Help needed please. Sun Manxman information!!!

[cipolinni]

Hi everyone
Picked up this very interesting bike today from a local elderly gentleman.
I have known about this bike for quite sometime but couldn't find the time to go and view until now.
Clearly from the photos that it is a Sun Manxman
What i would like is some information and history
The elderly gentleman was given the bike by his father when he was younger
This is the frame number from rear Lh dropout: RMV-4452
Tubing is Reynolds-531
Components: Benelux Front and Rear mechs/Gear shift Levers
GB Sport Brake Calipers and Levers
Wheels do not look original (Thoughts please)
Bluemells Lightweight Mudguards
He is still looking for the original Saddle Brooks i assume

All original paint/decals etc

I would be very grateful for your comments and guidance for renovating

Regards
Malc

PS. Gentleman has asked me to take the bike back to show him when completed renovation (Bless)
as part of agreement to sell it to me.

 

[cipolinni]

Re: Photos

Some more pics

 

[cipolinni]

Re: Photos

Pics

 

[Big Block]

Re:

nice project.
have you seen these two catalogues?
https://web.archive.org/web/20180403123 ... 50s-UK.pdf
https://web.archive.org/web/20180403123 ... 955-UK.pdf

and this road test
http://veterancycleclublibrary.org.uk/ncl/pics/Sun%20Manxman%20article%201955%20(V-CC%20Library).pdf

 

[Spokesmann]

Aston Brook, Birmingham build, early to mid 50s by the look. All seems to be pretty original too and will make a lovely restoration project.

 

[Spokesmann]

Worth also taking a look at the Sun Cycles - the Birmingham Years Facebook group. I run this small, but growing group with an interest in the marque before it was swallowed up by TI/Raleigh and moved to Worksop under Carlton 'control'.

 

[cipolinni]

Re:

Thank you very much for the posts.
Project will start imminently now
Plan is to remove all components for cleaning etc and a good careful frame clean.
Would you replace decals with new?

 

[Big Block]

Re:

For the cleaning, I would suggest you have a read of this thread (if you haven't already)
viewtopic.php?f=23&t=389688

the project is also at
https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/324825/

has useful information for degreasing, frame cleaning and derusting (Evaporust), then waxing.

If this was my project, I would be looking to acquire a Cyclo bar end shifter to operate the front derailleur.
like this one on my EA Boult.
http://www.bicycles.net.au/forums/viewt ... 8#p1347448
and I would be keeping the paint and decals with no replacements.

If you want to immerse yourself in similar conservation projects have a slow, staged read of this thread.
https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/229926/

Let us know what information you are wanting about the identification of the components and where the original brochures may be located.
If you need identification of a component, a good clear photo and then we can entertain ourselves in identifying and posting the results.

 

[Spokesmann]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2323719 ... p_activity

 

[cipolinni]

Re:

Mike

Is it possible to date the frame with the number in original post?