The Wheel Deal wrote:
Hi all,
Just stumbled across this thread whilst doing some research - very interesting reading. I have an Allin (Stan Butler Butler Popular Model), frame number 1421 dating from around 1958. It was a birthday gift from my Grandfather to my Father and has subsequently been gifted to me. My Grandfather and Stan Butler were friends and cycled together back in the day. With the exception of the saddle and bar-tape, everything is original. The groupset is Campagnolo Gran Sport with Coureur Plus brakes. For its age, it's in great condition (some rust and some mild pitting on the top tube) and full working order. I am completely stripping down, servicing, cleaning and rebuilding in a few weeks time. Since this is a machine that holds great nostalgic value, I am also seriously toying with the idea of a complete restoration/respray of the frame, but I am concerned that I would lose the machine's character and never fully match the colours/decals etc. I would be very interested on opinions regarding frame restoration, pros/cons and any recommendations on suitable places capable of undertaking such delicate work were I to have it done. Really in two minds about this currently....
Thanks in advance for your comments/suggestions and I will post pictures shortly.
Frame number 1421 is almost certainly first half of 1959, it looks to be in very good condition if not quite original in terms of some of the components (as you mention: saddle & foamy handlebar covering). The frame was built by Peter Cobb.
If you decided to restore there would be no problem replicating the colour or the decals (the red with gold is not an unusual Allin livery). You might get opinions like,"it's only original once", but it shows no disrespect to your Grandfather if you restored it to
as new (in fact he might well approve).
My Grandfather also new Stan (Butler) and Ching (Allin)well, this is mentioned in more detail on another website.
It is a nice machine you have.
Rk.
_________________
V-CC member #584, co-founder of V-CC Lincolnshire section, member South Eastern Road Club. In the garage - 1987 Roberts(lugless)Audax, 1986 Raleigh SBDU Pro Super, 1984 Raleigh LU Corsa, 1984 Roberts Tourer, 1980 Allin Stan Butler Special, 1977 Geoffrey Butler(Cliff Shrubb built), 1976 Geoffrey Butler(Roberts built), 1975 Bill Philbrook(lugless)tourer, , 2 x v.early Roberts #107 & #127, 1966 Raleigh Superbe Roadster, 1964 Allin Stan Butler Special Belgique, 1951 Hobbs of Barbican S/C, 1950 Hobbs of Barbican S/C, 1947 Hetchins Super Special. MTBs - 1988 Specialized Stumpjumper, 1988 Muddy Fox Courier(Wife's).
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