Claud Butler Spectre Project

[JayLC]

Just picked up this Claud Butler Spectre to get started on. I believe its a 1989 as its got Mountain LX on it? All cables and chain are pretty much seized. Needs a bit of TLC and the rear wheel is covered in cement. It does look very original though.

 

[Peachy!]

Yup, 1989 model (November 1988 - November 1989 for that graphic style). Personally I think it was their best & didn’t need changing. Or perhaps it’s because it was only around for one year that I like it so much?

Anyway. What’s the plan?
(Tell me you will re-spray the stem white?)

 

[JayLC]

Yup, 1989 model (November 1988 - November 1989 for that graphic style). Personally I think it was their best & didn’t need changing. Or perhaps it’s because it was only around for one year that I like it so much?

Anyway. What’s the plan?
(Tell me you will re-spray the stem white?)

Thanks Peachy!:

Plan is to just strip it down to clean/replace/re-grease everything I can, replace all cables and yes the stem is now aluminium. I may respray it white if I can find white handlebars to match. The original ones have rusted from the inside out and can‘t be saved. Large chunks of rust fell out when I removed the grips as the original owners silicone sealed one of the grips and I presume water got in from the other end when the bike was laying down? Not sure how else they could have got so bad.

Currently watching out for 3 items that would help make it look period correct.

Saddle
Handlebars
Grips

Thanks. Jay

 

[Peachy!]

Excellent.
Seat post isn’t original either if you really do decide to go down that rabbit hole
(0h and check your spelling of Claud before @legrandefromage notices it )

 

[JayLC]

Excellent.
Seat post isn’t original either if you really do decide to go down that rabbit hole
(0h and check your spelling of Claud before @legrandefromage notices it )

phew, spelling sorted, thanks.

Like the stem I did notice the seat post and saddle weren’t original. I may just sand it back to aluminium like the stem. Not going all out as it wont be a keeper, so I'm not going to spend a lot on it. Period saddle and grips shouldn’t be a problem. It seems white handlebars are though. I could get the rattle cans out i suppose but powder coating would be my preference. Then im back to spending money! I’ll see what she looks like back together and go from there……..

 

[Shaggy1979]

Thanks Peachy!:

Plan is to just strip it down to clean/replace/re-grease everything I can, replace all cables and yes the stem is now aluminium. I may respray it white if I can find white handlebars to match. The original ones have rusted from the inside out and can‘t be saved. Large chunks of rust fell out when I removed the grips as the original owners silicone sealed one of the grips and I presume water got in from the other end when the bike was laying down? Not sure how else they could have got so bad.

Currently watching out for 3 items that would help make it look period correct.

Saddle
Handlebars
Grips

Thanks. Jay

Thanks Peachy!:

Plan is to just strip it down to clean/replace/re-grease everything I can, replace all cables and yes the stem is now aluminium. I may respray it white if I can find white handlebars to match. The original ones have rusted from the inside out and can‘t be saved. Large chunks of rust fell out when I removed the grips as the original owners silicone sealed one of the grips and I presume water got in from the other end when the bike was laying down? Not sure how else they could have got so bad.

Currently watching out for 3 items that would help make it look period correct.

Saddle
Handlebars
Grips

Thanks. Jay

I have an original vetta but no word of a lie the fabric i think is beyond repair

 

[Shaggy1979]

I mean original by the time period not to suit the bike
Can I ask after you respray are you getting a sticker kit and if so where do u buy it

 

[JayLC]

I mean original by the time period not to suit the bike
Can I ask after you respray are you getting a sticker kit and if so where do u buy it

Thanks for the offer but I’m looking for a similar vinyl one. Not planning to respray the frame at the minute, just the bars and stem. J

 

[JayLC]

BB was the last to be done. All the other areas were in amazing condition considering, even the wheels. BB was the worst but only from a grease perspective, hardly any wear. Good news!

 

[JayLC]

Finally managed to put the Spectre back together. More of an overhaul than a resto. I know some parts aren’t original but didn’t want to spend any cash on it other than essentials. Plan is to sell it on as the frame is a little small for me. Rides well though.