The original parts that were refitted were the stem, handlebars, bottom bracket cups and spindle, upper headset …and the lamp bracket. All the rest were sourced from local, on-line and ebay stores; some found in used, some in new and some in NOS condition.
Several problems had to be resolved along the way mostly due to uncommon sizes and lack of standardization (e.g. 110mm rear hub, 90mm front hub, 26tpi headset, 72mm long bb). Fortunately, the web is an endless resource.
When this project started, I was not exactly sure what the outcome would be.
Meet Ralph.
4 comments on Raleigh Rebuild (Part V)
absolutly beautyful rebuild!!!
respect!
you have cutout the brooks?
hi paul,
no, this is an “imperial b17”. the retail version of this saddle comes in black, though i was lucky to grab a brown one from a custom order made by a dutch ebay seller.
saw this on fixedgeargallery. beautiful restoration/modification job. good decision to flip the handlebars. i am in the middle of restoring a 67 raleigh sport and hope that you could answer a few questions for me. you mentioned that you “sacrified” the seatpost. what did you use for a replacement? did you have to re-chrome the stem/handlebars (very shiny)? are those the original rims? what type/size tires are those. thanks.
the seatpost was stuck beyond imagination. my last resort was to drill it perpendicularly with a 10mm wide (and very long) drill, which i then used as a lever. to picture it, think of trying to twist a cross by pulling one horizontal segment and pushing the other. this took days, plenty of WD40 and careful hammering. as a replacement i bought the same size, same type of chromed seatpost and clamp.
i rubbed the stem and handlebars with thin oil using a light wire sponge, which removed all traces of surface rust. the stem looks like new. the handlebars are clean, but still have some dents and marks of peeled chrome. i do not mind it though, it gives away the bike’s age.
the rims are replacements, of the original size 26 x 1 3/8 (590mm ETRTO). the tires are schwalbe delta cruiser.
good luck with your rebuild!