My first restoration complete!

[Grafix]

Really pleased with my first ever restoration - hope it meets with approval here.

Can't seem to upload images from an Ipad ( even though they are less than 2mb?) So here is a link to some before and after images :
https://www.btcloud.bt.com/?shareObject ... 5846e9e83b

It is a 1977 Raleigh Team Record. 531 throughout with Suntour Cyclone transmission and SR Royal finishing kit. I bought it in a fairly rough state 5 months ago and it has had a full frame refinish at Mercian (who did a great job). I managed to get all the the right decals for it from Nick at H. lloyd.

The paintwork was too far gone to save unfortunately and there was a dent in the top tube. I had to hacksaw the seat-post out in strips (managed to get a like for like replacement).

I'm still looking for a Mavic module E rear rim as the original has a big flat in it - so am using some MA 2's until I can find one.

Other than that it was just an awful lot of elbow grease and cleaning products!

It rides great - really quiet with a lovely precise gear change feel.

Very chuffed!

 

[MrW]

Nice work

 

[originalshinkicker]

Nice looking bike. I like that Suntour too, those levers do have a good feel to them. Shame about the rear rim. How bad is the flat? It is possible to knock the flat out of a rim and is well worth a go rather than scrapping it.

 

[Spokesmann]

That looks terrific. I too love those gear levers and mech.

 

[Grafix]

Cheers guys.

The flat on the rear isnt horrendously bad but no good to ride - not really sure how to go about fixing it though - the rim sidewalls seem ok (not buckled) but the rim is probably 3-4 mm out of round at the low spot. I've backed all the spokes off but the rim is definitely mis-shapen, it didn't spring back or anything when the tension was released.

Any demon methods for fixing would be appreciated - keen to re-use the original wheels if I can. Sods law applies here by the way - or just inexperience! - I spent hours cleaning up the front wheel before bothering to check the rear and find it was no good!

Jeff.