1983 Raleigh Rapide W.I.P. - links for newbies added

[TGR]

Thanks Tel and Torqueless, i will give it a look shortly. I don't think it has been squeezed but i will check. I think it is the dropout mouth which has been damaged. **** grrrrrr

Anyways - more pics while the computer is working - not for long! These show before and after of the seat post and brake calipers - even the pics do not do them justice!

 

[TGR]

And now - TAAA DAAAAAAAAA - the polished brake calipers - sunglasses please!!!

Thanks for looking, the calipers really look better in real life than in the pics!

 

[TGR]

Hi all,
Festive Update -

Today I rebuilt the Rapide but ... The missing washer meant I could not test the chainring charger (AKA front mech). I am not overly pleased, but what can I do. I realised that there is a lot more to this than I thought at the beginning but no problem is insurmountable with the help available here.

I have a little bit more to do but it will have to wait until after Christmas - family stuff etc takes precedence. I love the bike and, strangely, once the front wheel is on it looks fantastic. The quick test drive I gave it made me smile, I don't smile easily!

My finished Rapide will be here very soon, although I may decide to finish it back to OE everywhere and this will take a little longer but you will all get first look!

I have realised that the rebuild process is easy if, and only if, you have no problems, I have had a few and they relate to the age of the bike -

1. New brake cables had the wrong fitting, so I used the OE ones which were in great condition
2. Gear cable outer had been shortened when I had the DA mech on, and the frame boss did not match the one I had acquired (thanks Dan) after some swearing, I sorted it out
3. The main problem, side pull brakes are not that good, polished or not! Hence my change to 600AX but I still need to tinker with the Weinmanns to get them right.
4. This is odd, the hole in the frame for the rear brake calliper Allen bolt was too small, I had to drill it to enlarge it. I cannot understand that at all but it is sorted.
5. Dare I mention the missing washer yet again. I still have no idea where it went but I think I have one organised.
6. Spacing seems very tight around the gears, wheels and cranks but with careful adjustment (a lot of time) I think this has been addressed.
7. New bar tape is not that nice, thankfully I kept the old Bike Ribbon Tape and was able to re-use it, after three tries with the new tape!

I want to wish everyone here a very Happy Christmas and to say thanks for everything you have done for me (and to me!). I hope you all have a great 2013 and I bet you can't wait for my next build!!!

Thanks everyone,

Richard

P.s. apologies for the bad grammar this iPad is killing me slowly! Lap top due home soon...

 

[Tel]

Happy New Year update please

 

[TGR]

Update for 2013 - bike is almost done to the point i want it. Road test went ok (ish), must remember to ensure rear skewer is tightened tight!!!

Almost, final product due very soon. I have to say thanks to Will911 for helping me (read that as - he sorted it) with the fork damage and for providing the missing washer, and a lovely cup of coffee.

Hopefully pics within a week.....


Happy New Year to all!!!!

 

[TGR]

Well, 7 weeks into the new year and i am no further forward. I have been waiting for decals from before Christmas and am now trying to source a set from a different supplier (thanks RustyRetro). I have had to make a few changes to various bits and pieces to satisfy the eagle eyed RBers (thanks Mr Raleigh) and i plan to replace a couple of bits and pieces - bar tape, wheels, tubes in the final installment. Unfortunately the OE seat has not turned up but i have the Concor Profil on it at the moment and i have another recovered Concor (black suede) to go on should the need arise.

I think, as i learn about these builds, it is best to have ALL the bits and pieces before you start and then the build should not be delayed. As a newbie, you have to start somewhere and you should learn by your mistakes - this is one lesson i wish i had learned earlier.
Here are a few pics of the current road-going Rapide - if anyone spots anything which should be changed please tell me - apart from those previously mentioned.

Thanks for reading - is this the slowest build thread?

Thanks everyone for all your help, i hope that the final build will be soon - but no promises!!!!!!

Richard

 

[Ian Raleigh]

That Rapide is actually very nice now and must say I it.

Lets hope you treasure for the next 30 years!

 

[TGR]

Actually Ian, those are the old crank covers, the new ones actually LOOK much nicer - thanks again!! LOL

 

[Ian Raleigh]

Actually Richard for your sarky' remark I'm going to fault pick your chainset! It has an odd bolt

 

[TGR]

Where is the odd bolt? I will be phoning Raleigh because that was the bolt supplied!!!!