1948 Holdsworth La Quelda, Bill Hurlow stamped, completely original :)

[fiveSixteenths]

Just back from Ricki at Pankhurst and news is the wheels can be rebuilt around the rims, so that’s a plan.
Also learnt there’s a guy in Booker who can repair the Reynolds steerer top cap, so will look into that and report back.
Meanwhile, brought this nice short reach GB girder as a backup plan.
Now, if only I could find some Allez pedals lollllllll

 

[fiveSixteenths]

Could resist just setting it up a bit.

 

[fiveSixteenths]

Cyclo pump clips arrived. They’re, well, mint. Which is a bit out of keeping lol
Might have to leave them on the shed roof for a bit.

 

[fiveSixteenths]

Refitted the Lytaloy headset just now.
Cleaned the cups (am not going to do anything with them, the chrome on the outsides is pretty shot but the patina is too good to touch), amazing condition inside and hardly any brineling under the old grease.
The last owner had saved all the bearings (what a super-star) so quick clean up of those, new grease, and everything is good.

 

[Old Ned]

Booker? As in aerodrome? Site of the scenes in 'Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines' back in the days when I was young and foolish.

Well, I still am in some ways I suppose............................

 

[fiveSixteenths]

Booker? As in aerodrome? Site of the scenes in 'Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines' back in the days when I was young and foolish.

Well, I still am in some ways I suppose............................

Ah, I don’t know! I meant to look it up and forgot (ha ha, getting old!) but apparently the guys is an engineer with aeronautical background so could be… will look him up now.

 

[Rotorhead]

Today I am mostly very very gently cleaning brakes…

What are you using out of interest? Looks like mayonnaise LOL. Great project btw.

 

[fiveSixteenths]

What are you using out of interest? Looks like mayonnaise LOL. Great project btw.

Ha ha! White wine vinegar (was in the cupboard, slightly random!) and a bit of brasso, and gently does it. Seems to have done the trick with a good water wash after.

 

[fiveSixteenths]

Pins are about and are salvageable, Durax chainset cleaned up and teeth look good (am I right? Hardly appear to be worn to me?) and the gunk preserved some of the plating quite well.
Next job, TDC bb to come out.

 

[fiveSixteenths]

BB came out without any effort, remarkable. Cleaned up its in amazing condition also.
Slight ‘snag’ is the plan to use the bb end to flood the seat tube with plus gas to try and free the post… and the reason for the bb quality is a kind of shim inside the bb casting action as a shield of sorts. Never seen this before. Not sure if should / try and remove it? Will have a look later to see if there’s a join (so if it’s ‘sprung’ in.)
Hmm.