Carlton Classic All Chrome info required

[Ben.jubei]

Re:

So would be dated mid 60s? It’s a beautiful bike. It’s the same size as my Raleigh Banana. So fits me perfectly. I’m thinking a sympathetic restoration. Clean and polish chrome, new decals. Anyone got any pictures of one with the colours on it?

Other changes- saddle, would like a Brooks B5n and maybe black bar tape with cables?

 

[Midlife]

Hopefully this link will work, X frame number likely 67-68.

http://web.archive.org/web/201309261316 ... dating.htm

Google will throw up pics of Cobras and decals, maybe the VCC library will have a brochure?

 

[Ben.jubei]

Re:

I’ve seen this and it would make sense 67-68 but why is the X number not listed? It’s looking like the black & gold Carlton Cobra set looks correct. Like this I’m thinking?

No Raleigh bits on this on either

 

[Midlife]

Late 60's to 1972-3 Carlton numbering went haywire! Only got back on track 1973 when the W numbers derived from Raleigh started.

The above decal set is from about 1974 but no-one will notice,

 

[Ben.jubei]

Re:

I have the bike in my loft now, it’s dry and clean. On further inspection - still no more numbers found so thought I’d list the components.

Dunlop light weight 27” high flange wheels matching set
Huret svelto rear derailleur
GB Coureur brake set - marked 66
GB stem alloy with 66 on it in a red square

I only mention this as cobras all seem to have Raleigh bits and Weinmann brakes.

The chrome need a good polish but it’s good. I have a guy that can do the ‘acrillichrome’ on this to, so could reinstate the blue that was there or may keep it Chrome, does look classy

Cheers Ben

 

[Spokesmann]

Could well be a Cobra. Carlton also did an acrylichrome version of the Continental in the mid 60s too. Have you looked for a frame number by the rear LHS drop out? if its around 67 the prefix on the number may be a Z or Y. If its late 60s those GB 66 courier brakes may not be original. If the frame number is just a number ie no prefix, then it would date the machine to around 68-72.

 

[Ben.jubei]

Re:

Cheers for the reply. I think this is the plan. Just clean and polish, change seat for Brooke’s,black bar tape, cables and new decal set

 

[Midlife]

Here's my Cobra

 

[Ben.jubei]

Re:

I’ve seen this on a google search, the frame is exactly the same as mine. Even down to the single chain wheel! I’m going with a Carlton Cobra. Couldn’t be anything else could it? I’m still going to keep it Chrome but with new decals. Do you have any close ups of the decals?

Cheers

 

[Midlife]

I'll have a look for some more pics, they are on a memory stick somewhere. The decals include a tru-Well tubing one, chainstay Cobra decals with Olympic rings and Carlton buckle decals on the forks.