Restoring my 1960 Rudge Sports that I rode across the USA in 1961

[dirttorpedo]

Looking forward to learning more about your trip and seeing some period photos. Really interested in seeing what the bike looked like fully assembled.

 

[moonlite]

Looking forward to hearing your story, Jed.

I have a particular interest -- in 1954 my father and two mates cycled on singlespeeds with coaster brakes from Vancouver to Boston. I remember a few anecdotes from his journey, but we lost all the photos and local press cuttings when he died -- and he never wrote any of it down, despite my urging. A modest man, he told me, "no-one will be interested in what I write" when I told him to get it down on paper.

 

[Nabeaquam]

For a restoration I would use a modern two part paint. The good one part auto paint is no longer available but I have a small stash of this amazing paint from around 1980. Lacquer eventually chips and lifts. Both of my triumphs had lacquer tanks and eventually lifted. You can see it on both tanks.
Here in the States, the EPA has mandated new formulas for enamel and you chip them off with your finger nail. I had a specialist paint both tanks in two part paint in original colors. They look original.

 

[jedhannan]

Yeah, baked enamel will be the same thing. It was common to get British 'lightweight' frames enamelled back in the 50s. Yours is a factory-built frame I think made by the Raleigh company who had bought up various brands including Rudge, Triumph and BSA. It might even have a Raleigh serial number. I don't know what they used to finish their frames though. Can't tell from your picture, does yours have the Rudge 'hand' chainring?

Strange you don't have the option to edit your post. Maybe it's because you're a new user. I've notified a moderator in case they can do it for you.

Have not thought about the Retrobike Forum in quite awhile. I am getting ready to strip my Rudge down to bare metal, wipe it with Metal Prep, spray it with self etching primer, then laquuer primer. Will use a good black "base coat" followed by a good quality clear coat. I have all the decals I ordered from the UK. Had a local bike shop serv ine the Sturmy Archer rear hub, it was 'skipping'. Have new tires and tubes installed. Will need a new Brookes seat, and a new reat reflector mount with reflector. To jonny69, it does not have the 'hand' chainring, just a regular one.