I'n working on a Huffy Sportsman that is in really bad shape but salvageable. Doing a complete rebuild with parts from my donor bikes. These aren't really collectible, more an oddity, so no harm, no foul. I'll repaint and rebuild as a Raleigh since I have several Raleigh Heron chainrings. My original bike came with nice condition chrome fenders, so that will set it off nicely! It came with a Sturmey Archer TCW hub (the much maligned and for good reason-brakes wouldn't work when needed and gears would jamb when shifting. Think SA tried to stuff too much stuff inside that little hub shell. The H36 means 36 hole hub) 3 speed with internal coaster brake. Mine came with only a front caliper brake. The hub was dated 1963 and from what I researched that was about when Huffy contracted with Raleigh to make these. I don't think the arrangement lasted for more than a few years. Someone might have switched out the TCW hub for the Shimano (a much better hub-I have one on a Birmingham built 53 Gazelle and its a great shifting hub) and added a real caliper brake. Your frame, paint and decals are in great shape, so a worthy candidate, but keep any cash outlay low unless you intend to keep and ride for a long time. Correct saddle, a Brooks will set you back but handlebars are pretty common as are fenders. Keep an eye out for a beat up Raleigh donor bike and you might get lucky!
Originally Posted by
Oldsledz