Freddie Grubb Project

[steelydan]

Hi all,

New poster here embarking on my first build on an old frame. What I have is a Freddie Grubb frame (previous owner believes it to be 1949 but I'm not 100% certain). I wanted to post a few pictures in a hope that someone can help me date the frame and also some suggestions in what direction to go with the build, any advice and a place to field my often stupid questions.

The interesting features of the frame that are making me question the year are the grease nipples on the headtube and the holes for the nipples on the bottom bracket.

Cheers
Dan

 

[OldTel]

Hi, looks late forties, but the grease nipples in the headstock and mudguard tabs point to it being a touch earlier than 1949. Check out readers bikes on the classic lightweight website for ideas, single speed is easier but the depth of your pockets and parts availability will dictate the build. Good luck Terry.

 

[Excel]

Nick Kilgariff's site is worth a butchers at: << http://www.nkilgariff.com/ >>
.......frame serial numbers during the FHG Era (1935 to late 1951), run from (presumably) frame '1' in 1935 to c. 2900 late in 1951. The highest known 'FHG Era' number is Cote D'Azur 2867 Auctioned in May 1951.

 

[Old Ned]

Looks to me as if the rear dropouts have been replaced at some time with ones suitable for mounting Campag or similar rear mech. Period ones would be plain or 'Osgear' style not cast ones as shown. It also appears to have a headclip style headset arrangement with integral races that date it to probably 40's/. Do you have the forks?

 

[Excel]

Looks to me as if the rear dropouts have been replaced at some time with ones suitable for mounting Campag or similar rear mech. Period ones would be plain or 'Osgear' style not cast ones as shown.

I'd agree on the likely dropout replacement with the gear hanger....those short horizontal dropouts were popular in the 1970's

 

[keithglos]

It looks early post WW2, perhaps 1948/9. It is definitely not Freddie Grubb, that was the name the Holdsworthy Company used. It could be F H Grubb. Probably had a head clip. Anything on the cast lugs? Or under the bottom bracket?

 

[Midlife]

Don't remember "short" dropouts having mudguard eyes.......mind you might be my memory LOL

Look like longer dropouts, not original but could be older than the 70's.

Shaun

 

[steelydan]

Thanks for the insights everyone, I didn't realise that the dropouts could be replaced so I'm learning new things!

There is nothing on the bottom bracket, the only markings I have found is above the badge as per the pic.

I found that website when I was contemplating buying the frame and is a great resource.

Unfortunately the forks weren't with the frame so I think that's my first task.

Thanks again,
Dan

 

[steelydan]

Thanks again for the insights everyone, I have had a look through some old Grubb catalogues and now I am more than happy to just say late 40s than be obsessed finding the exact model and date. I have sourced some 531 lugged forks and will start looking at getting the frame sprayed in the next month or so.

What I have decided to do, mainly due to the lack of serious funds, is to go down the singlespeed route. I will try and be as sympathetic as possible given my shallow pockets but I will keep posting pics as the project develops.

 

[keithglos]

Most frames like this from the late 40's would have been ridden fixed wheel, probably one brake.