1957 Elswick Invincible Modele-de-Luxe

BEFORE

more pics and info:
http://deadrats.co.uk/2012/02/new-vinta ... nvincible/


DURING

more pics and info:
http://deadrats.co.uk/2012/02/elswick-progress/
http://deadrats.co.uk/2012/02/elswick-progress-part-2/


WHEELS

more pics and info:
http://deadrats.co.uk/2012/02/elswick-r ... rt-wheels/


FINISHED

more pics and info:
http://deadrats.co.uk/2012/04/the-elswi ... -complete/

Bloody amazing! Well done mate!

Agency_Scum":119chbbz said:

Bloody amazing! Well done mate!

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ta! I'm happy with it, had to balance shiny-ness and authenticity on a budget, so was quite a challenge!

slightly off topic question for you: do you think it's ok to put so many links to my website in a Readers Bikes thread (to direct fellow forum members to more images and info - as I have done above) or do you think I should make this thread more pic heavy?

Love it! Very elegant. Are they the same SA brakes on it? If so, they cleaned up nicely.
Using external links means there's less space used up this site, meaning more potential future threads.

Couple of questions;
Are the odd shaped dropouts on the frame made for this type of hub?
Do you know how to date the Elswick Frames?

titch__16":6qdr1kw1 said:

Love it! Very elegant. Are they the same SA brakes on it? If so, they cleaned up nicely.
Using external links means there's less space used up this site, meaning more potential future threads.

Couple of questions;
Are the odd shaped dropouts on the frame made for this type of hub?
Do you know how to date the Elswick Frames?

Click to expand...

yep the complete brake assembly is original except pads and cables, even used original lever ferrules

also original are the cranks, BB, shifter. Was a real battle to keep restoration under budget... due to prohibitive cost of chromeplating I used a 'donor bike' for the wheels and handlebars - wider than originals but offer a nicer riding position - bike is to be used! Donor bike also supplied the chainguard (missing from original wreck). Purists can scoff, but to restore 100% of the old bike would have cost twice as much - rest assured all the old parts have been kept.

I can only presume the drop-outs are SA specific, I've seen them on later 3 speed Elswicks. Not 100% sure about dating the frames, I went off date on original rear wheel and some online comparisons.

Everything reused is the cheapest way to do it often best too. If it works for you that's great

Only suggestion I have really is using white grips would match the saddle and outers.

Another lovely roadster back on the road, well done. It is nice to see less exotic cycles here sometimes

Dave

Beautiful job, the white walled tyres really suit this machine.

titch__16":e83dyilx said:

Everything reused is the cheapest way to do it often best too. If it works for you that's great

Only suggestion I have really is using white grips would match the saddle and outers.

Click to expand...

yes definitely, I tried to re-use as much as possible... but the person who's riding it now wanted it shiny as possible - hence replacing some of the chrome parts (as re-chroming was not viable cost-wise)

same goes for paintwork, powdercoating was the only viable option given the cost of trying to replicate the original paint design (not to mention source the decals - other than the downtube script they are nigh on impossible to find, so a custom replication would have been needed - again more cost!)

What size are the wheels? I've been looking for some 27" white walls for my Elswick but can't find any anywhere :cry: