Anyone know a company that cleans and rechromes parts at a reasonable price? I'm looking to get these bits done. Thanks.
Blimey - you really are restoring aren't you? I just Googled 're-chroming' and found these: http://www.google.co.uk/#sclient=ps...gc.r_pw.&fp=ce1c2996fcfd54a3&biw=1280&bih=610
Thanks for those: I've been e-mailing around various companies I've found online but there's nothing like a recommendation from someone who has used a company. The frame is now black and orange (no amber to choose from!), delivered back from Bob Jackson's and the right era decals on there. Lovely! I'm sure I could get replacement parts (to replace the ones above) from e-bay cheaper but I think the bike will lose too much of its soul if I do that. Best quote so far is £175..... Add to that the £172 for respray and the various replacement parts, decals etc. I think this restoration/renovation will cost me close to £600 all in! I'm still trying to source a Brooks saddle...... Once I've got that and the rechroming done it's finished.
They're still in business, aren't they - Brooks/Lycett? Apart from that - I guess your dad would be proud at the work you've had done - hence your trying to use the original parts? Don't Bob Jackson's know anyone?
No, not just a Brooks saddle. A 1960's Brooks saddle..... I'm keeping an eye on e-bay! I might still go through jackson's for the chroming, but I'm enjoying shopping around (typical tight Yorkshireman, even if I have become southern). Although if I haven't got one by my birthday, in November, I'll just buy a new b17.
I'm working on my Raleigh 'Weekender'....Not worth a respray, like yours, so emery'd down the rusty bits and re-painted (it's black, so fairly easy). The old veteran/CTC boys have given me head-set, bottom-bracket set, alloy wheels and tyres. I've got (Raleigh) saddle, derailleur(s), chainsets, cranks, pedals, brakes, h'bars.....Bit of a mongrel, really, but will be a gas to ride it! Then put the dog/shopping trailer together. Would love to have my old 'curly' back - sold it in Pools Corner and, as soon as it went, I regretted it!
Was walking past one day and saw a black Vox 'teardrop' guitar....walked on.....thought about it and turned back. When I got in there was a guy at the counter already, so I waited my turn. HE BOUGHT THE VOX!!!!!
Probably egg sucking, but have a good look at your wheels. Older wheels tended to be laced up without being woven over the adjacent spoke. Not too much of a problem at the time, but with age related other weaknesses it can find the weak spots and ping them. Once one goes, the others follow. If you're waiting for chroming anyway, you could spend a quiet five minutes relacing and truing them.
Thanks for the tip. The original wheels were discarded a long time ago (not by me!) so I found some more 60s wheels on e-bay for a decent price. The spokes (and all the wheels) are in great nick.
Save yourself the messing about and just buy this baby..... http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=230662291174&index=18&nav=SEARCH&nid=17304966368
Love it! Had my 'curly' made-to-measure through Jack Kirk's (on Ferensway - I think, when he retired, Cliff Pratt bought the biz, and merged it with his Spring Bank shop). It's the same lettering.
Now that's interesting. I got in touch with the "Hetchins Register" to pass on my frame number, and my bike was purchased in April 1961 by Jack Kirk's from Hetchins (Jack Denny made the my frame). You lucky bugger, having a Hetchins made to measure for you. When was that?
Where 's the gear stick gone ? I had a budgie which was the baby version of the Chopper . It was one down from the Tomahawk . It was metallic purple and looked like a girls bike, if I'm honest with myself it was a girls bike . Then it was onto the daddy , the Grifter ! By the way OLM I've sent you a PM .
