Should I refurb or send for scrap metal?

[midlife]

I was looking at the small cylindrical braze on opposite the hanger, I think the mudguard eyes are quick release too. Not a shabby frame when new.

 

[biggs682]

As others have said i would expect that was a tasty frame back in the day
My attack would be to make it ride able and use it as a pub bike and enjoy it

 

[newts]

Would the lugs or frame number give any clue to it's origin?
The original colour appears to be gold, could i get the blue off & leave the remnants of the gold?

 

[midlife]

Looks to me like a lightweight Raleigh Lenton variant.

This website helps with numbers sometimes

https://www.kurtkaminer.com/TH_raleigh_serials.html

 

[biggs682]

That fork crown has a Ridge look about it .

@newts try soaking a rag in thinners and gently rub the gold it should come off

 

[newts]

@midlife i'll do a bit of googling along this.
@biggs682 acetone?

 

[midlife]

Peter Kohler has written about the Lenton, here for example but also on Sheldon Brown.wonder if your forks have been changed.

https://on-the-drops.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-raleigh-lentons-1948-1960.html

 

[biggs682]

@biggs682 acetone?

Not sure re acetone never used it

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Looks ideal for a fixed wheel conversion, spend the minimum amount on it and use it as a runabout.

 

[newts]

Peter Kohler has written about the Lenton, here for example but also on Sheldon Brown.wonder if your forks have been changed.

https://on-the-drops.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-raleigh-lentons-1948-1960.html

Thanks for the link & it led me onto this
https://on-the-drops.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-clubmans-1946-1951.html
@biggs682 is indeed correct, i'm sure it's a Rudge Areo Clubman c1951
the page tells us the following;-
Raleigh, Humber & Rudge only differing by their fork crowns
1950 chrome fork ends, chainstays & rearstays
brazed on Sturmey-Archer cable pulley boss
Bayliss-Wiley large flange Continental hubs, Dunplop HP Stainless steel rims
The revised Clubman also benefited from the new range of alloy shell hub gears introduced in late 1949 by Sturmey-Archer. Supplied "stock" with flip-flop fixed and free single gear, any of the Sturmey-Archer hub gears could be fitted at extra cost including those made specifically for club riding.
FIL Had the deraileur gears fitted & swapped to flat handlebars (& that paint job!), he says the Brooks saddle went in the late 70's.
Apart from that everything is as it should be.

 

[si_c]

That looks like a nice project bike. I wouldn't scrap it, that's an utter waste.

I'd spend the time to strip the frame of parts, and thoroughly clean it, there is a little surface rust there clearly, but you should be able to clean that off with minimal effort. Once you've done that I'd spray it with a clearcoat to prevent any more damage to the paint and preserver the patina.

Tidy up and clean all the parts, and consider a fixed/single speed conversion as mentioned above (that crank is practically begging for it) and the hubs are basically ready for it too.

I woudn't re-use the rims if they are stainless steel, I'd swap them out for something newer, a Halo Retro for example and re-use the hubs, new spokes throughout.

It really depends whether you want to spend any money on it, if you are able to though you'll get a really nice retro bike at the end of it.

 

[newts]

I was hoping the blue paint applied in the late 50's by FIL would come off leaving plenty of original paint underneath.
I've tried all chemicals, acetone , paint stripper, meths etc, it will only come off with a hot air gun.
The steerer tube does give a clue to it's former glory.

 

[Cycleops]

I think you're fighting a losing battle there @newts That bronze looks rather nice, be great recreate it but the cost?

 

[simongt]

How about having the frame shot blasted and powder coated - ? Upgrade with whatever components that suit you and go. A bit drastic, but I did this with a Dawes Fox some years ago in not dissimilar condition. Now it's my 'sports bike' and a delight to ride - !

 

[newts]

I'm going to strip the blue, treat the rust & review from there.
Maybe just clearcoat what's left?
I was off work with covid last week (2nd time for me), managed to potter in the garage & strip the bike down.
Hubs have been cleaned & greased.