Anyone else got a carlton?

[GuyBoden]

My early 70's Carlton Continental.
(With modern stuff, especially decent brakes.)

 

[Kempstonian]

I rode many happy miles on my Carlton (pictured elsewhere in this section)... and a few not so happy ones (mainly in the winter!).

I've just bought a frame that the seller advertised as a Carlton (?), so I'll maybe find out when it arrives, hopefully tomorrow.

This site sells decals for Carlton bikes and many other makes - https://h-lloyd-cycles.myshopify.com/

 

[Kempstonian]

Well I've got the frame but there's no clue as to whether its a Carlton or not. It has been resprayed because blue paint is showing where the red has been chipped. This is it: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

The chrome forks (which have cleaned up very well) have the name Elan on a label. Did Carlton use those? I'm not sure because the top surface of the forks is plain and flat.

I need a bit of help though. I have started to prepare it for a respray but I can't get this out...

Its on the right side, so does it have a left hand thread? Do I need a special tool to undo it?

 

[midlife]

It has all the hallmarks of a Carlton frame with the Trademark Crespera lugs and wrapover. The fixed cup has a left hand thread, there is a special tool but there is a trick with a big nut and bolt, I'm sure Biggs has posted pics.

 

[Kempstonian]

It has all the hallmarks of a Carlton frame with the Trademark Crespera lugs and wrapover. The fixed cup has a left hand thread, there is a special tool but there is a trick with a big nut and bolt, I'm sure Biggs has posted pics.

Thanks... I'll try to find that post. I watched a couple of Youtube videos - one guy used a very large adjustable spanner but I don't have one.

I agree about the frame most probably being a Carlton but I don't know if the forks are. More research needed there but I'm not bothered either way because I won't be trying to restore it, just make a bike I can ride. I intend to take the bits of the Townsend bike I got from my brother in law that's too big for me. I want to put an alloy chainset on if I can find one at a decent price and some new wheels eventually. I want it to end up similar to the Carlton I used to own years ago.

 

[midlife]

Yup, I agree the forks don't seem to match but don't look too out of place. This will alert @biggs682 to the thread, I'm sure he's posted about using a big bolt on the fixed cup. Big spanner needed though. Your local bike shop should be able to whip it if for not a lot of money.

Are you looking out for a single or double chainset?

 

[biggs682]

thanks @midlife here you go @Kempstonian 1966 Dawes Debonair[/URL

get at least a 12mm or imperial thread size nut & bolt and a couple of flat & spring washers poke the bolt with some washers into the bottom bracket shell and then at least a couple of flat and spring washers on the outside and start tightening them up once you have the nut tight keep going just be careful you dont slip then all of a sudden it will start to release the cup and hey presto .

if you are struggling give me a shout and come up and we can do it together

 

[Kempstonian]

Yup, I agree the forks don't seem to match but don't look too out of place. This will alert @biggs682 to the thread, I'm sure he's posted about using a big bolt on the fixed cup. Big spanner needed though. Your local bike shop should be able to whip it if for not a lot of money.

Are you looking out for a single or double chainset?

A double I think. Not fussy what make it is.

 

[Kempstonian]

thanks @midlife here you go @Kempstonian 1966 Dawes Debonair[/URL

get at least a 12mm or imperial thread size nut & bolt and a couple of flat & spring washers poke the bolt with some washers into the bottom bracket shell and then at least a couple of flat and spring washers on the outside and start tightening them up once you have the nut tight keep going just be careful you dont slip then all of a sudden it will start to release the cup and hey presto .

if you are struggling give me a shout and come up and we can do it together

Oh thanks! I'll see if I have the required bits in the shed and give it a go.

Thanks for the offer of assistance - I may well need it at some point!

 

[midlife]

Maybe have a look around bankruptbikeparts. Com for a cheap double, otherwise sjs cycles, spa cycles, merlin might have something cheap. Did you want something that looks period like Zenith? There's always evil Bay lol

 

[Kempstonian]

Maybe have a look around bankruptbikeparts. Com for a cheap double, otherwise sjs cycles, spa cycles, merlin might have something cheap. Did you want something that looks period like Zenith? There's always evil Bay lol

I suppose I wouldn't want anything too modern but period ones might be a bit pricey, so I suppose anything that fits would be acceptable for now. It can always be swapped out later on.

I'll check those sites you mention. Thanks mate

 

[midlife]

Twenty five quid sjs jobby looks quite neat...

 

[Kempstonian]

Twenty five quid sjs jobby looks quite neat...

Yes, its not in bad condition at all. No dents or rust on the frame at all. The paintwork is somewhat chipped but that doesn't matter as I'm currently removing it to do a respray. The red layer is very thin and coming off easily so I suspect somebody did a quick spray job using auto paint cans.

I took a look at (and registered with) the bankruptbikepart site. A good source of parts I think. My only quibble would be that it would be better if they organised it into sections. It would save wading through all the kids bike and mountain bike parts, which are numerous!

 

[Kempstonian]

I'm struggling with that bb end cup. I may have to consult the expert!

 

[PHL67]

I have a 1966 Carlton Super Course currently being refinished. Picture took of when it was stripped down prior to leaving.