Ernie Clements 531 Falcon San Remo

[sjcprojects]

Perhaps the original got damaged?

The Velox is the RD specced on some models around this time (1972 seems most likely), so I would guess it’s original.

Great to see everything coming out nice and shiny so far.

 

[Harvo]

Nicklin or Williams spring to mind, can you see the logo? Typical 2 tooth difference in chainring size for 1972

No logo that I can see and the chainring size difference does seem a bit pointless!

 

[Harvo]

Any news on a date on the brakes?

Sadly not. I can't see a date stamp on anything so far.

 

[Harvo]

Had a good day on the frame today. Gave it a good wash and then started on the rust with T -cut. Pardon the pun but that was not cutting it so I carefully applied Farclea G3 cutting compound with a gentle rub of wire wool. This removed the rust and has left me with a decent patina on the rest of the frame. I've not done a preservation project before and I'm quite liking the cared for not cared for look! Well it is 50+ years old and original so not bad considering.

 

[Harvo]

The wheels have been stripped down . Rigida rims with Maillard Normandy hubs and no dates! How can this bike have no dates!
A good attack with the brass wheel is bringing them up to a decent enough finish.

 

[JoeH]

G3 and wire wool, interesting combo, and it didn't scratch the paint?
I can imagine it's powerful combo.

 

[Harvo]

G3 and wire wool, interesting combo, and it didn't scratch the paint?
I can imagine it's powerful combo.

It was fine wire wool and had the effect of polishing the paint really. It was quite dull before I started and only a light wax aftewards brought it up quite pleasingly. I would say it's a fine line between taking the rust off and going through the upper paint layer though.....needs a gentle approach!

 

[Harvo]

Brakes cleaned up. Just to show I'm not going mad, there's no date on these. Only a stamp of the size and made in Switzerland. The hunt for a date stamp continues....