Hobbs Blue Riband with Chater Lea fixed gears

[MichaelC]

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.

 

[MichaelC]

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.

Sorry - 50 years ago.

 

[Foreigner]

Would you be able to post some picture so we can asses the issues and advice accordingly? Parts you are looking for can be found, that's for sure, and options are endless...

 

[MichaelC]

 

[Foreigner]

those rusty bit will clean nicely, just need some elbow grease and patience - 0000 steel wool soaked in WD40/GT84 and for alu parts soft brass brush or some metal polish an again lots of elbow grease.

Paint looks fine to me as is - degrease the frame, polish and wax over. You can always touch up with Humbrol enamel paints or nail varnish - before waxing of course. And don't forget, new paint and used parts are not best combo, if frame is showing scars, some equal patina on parts will blend them in nicely

 

[MichaelC]

those rusty bit will clean nicely, just need some elbow grease and patience - 0000 steel wool soaked in WD40/GT84 and for alu parts soft brass brush or some metal polish an again lots of elbow grease.

Paint looks fine to me as is - degrease the frame, polish and wax over. You can always touch up with Humbrol enamel paints or nail varnish - before waxing of course. And don't forget, new paint and used parts are not best combo, if frame is showing scars, some equal patina on parts will blend them in nicely

Thank you. Last time I remember him riding it was around 30 years ago. He was always very proud of it and would like it looking something like decent before we lose him. Be even better if I could ride it back to him.
Seems like it isn’t too bad but will get something for the rust on the rear fork drops to make sure it doesn’t get worse.
He wanted me to have the bike because I’ve always shared his passion for cycling. Thank you for the reassurance, I just want to do it justice.

 

[Foreigner]

What is the serial number on it - should be on rear dropout, off side I think? Looks lovely - I think it has Championship lugs that started in 1951/52, so top of the range. Can you send a pic of the whole side of the bike, preferably drive side?

 

[MichaelC]

I can’t read the serial number clearly. I think I would need to remove the wheel and haven’t got my tools handy right now. Here’s the full bike though.

 

[MichaelC]

What is the serial number on it - should be on rear dropout, off side I think? Looks lovely - I think it has Championship lugs that started in 1951/52, so top of the range. Can you send a pic of the whole side of the bike, preferably drive side?

This may be the serial number GR23?

 

[Foreigner]

No that is not serial - check left rear dropout - see pic of mine B (Feb) 9 (1949) 442