Raleigh Carlton Kermesse Restoration

[casper-d]

Hello,

I have just joined but have been reading this forum for a while now. Hence, I thought it about time I signed up and got involved!

I am currently restoring an early 80s Raleigh Carlton Kermesse. I had the pleasure to be lent this bike back in 1984 for a few months when I was 14 - it belonged to my cousin.

I have always wanted this bike and now, some 27 years later, I found it hiding at the back of his shed in a bad state of repair. It had probably been there for several years... but now it is finally mine!

I don't know an awful lot about this bike but believe it was one of the last to be built at the Carlton factory. From what I can gather the Kermesse was built with both 501 and 531 frames, however this is the only one I have seen with full chrome forks. If anyone knows anything more, I would be most grateful to hear from you.

My plan is to restore this bike as best as possible to a new-old state - nothing else will do! I am, however, slightly concerned about the rust and pitting. As you can see it was in quite bad condition.

The next steps I am unsure about and so would appreciate some words of advice. I love this bike and I am so happy it is now mine.... It has to be resprayed or powder coated to original colour - but I am hesistant about the powdercoating since that was not how she was originally. Decals also have to be found - or made!

Today I took the bike apart, apart from the crank as I couldn't find my puller.

I have started cleaning..

but as you can see the frame and forks need a lot of tlc...

The current dilemna is all about frame finish, and I don't know how best to proceed. Do I get the frame shot blasted, acid dipped or both. Do I nitromors and sand myself? And what about the chrome forks which I plan to have rechromed? What is the best way to prepare for this?

I know there are many ways to skin a cat - or in this case coat a Kermesse - so I would be really grateful for any advice.

Here is a similar bike and this is, by and large, how I would like her to end up:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/74418119@N00/2080737468/

I know this bike isn't an exceptional piece of design, but it is very special for me. I would really like to do a great restoration on this bike, so any help in reaching my dream is much appreciated

Many thanks, casper-d

 

[biggs682]

why not just give it a good clean and use it as is , and enjoy it for what it is

 

[casper-d]

Good question.

I think the answer is that I want to get this bike back to the condition when, as a kid, I was lent her for a few months over summer.

Back then the bike was relatively new. Nothing was old. The original tyres hadn't worn out and chances are the brake blocks had never been changed.
For a few months as 14/15 year old this bike was brilliant!

I think I am turning in to an old fool having recently reached 40. I have found a love of restoring things, much like I liked maintaining things when I was younger. If I can bring this bike back to brand new days I think I will feel as if I am living the next life!! I am not sure if that make any sense, but out of respect for this beautiful bicycle, that's what I would love to do to this bike

casper

 

[casper-d]

By the way, on second thoughts, you have a very good point there! Looked after and maintained from now on, the ride will no doubt be the same, the components will surely outlive me...

Lots to think about.

Thanks

 

[Spokesmann]

Looking forward to seeing he final machine.

As has been said just give it a good clean and emote as much grime and rust as possible and only replace what is worn - it will certainly have a period feel and look about it.

 

[casper-d]

Thanks Mike - you and me both! While I could just give her a good clean and replace a few parts, I am pretty much settled on a respray. Just need some advice on how to prep her first or where to take her... Does anyone know a good paint shop somewhere in London or Portsmouth?

I spent yesterday cleaning bits and bobs, using the good ole' coca cola method :shock: It was a first time doing this but it seems to have helped to remove the surficial oxidised coating on the ally parts, which should polish up well with Silvo, and also seemed to help loosen the rust on the chrome forks too.

Here are a few pics:

Thankfully I have forgiving wife:

More to come in due course.

 

[Bastos87]

Good luck with the restoring project.. i like the bike

How did you get your chainrings that clean? (in the last picture)

 

[Spokesmann]

Good luck with the restoring project.. i like the bike

How did you get your chainrings that clean? (in the last picture)

Fairy Liquid?

 

[Johnsqual]

Not really London or Portsmouth, but Pearson cycles in Surrey do
a single colour respray for £120:

http://www.pearsoncycles.co.uk/store/co ... /Workshop/

Can't vouch for their quality, but they have certainly been around a while.

Good luck,

Johnny

 

[casper-d]

Bastos87 - like Spokeman said, good old Fairy liquid along with hot water and a scrubbing brush - works wonders!

Johnny - much appreciated. I am still looking at all options but thanks for the info.

bw

casper