Many thanks for all your feedback - I’m reporting some progress with the bike’s ancillaries. I spent some time cleaning up the chain wheel and cranks, and the pedals, and the chain. I also dismantled and re-greased the pedals: 11 ball-bearings each side, 22 per pedal, and I didn’t lose any! See pics.
What surprised me was: there’s been some chrome loss, however there wasn’t that much wear apparent on the original components, despite the bike being in fairly regular use by the first owner over 62 years.
Guess a lot of stuff was built to last way back in the 1950’s !!
Even the original RENOLD Elite chain wasn’t that worn, and will be going back on the bike. It has 107 links, 5 or so more than standard, to accommodate the Benelux derailleur. I notice that the split chain link was deleted, when fitting the derailleur, as per guidance at the time.
Anyway the above stuff is now looking a bit more “presentable” and has been re-fitted to the frame, the front hub is dated 56 8, and the rear 56 9.
I’ll get both tyres replaced in due course (sensible
) … guess I’m being a wee bit impatient but I just want to get the thing back on the road first !!