Hercules Roadster 1930’s

[Star Rider]

Just started another project, Hercules 23” Roadster (3 speed Sturmey Archer )
My oldest bike so far having wanted a vintage bike for some time.
Bike now stripped down and looking to see what parts can be saved and what parts need to be replaced.

 

[RustyGold]

Re:

Fantastico! I look forward to seeing the finished article. It'll make a town/city bike, par excellence .

 

[Star Rider]

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RustyGold - Thank you.
Currently working on the frame,was intending on a partial touch up, but have gone for a total re-spray. The head tube will be left as original in order to maintain the Hercules logo.
My first task was to clean the bottom bracket and cups. The non drive side cup loosened quite nicely with a pair of long nose pliers. However, I will need the correct tool to tighten up the cup on re-assembly. The tool required is the Park Tool SPA-1 as shown in the photo having purchased one recently.
Now back to the frame.....

 

[lumos2000]

I did one of these a while back, ill try and find a link

 

[lumos2000]

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=219975&hilit=Hercules

 

[Star Rider]

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lumos2000 - Nice build. New wheels and hubs by the looks of it.
My plan (at the moment) is to use as much of the original components as possible.
Remove all rust, clean, oil, re-grease and reassemble.
Never dealt with so much rust before I thought I would never get to the end of rust avenue.
Have painted the frame and forks, and have started the task of taking the Sturmey Archer 3 speed hub apart, using some downloaded instructions.
Gosh, what a task that was and still is.
The hub being a "K" type and very old. I need several new springs, but not sure what type to buy, assuming they can still be bought.
A tad concerned that the parts may not be available having looked on the net.
Have a plan "b" ready if I cannot repair the hub.
To be continued.....

 

[lumos2000]

I found a facebook page with lots of old restoration bikes, I think theres a guy on there who repair sturmeys though I don't remember who, https://www.facebook.com/groups/cyclejumble/?fref=ts

I wanted to convert to cable pull so I changed the wheels to 700cc. I was itching to get it working so I could ride it, so ive keep all the parts for a full restore later on

another nice site here http://herculesmuseum.wordpress.com/192 ... les-gents/

 

[Star Rider]

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lumos2000 - Thanks for the links appreciate it.
Took a break for a bit and now on the rebuild. Been a nice project and have learnt a lot. The wheels have been rebuilt using the original rims along with the Sturmey Archer 3 speed hub by a specialist.
Buying tools along the way as I needed them, removing the drive side cup was easier than expected. Having the right tools for job makes life so much easier along with knowing which way to undo it also helps.
My next project is just around the corner, but need to get this completed first.
Back to it then.....