My father who is now 90 has asked me to take care of his bike that was purchased new in 1952/1953. He has had fixed inch-pitch gearing on the thing since I started riding with him 40 years go. He's only recently allowed me to touch the bike and my plan was to get it professionally serviced, cleaned up sympathetically and displayed on his wall at home. However when I got close there is a deal of scratched to the paintwork, the chrome headstay is severely pitted and the aluminium on the 4 wheel sets that he has is badly oxidised - all as expected on a 70 year old bike. I think getting it serviced must wait until it is in a fit state.
I'm looking for advice really. I want to merely touch up the scratches to the rear axle stay and where his saddlebag has worn away the paint while retaining the patina and as much originality as I can. Has anyone recommendations where to go to get a good colour match and does anybody have an opinion as to whether I should get the headstay re-chromed?
The other issue is that although it is currently in fixed wheel state I do have the front and rear simplex derailleur levers as well as a single chainring but, no front derailleur mechanism or rear block - YET. Secretly I did take it for one or two rides in my youth and never got used to the fixed wheel and it would be good to have the option to change it to a multi ring state. If I cannot find the rest of the pieces can anyone recommend somewhere to source these items please.
I'm looking for advice really. I want to merely touch up the scratches to the rear axle stay and where his saddlebag has worn away the paint while retaining the patina and as much originality as I can. Has anyone recommendations where to go to get a good colour match and does anybody have an opinion as to whether I should get the headstay re-chromed?
The other issue is that although it is currently in fixed wheel state I do have the front and rear simplex derailleur levers as well as a single chainring but, no front derailleur mechanism or rear block - YET. Secretly I did take it for one or two rides in my youth and never got used to the fixed wheel and it would be good to have the option to change it to a multi ring state. If I cannot find the rest of the pieces can anyone recommend somewhere to source these items please.
