Raleigh Gran Sport 1983 Restoration Project Complete

Hi everyone

Some of you may be cursing me for what iv'e done to this quite rare Raleigh Gran Sport from 1983
I thought of restoring this to it's former glory,same colour/components etc. The whole bike was in a state,components shot,seat post stuck.
So carried out a restoration project of my own.
Removed the seat post,caustic soda method,dissolved all the alloy post away. Rubbed all the frame with fine paper and wire wool,removed all the rust spots,2 Coats of primer,etching primer on the exposed steel area.

Chose a nice Olympic White top coat,kept the decals simple.Raleigh DT decal and new Reynolds 531c frame and forks decals. Breeze Blue Headstock and seat post panel. Final coat of clear laquer. I seem to recall some of the gran sport models did actually have this colour scheme at some point

Anyway my plan is to use this over the winter months,waiting for delivery of Salmon profil aero alloy guards (close clearance)
The components are a mix of Campagnolo aero seat post,Shimano 600 tricolor chainset,300EX Front/Rear mechs,Modolo Corsa Brake calipers and levers,Cinelli bar and stem,Campagnolo chorus hubs with mavic rims. Hope you like it.

Any comments greatly accepted,Good or Bad

Raleigh Gran Sport 1983 Re-Finish Different Colour

Some more pictures

I for one really like what you`ve done, looks very cool.

I like it too. Very clean and fresh looking.

We'll done to you, very nice indeed.

Smart

Looks pretty smart to me
Well done

Jamie

ooof! that's clean!

That's a really impressive finish.

If you ever get another, I'd love to see what you could do with an original restoration. (Mine being an unrestored 1963 GT250, which was the Gran Sport frame but with straight alloy bars and an optional 3-speed. I've had it since new.)

I think it looks cool!
Nice work.
I LOVE mine and am undergoing a full 'spring clean' on her.
It's my favourite bike...

Fitted some nice Salmon low profile alloy guards,quite a challenge
But look the part.

Took it for a midweek club run yesterday teatime,rode about 30 miles
I absolutely loved the quality of ride,responsive,quick aswell as comfortable.Ok the ratios are not suitable for the hills here in North Wales.
A good leg workout nevertheless.

Don't know what the rage is for Carbon Race bikes
Stick to steel for a memorable experience.

Maybe change the rear freewheel for a 12-28 or 13-25 7 or 8-Speed
Anyone have one lying around

Cipo

Really smart, I love the simple colour scheme. Plus it's getting used which is always good I think.