(click image to enlarge)Since I at present need to be within easy reach of a loo (see previous post) I thought it a good time to refurbish my beloved 60 year old RALEIGH RECORD ACE.
It left the factory in 1947, I gave it a full recondition 30 years later in 1977, so now, yet another 30 years on is a good time for another go.
The picture shows the frame stripped down, paint rubbed down, odd rust spots rust proofed and primed with aluminium primer.
Over this weekend I intend to repaint it (black - of course, with gold lining). I have managed to obtain a set of authentic frame transfers. I also have on hand for it a replica 1950's saddle bag.
Although modern bikes (of which I have two) seem to all come with derailleur gears this one would have been originally equipped with the famed Sturmey Archer 4 speed hub gear. This is an opportunity to make it more authentic and I have found a vintage bike specialist who is making me up a wheel with such a hub gear.
I shall post a pic on completion of the project.
(Well - it's one way of getting a positive result from an enforced illness!)
It left the factory in 1947, I gave it a full recondition 30 years later in 1977, so now, yet another 30 years on is a good time for another go.
The picture shows the frame stripped down, paint rubbed down, odd rust spots rust proofed and primed with aluminium primer.
Over this weekend I intend to repaint it (black - of course, with gold lining). I have managed to obtain a set of authentic frame transfers. I also have on hand for it a replica 1950's saddle bag.
Although modern bikes (of which I have two) seem to all come with derailleur gears this one would have been originally equipped with the famed Sturmey Archer 4 speed hub gear. This is an opportunity to make it more authentic and I have found a vintage bike specialist who is making me up a wheel with such a hub gear.
I shall post a pic on completion of the project.
(Well - it's one way of getting a positive result from an enforced illness!)
10 comments:
I can sympathize only too well. I have a condition that is similar......well, not sure really, but it has similar characteristics, and keeps you close to home. I am praying that I will be in good enough shape to take my two week vacation. If not, well, I won't borrow trouble. I have good days and bad. Not sure mine is curable, since they aren't sure what causes it. It has turned me into a home body. But that is okay, I like being home. And I find projects to occupy my time. this one of your is wonderful....I like nothing better than to restore something still useful to its glory. These projects take time and patience, and I know you have the patience, I have seen some of your other work.....be sure and post a picture once you are done.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.....
Nea: thanks for your good wishes. Obviously I do not know if it would help you, but the medication prescribed for me is working very well indeed. See:(http://medguides.medicines.org.uk/document.aspx?name=Asacol
Sorry to hear about your 'condition'. Shame the holiday had to be cut short. Hope you get a chance soon to complete it. The bike idea is a great one - I admire your skill at preserving the past. More of us should be doing that. Looking forward to updates on the Raleigh.
Lovely bike, tho not very suitable for your visit to Prescott. All fat tires here. Do get well. Fast.
Avus
Can't wait to see the finished product. Take it easy though
Pete
You will make it look glorious again. Pace yourself for a while.
Hi Avus, I am between Dr.'s right now. I had to switch from the HMO I was with, due to retirement. So I have to find a new Dr. Talk about stress, haha......It is worse than trying to find a new plumber. haha, well kind of the same actually.....
I will keep that medication in mind, and write it down to show my new dr. when I find one. I have a couple medications, neither work very fast or very well.....but since they aren't sure what causes mine, they haven't been very aggressive in treating it. it seems that it isn't life threatening, or so they say......They ran a years worth of tests and everything was inconclusive, Aside from going in and just looking around they just can't seem to find anything. A person fear is they will let you die before they find out what is wrong. But it did keep me off of Jury Duty. haha
Chief and Granny - thanks for your good wishes.
Nea: Off jury duty, eh? Every cloud has a silver lining!
hi Mike,
this is a 'hullo sort of comment'! :-) Corrie
It can't work in reality, that is exactly what I suppose.
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