects bikes. One of it is Sun Wasp and the other one is Carlton.

 

[Mateusz1979]

The other bike, Carlton on photos below
Frame number is: 358118

 

[biggs682]

Welcome @Mateusz1979
2 very nice bikes there indeed

 

[midlife]

Welcome . The second is a Carlton Corsa 1968-72, the period when Carlton lost its way in stamping frames with a date code lol. There might be a date on the components.

 

[carpenter]

Re Sun Wasp:
https://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/restoration/restoring-an-original-classic/

in the article a chap called Peter Cowan is mentioned as being an expert on Sun Cycles (he has written a book on them and is resident expert on the marque for the veteran cycle club) - could be worth following up?

 

[oldtel]

Hi, the Sun frame number is not straight forward, if you use the first letter 'X' it makes it a 1956/57 but it looks earlier, I've seen the'X' before, and I think it stands for a custom build so we'll run with that, so the 'S' becomes the key date stamp and makes it 51/52 which looks possible but I'm not 100% it is a Sun Wasp as the lugs reflect a lesser model not the top of the range, but I'm happy to be proven wrong as the model line up just after the war was a bit vague. Thanks Terry

 

[raleighnut]

@Spokesmann will be along soon, he's our expert.

 

[Mateusz1979]

Thank you very much guys. Highly appreciated.

 

[Spokesmann]

The other bike, Carlton on photos below
Frame number is: 358118

I've a Corsa from this era, these date from 1969-72.

 

[Spokesmann]

The frame looks to be around 54/55 looking at the frame number. The XS in front the V prefix normally suggests a better quality build... Id need to dig out some more info. I am admin on a Sun group on Facebook if you are interested, we have a number of Sun experts and enthusiasts on there.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2323719181188909

 

[Mateusz1979]

Thank you Spokesmann. I've joined facebook group already. Could you tell me what it meant the bike was better quality built? Or how can I be sure about production date? Is there anywhere where I could check it?
Thanks

 

[Spokesmann]

Thank you Spokesmann. I've joined facebook group already. Could you tell me what it meant the bike was better quality built? Or how can I be sure about production date? Is there anywhere where I could check it?
Thanks

Better lighter tubing, possibly 531 or similar.

 

[oldtel]

Hi, found this on my travels, a Sun Super Vitesse, looks close, I hope it helps. Thanks Terry