So, as indicated in previous threads here:
viewtopic.php?t=211782&highlight=rapide
viewtopic.php?p=1585358&highlight=#1585358
and here (super thanks for all the help!):
viewtopic.php?t=226434
I would like to present my Dad's Raleigh Rapide from the mid 80's Question number 1 is, what year was this from? I think it's 1984/5.
Why do I have this in my possession? Well, he knows about my RB addiction and has been following it with interest. He indicated a while back that he was thinking of getting rid of his steed to which I replied :shock: :!: :shock: :!: with a few choice words thrown in. Fast forward to September and we started digging around in this shed.
At the back, there she was. Untouched since they moved house back in the late 90's it was in surprisingly good shape. Then I got her home and started taking a closer look...
I discovered at least 5 spiders and numerous little mite thingys living on her as I started to strip her down; a first in the restorations I've completed
The more I took her apart the more I was pleased to see that even though it was super dirty, the layers of oil that my dad had applied had preserved the components really well. As you'll see, after some epic cleaning, the Campy stuff is coming up super-shiney after the usual Autosol magic.
The frame is straight and true and is good old 531. It's really light (remember I'm a MTB'er - don't shoot me!) and the colour is magic. It's a proper mother of pearl white and still retains that sparkle under the spot light. This weekend it gets the polish and T-cut treatment. I've tried to remove the worst of the surface rust using the gel stuff you can get from Halfords. Any other recommendations for removing surface rust without damaging the paintwork are appreciated!
Now, the surprise is that Dad thinks I'm doing this up for me, then to sell (and give him the money). No, no. This is his Christmas present. To complete that I'm after any catalogues or brochures of the Rapide as I'd love to present that as a teaser. I'm also after any period-correct jerseys, again as a little teaser before I roll it out.
viewtopic.php?t=211782&highlight=rapide
viewtopic.php?p=1585358&highlight=#1585358
and here (super thanks for all the help!):
viewtopic.php?t=226434
I would like to present my Dad's Raleigh Rapide from the mid 80's Question number 1 is, what year was this from? I think it's 1984/5.
Why do I have this in my possession? Well, he knows about my RB addiction and has been following it with interest. He indicated a while back that he was thinking of getting rid of his steed to which I replied :shock: :!: :shock: :!: with a few choice words thrown in. Fast forward to September and we started digging around in this shed.
At the back, there she was. Untouched since they moved house back in the late 90's it was in surprisingly good shape. Then I got her home and started taking a closer look...
I discovered at least 5 spiders and numerous little mite thingys living on her as I started to strip her down; a first in the restorations I've completed
The more I took her apart the more I was pleased to see that even though it was super dirty, the layers of oil that my dad had applied had preserved the components really well. As you'll see, after some epic cleaning, the Campy stuff is coming up super-shiney after the usual Autosol magic.
The frame is straight and true and is good old 531. It's really light (remember I'm a MTB'er - don't shoot me!) and the colour is magic. It's a proper mother of pearl white and still retains that sparkle under the spot light. This weekend it gets the polish and T-cut treatment. I've tried to remove the worst of the surface rust using the gel stuff you can get from Halfords. Any other recommendations for removing surface rust without damaging the paintwork are appreciated!
Now, the surprise is that Dad thinks I'm doing this up for me, then to sell (and give him the money). No, no. This is his Christmas present. To complete that I'm after any catalogues or brochures of the Rapide as I'd love to present that as a teaser. I'm also after any period-correct jerseys, again as a little teaser before I roll it out.