my project

[GarryG]

Here is my 1978 Raleigh Campus:

 

[GarryG]

For my first project I have managed to pick up a 1978 Raleigh Campus ladies bicycle (I have dated it from the Sturmey Archer hub).

It looked a bit worse for wear when I picked it up and looks like it may have had a bit of a rough life, but thats half the fun.

Here are some pics after I have spent about an hour working on it with nothing but tin foil and water.

There seemed to be a black substance around the front of the frame which I have managed to get back to the original paint and also the handle bars are painted silver, which I have managed to get down to chrome, mechanically it seems just to need a rear brake cable.

 

[GarryG]

I'm looking at keeping it as original as possible and do not want to respray or use touch up paint, there are several pieces of chipped paint on the crossbar which I need to clean and sort out.

Any tips from others who have done similar projects are much appreciated.

 

[Cycleops]

Nice effort Gary. Good to see you have kept it as original as possible. Haven't done anything on a similar bike, mine are all sports bikes. May be worhwhile checking to see if there is any play in the cranks and taking the pedals apart to regrease the bearings, also replce the brake blocks if you intend using it. Good luck.

 

[GarryG]

I have checked the crank and there is no play whatsoever which I was quite impressed at and the brake blocks still have loads left on them, the only thing I may need to find is a tyre for the rear wheel as it is starting to crack.

All it has cost me so far is a rear brake cable which I still need to fix.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Cycleops]

Yes, the tyres are likely to crack but replacement should be easy either from your LBS or off ebay. I should have explained that brakes on chrome rims just won't work in the wet but there are some replacements which are better, again your LBS can help or check the internet.

 

[GarryG]

thats great, I'll take a look around for some

 

[sidevalve]

I would change the brake pads anyway. No matter how good they look you don't know what they've been through or been soaked in. Period ones are easy to get or as above use some modern ones, for the cost it aint worth the risk.
PS, the old type brakes are ok [not great but ok] in the dry. If this is to be a dry day use restoration only the old skool pads will look the part, after all this isn't a race bike.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

I'm afraid the pictures don't work for me.

I have to agree with the comments above^^^. Don't keep the brake blocks for the sake of it. If they are original they will likely have hardened with age to the point they are useless (and on chrome rims they wouldn't have been brilliant to start with).

 

[thegravestoneman]

original pattern Raleigh tyres are available on ebay at reasonable prices

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

original pattern Raleigh tyres are available on ebay at reasonable prices

You can also get many sizes including classic ones from SJS.

 

[thegravestoneman]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-R...cycling_bikeparts_SR&var=&hash=item1c20810926

found em I knew they were there

 

[GarryG]

Thanks, I'll check them out

 

[GarryG]

Thanks, looks like the same seller does the brake blocks I need at the best price I've seen too! Definately one to bookmark.

 

[RWright]

I'm afraid the pictures don't work for me.

I have to agree with the comments above^^^. Don't keep the brake blocks for the sake of it. If they are original they will likely have hardened with age to the point they are useless (and on chrome rims they wouldn't have been brilliant to start with).

+1, I have an old Raleigh LTD 3, '74 best I can tell so far. The brake blocks looked great, it wasn't a lot of fun the first time I got on them in the rain. I didn't crash but it was one of those OH S!!! moments.