Hi From Leics (outside lockdown - just) - 40 Year old Carlton Grand Prix Restoration

[midlife]

That is why it has lasted so long. When did you leave Cliff Pratt we used to go in there often from about 1990 onwards, mind you Kingston Cycles looked after us a lot better.

I worked about 1976-80. Then got a job in London and never went back to Hull apart from visits.....

 

[jcbrown]

Getting there.

Couple more hours yesterday evening. Just cranks and bottom bracket to remove really.

But not sure where all these came from! More parts than a flat-pack wardrobe, and fewer instructions

Actually, I have copious photos of every part being taken off, so I will be finea

 

[Illaveago]

If you haven't already done it you could place the dent in the mudguard between 2 blocks of soft wood and gently tap the dent out with another smaller piece of wood.

 

[RichardB]

Hi

Just rescued my old Carlton Grand Prix from where it has been rotting away for about 30 years.

I originally got the bike new for my 12th or 13th Birthday (I think) from Cliff Pratts bike shop in Hull - I still remember picking it up over 40 years ago .

I bought a Carlton Corsair from there in about 1982. I modified it extensively and then lost track of it during a divorce. Recently I found one on ebay and bought it. I was looking for a familiar bike to restore (same motivation as you, I think) but it turned out to be so original and in such good condition that all I have to do is ride it. I've bought another old frame to satisfy my bike-building urges.

I hope the mudguard can be saved - love the pin-stripes, but it is rather misshaped in places
View attachment 551018 View attachment 551019

Do not bin those mudguards! They are the original ESGE chromoplastics and are now unobtainable. Most people (me included) took them off and so 95% of the Carltons on sale from that period are missing them, and the bike won't ever be original without them.

Nice looking bike - good luck with the resto.

 

[Illaveago]

If the mudguards are a mixture of aluminium and plastic very hot water may be required to soften them in order to remove the dent . It was a method used to fit the old BMC Mini wheel arch plastic trims .

 

[Gunk]

I’ve just picked one of these up today, really nice original condition, complete with thermoplastic mudguards. just needs a refresh rather than a restoration. I’ll post some photos later.

 

[Illaveago]

What happened?
It's over 2 years now and no update !

 

[Gunk]

Sadly it’s a 25” frame so I’m moving it on.