New project + Identification help

[Edwards80]

I've "Borrowed" my father in laws old bike with a view to restoring it and giving it back to him as a Birthday/Christmas gift. It may be a long shot but I was hoping someone may help me to identify what it is.

It's been in a shed for 30 years. It would be much easier just to buy him a new bike but he is quite attached to it judging by a few conversations I have had with him

 

[Fubar]

Looks like a cool bike, no idea what it is though!

 

[alecstilleyedye]

can you tell from the head badge, which looks painted over? it may be a carlton, i think i've seen those sort of exotic lugs on some of the fancier carltons. far to nice to be lumbered with mudguards and, god help us, a rack…

 

[alecstilleyedye]

looks like a 1960s carlton, see here for a similar model built for track/path rather than road…

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Those lugs and the rear derailleur suggest 1950s/early 60s.

I was going to suggest that they were modified Nervex lugs (see bottom of page), but the Capella lugs in ASED's link look spot on.

The closest I can find to the rear derailleur is this 1963 Huret Svelto, but your example looks even more basic and contemporaries of the Svelto look much more modern.

I'm sure that when you get the toothbrush and degreaser out, much more will be revealed: apart from brand names on components, check the drop outs and bottom bracket for names or serial numbers.

PS I think this is an awesome project, both for technical and sentimental reasons.

 

[Edwards80]

Wow, Thanks for the info guys! I have stripped a lot of the components off now and I think you are both right. The badge is covered in so much paint you can only make out the outline, but it matches the Carlton badges. Very pleased to know the manufacturer.

After cleaning the gunk of the Derailleur, I think you hit the nail on the head Scilly. It looks identical to the one in your link . . . another big clue was the word "Svelto" being on it underneath 30 years of grime

I have found a few likely serial numbers etc. but someone has painted this thing more often than a teenagers fingernail and I can't make them out yet.

Very excited about restoring this now Thanks again for the help.

 

[biggs682]

glorious lug work and another suggestion is early 60's , how far back are you going with frame ?

try as hard as you can to identify it first , so if you do refinish frame at least you could badge ans sticker it up close to original .

 

[steve keay]

Go for it. Im looking forward to seeing how you get along

 

[Edwards80]

Found the frame number - It is a 1960 built frame and from looking at a few others online I am fairly certain that it is a 1960 Carlton Flyer. Even found some chrome underneath the paint at the headtube and rear dropouts I won't want to give it back when it's done!

Will be visiting B&Q on the way home for more wire wool and white spirit. The chrome on the wheels has pitted from the rust but it is cleaning up. Will see if they are salvageable.

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

I suggest you contact Spokesmann.

 

[Turnpike]

Go easy with the wire wool or you'll mark the chrome plating. Depending on what kind of paint has been used, better to use paint stripper or acetone to get the paint off. I assume you found an "H" prefixed serial number on left hand rear dropout to identify it as 1960?

 

[Turnpike]

Excellent original Carlton frame - almost certainly made of Reynolds 531 tubing.

 

[Edwards80]

Making progress with this now

Might have made a slight error though. I've bought a new old stock chainring to replace the old one - it's described as being for a 1/8th chain. All the 5 speed freewheel cogs are 3/32 - I'm pretty sure these are compatible but I've only seen them mixed like that on single speed bikes. Is this going to give me any grief?

Ta - Will post pics when it is finished

 

[Spokesmann]

Found the frame number - It is a 1960 built frame and from looking at a few others online I am fairly certain that it is a 1960 Carlton Flyer. Even found some chrome underneath the paint at the headtube and rear dropouts I won't want to give it back when it's done!

Will be visiting B&Q on the way home for more wire wool and white spirit. The chrome on the wheels has pitted from the rust but it is cleaning up. Will see if they are salvageable.

Could well be a Flyer. The Flyer was offered with the option of Capella lugs.

 

[geary]

Hello

Excuse me for asking but how do you add photos?