Hi,
I've recently taken on the project of restoring my late Grandfathers Hetchins. I believe it is a 1946 Super Special, from looking at the lugs.
I've put some pictures here: http://picasaweb.google.com/garethuglow/Hetchins?feat=directlink
My Grandfather rode the Tour de France on it at some point, and it was used by my father and Uncle throughout the 60s and 70s, and then, after it had fallen into a state of very poor repair, was resprayed by Argos in the early 2000s. Since then it's been sat behind the wardrobe. It doesn't have many parts with it, most are of 1970s vintage, and are broken or at best worn and very tatty.
I'm about to start getting it rebuilt and hopefully into good condition. I'm not a purist and don't expect to be able to find that many 1940s parts for it, but hopefully it will end up looking reasonably authentic. I am thinking of going for vintage Campag stuff, if the various threads match. I'm not sure whether to ride it fixed (fewer parts to find!) or try to find a suitable mech and shifters. It was only ever 5-speed.
I'd be interested to hear from anyone who's restored a bike from this era, and might have any tips for suppliers! First major problem is finding some 26"x1-1/4" wheels, followed by new bottom bracket, cranks, shifters...
Cheers
Gareth
I've recently taken on the project of restoring my late Grandfathers Hetchins. I believe it is a 1946 Super Special, from looking at the lugs.
I've put some pictures here: http://picasaweb.google.com/garethuglow/Hetchins?feat=directlink
My Grandfather rode the Tour de France on it at some point, and it was used by my father and Uncle throughout the 60s and 70s, and then, after it had fallen into a state of very poor repair, was resprayed by Argos in the early 2000s. Since then it's been sat behind the wardrobe. It doesn't have many parts with it, most are of 1970s vintage, and are broken or at best worn and very tatty.
I'm about to start getting it rebuilt and hopefully into good condition. I'm not a purist and don't expect to be able to find that many 1940s parts for it, but hopefully it will end up looking reasonably authentic. I am thinking of going for vintage Campag stuff, if the various threads match. I'm not sure whether to ride it fixed (fewer parts to find!) or try to find a suitable mech and shifters. It was only ever 5-speed.
I'd be interested to hear from anyone who's restored a bike from this era, and might have any tips for suppliers! First major problem is finding some 26"x1-1/4" wheels, followed by new bottom bracket, cranks, shifters...
Cheers
Gareth
