Another Carlton build beckons...

I have had this 22.5" Corsa frame hang in up in my workshop for some time. Now I have my Pro Am build done, thought it would be time to get the project off the ground. The frame dates from July 1975 and is in good nick. I have raided by spares boxes and ben able to do a fair bit already. Had the eternal bugbear of older bikes to sort - a jammed cotter, but apart from that all is pretty straightforward. This is going to be built as a simple 5-speeder with Huret Svelto rear mech, 24 tooth free wheel and standard 3-pin 49 tooth chainset by Raleigh. I need to source a from wheel and a saddle but those are the only major things I need. I want to build this fella built up so it very much looks like the 1974/5 catalogue image of the Corsa at this time...

That's in pretty good nick for damn near 40 years old First pic loks like it has a La Prade seat post stuck down it !

Green was always a tough sell in Hull as it was an unlucky colour being a fishing port,...........

Shaun

I had this fella tucked away...


The troublesome cotter...


The wheel OLN length fits!


Seat post is not stuck!

Do you not leave the nut on when you smack it (the cotter pin) ?

Looks like a NOS Svelto, very much derided but they changed pretty smoothly

Shaun

Midlife":37i2slee said:

Do you not leave the nut on when you smack it (the cotter pin) ?

Looks like a NOS Svelto, very much derided but they changed pretty smoothly

Shaun

Click to expand...

Shaun Ive tried everything on this one nut/no nut - it just won't shift. Ive nearly split it, so once the main shank is off Im going to gt a steel drift and knock it out that way, well thats the plan!

The Svelto is a no nonsense mech, works well, is robust and simple to adjust and repair. Don't know why they were derided, they may be a bit heavier than a lot of mechs, but they certainly can stand up to a bit of punishment. It is also bang on period for this model. I do have a spare Campag Nuovo Gran Sport I could fit, in a word it is sh!t compared to this old fella.

Ive refurbed the Huret form a number of parts from my spares box.

The paint is in amazing conditions!
Looking forward to next pictures.

Re:

Parts starting to trickle through now. New bearings fitted to the steerer as well as new brake hanger. Managed to find the exact same pedals this bike used to have as well. New decals added as well as cables etc. Still a lot do but this lovely old classic is looking better. Im trying to get this as close (or near as damn it) to the original 1970s spec. I have deviated from this a bit with a Sakae alloy seat post and newer alloy handle bar stem though.

Another lovely Bike.
I enjoy all your builds Spokesmann, they're all nice.

I recently drilled out some cotter pins from a Dawes crank. It was the only way to get them out.

Re:

Work progressing well. Just bar tape and toe clips to get and fit now. Fitted a rather nice used Wrights W3N saddle which is on-period... Wheels and tyres now fitted and no issues with OLN widths... This classic old machine will be ready for its 40th year in 2015 and Im looking forward to getting this one on the road. Will only be for dry weather use though. This will be my 3rd Corsa and completes a line up of 1970 10-speed mauve, 1975 23-1/2" 5-speed and this one 5-speed 22".