I want to make my Dad smile again... Can anyone help please?

[fireflycarlisle]

Hello!

I have found my dad's old road bike circa 1959.

He's had a traumatic year and I would love to restore it and make him smile. He saved it all these years for sentimental reasons so I know my heart is ruling my head but can anyone help or offer advice please?

I am in Peterborough.

Many thanks x

 

[The History Man]

I had a similar mission last year. Nothing is impossible!

viewtopic.php?f=23&t=259880&hilit=+Armstrong

Enjoy.

 

[sisyphus]

Pictures not great but I always think that as long as the frame is solid, there's not much that can't be fixed/replaced.
What are you thinking of doing to it?

 

[stevevw]

Re:

Is it a Raleigh Trent Tourist? Hard to see from the picture.

I did a 1958 Lenton Sports for my wife recently. Stripped, cleaned and polished then put back together. Which I think is the way to go with these fairly low value bikes. You could end up spending hundreds to do a full resto which will also remove all the patina.

If I can help you in any way I will, I know about these Head and Heart decisions.

 

[sisyphus]

Re:

That's good advice!

 

[oonaff]

i know how your dad feels, i love my bike even though its been in bits for two years.in the mid 90/s it was my only form of transport,a trusty friend indeed,through wind and hail and darkness.A roads too.
best wishes,kevin

 

[jules_b]

Good luck! a lovely thing to do!! dismantle....clean thoroughly every part. WD40 or white vinegar with crumpled up tin foil to lightly scrub away any rust patches. replace anything that does not work (ebay or this forum). if you want to replace any decals go to H Lloyd. A nice new brooks saddle and new bar tape, chain and tyres will make the bike look brand new again. common household kitchen degreasers and polishes will help.rebuild!

good luck!

 

[The History Man]

Lots of info and advice i got on my thread re restoring and softening and old brooks and how to clean up without losing patina. have a read

 

[legrandefromage]

I am just down the A1 if you want to bring it over.