advice on a carlton

[joehunter]

Hi all saved a Carlton out of the back shed of my father in law, it has no markings only a serial number 104999 the web only show dates to lettered serials so any info would be good

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Advice? Love it.

 

[joehunter]

like to do this up but not sure if modern parts will fit. have most parts but no forks

 

[biggs682]

post a wanted ad in classifieds sure somebody will be able to help once given the info ie tube legth reqd and amt of thread .

best of luck

 

[porteous]

Contemporary parts always on Fleabay for not much money. Can you post a photo of the bike, particularly of the lugs and top of the rear stays ? It would help with tentative identification. Have you looked for any numbers/markings on the rear drop-out? Plain numbers, of up to 7 digits, without letters, seem to have been used on most common models between 1968 and 1972, so it is likely that your bike was made in that period. ANY Carlton is worth saving if the frame is sound.

 

[joehunter]

here is some pics

 

[alecstilleyedye]

nice frame for a resto project. if budget allows, get it re-enammelled…

wrap-over seat stays look great.

 

[porteous]

The wrap around stays are unusual, and the slightly plainer style lugs are right for a 68-72 bike (I think). You need a real Carlton expert for more, unless you have any decals left. Have a look at this 76 Carlton Continental, which also has those nice full wrap around stays. http://www.carltoncycles.me.uk/mybikes/76continental.htm
Also have a look at the Corsa in the 1971 catalogue, looks like very similar wrap around stays to yours. http://www.bikebrothers.co.uk/carlton.htm Try a comparison of chain sets and gears on here to the one you have. Lastly, is the frame fully chromed under the paint? Whatever it is the catalogue will give you ideas on what you could bring it back to


There must be a real Carlton expert on here. Try Bagpuss?

 

[Baggy]

There must be a real Carlton expert on here. Try Bagpuss?

Spokesmann is also very knowleadgeable on all things Carlton.

 

[joehunter]

started to take down to the bare found the whole bike is chrome underneath planning to go blue with the bike using white stickers and the badge removed of all paint down to the gold plating. trying to get forks the only bit I need

 

[Spokesmann]

The frame can be dated about 68-72, they dropped the letter prefixes for most models then and used just simple numbers until 73 when a new numbering scheme was introduced. Are the rear dropouts chromed? I intially thought from your email it might be a Cobra but it isn't!

 

[porteous]

I used nitromors on the last chrome frame I had, worked a treat and avoids scratching the chrome. Try this source for a set of forks: http://stores.ebay.co.uk/bankrupt-bike-parts?_trksid=p4340.l2563 I have had lots of useful bits from here, and they are very helpful. He has these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-G...-FORK-IDEAL-60s-80s-REBUILD-/280792692942?pt= for sale at the moment, which are the right sort of size and age, and I have seen fully chromed ones for sale here too, I think. It would keep you going until you got some Carlton ones, and would look right. Also, at £15 you would not be out of pocket!

 

[joehunter]

seams the whole bike under the paint is chrome

 

[porteous]

A lot of Carltons were. their chrome plating process exceeded MOD standards. Some were finished in a transparent lacquer called acrilichrome, the chrome showing under the paint, if you see what I mean. A bit like a quality street sweet wrapper. Carltons look really good in just a chrome finish with Carleton decals on. I think some were originally sold just as a plain chromed Carlton. Have a look here: http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/bikes/carlton-flyer-johnson-rb.html and here: http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/carltonlowry.html

 

[Spokesmann]

seams the whole bike under the paint is chrome

Good news!