1961 Raleigh superbe (Helio)

Been working on a Raleigh superbe from 1961 lately just wanted to show progress... frankly the bike could do with full refurbishment.

I'm having some trouble getting the handlebar stem out... I reckon it's an expander joint but I'm gonna double check and see how I can get it off so I can get access to the bearings. I don't have spanners in the sizes

It is always worth getting the right tools{spanners} for the job . Otherwise you end up rounding nuts off etc .Avoid adjustable spanners .Buy your self a tin of plus gas .
Enjoy your project .Keep us all posted.
ps for chrome work use tin foil and a dab of oil . Some folk on here also coke .....:
Add Cola first . auto solve polish is another favorite.

The expander bolt needs to be undone about 3 turns then gently tapped down to release the wedge.

Keith

Thanks for the advice guys.. I've managed to grease bearings in the steering head, crank and pedals. All that's left for bearings is the wheels. Using bike hut Teflon grease.

In terms of the bikes condition. It did ride well and the dynamo as well as lights still work. In 2017 I removed the DIY stuff the previous owner put on and replaced it with a Dyno-Luxe Filter Switch unit which also worked albeit poorly, Until the bottom plate was misplaced. Will have to fabricate a new bottom plate. The only issue really is that the chain case catches on the pedal. The previous owner added a clamp to pull it away from the pedal but I took it off.

Always a problem with the chaincase. The RH crank may be bent, often they bent very easily. You may be able to loosen the cotter pin and move the crank on the axle.
Generally we had to push and pull the chaincase, but often it would revert back.

Keith

I had the bike apart to clean but my chain tools are crap so I've left the chain as is.

I also put some underbody seal on one of the mudguards.. not sure if it was a good idea or not

Mudguards... possibly the first things to go on these bikes