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Penny Farthing Restoration

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Old 12-27-15, 04:11 AM
  #1  
Smokysox
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Penny Farthing Restoration

Hi, I have recently purchased a Penny Farthing, it was extremely rusty but in reasonable condition once sanding down. The front wheel requires replacing / rebuilding and is a 52" solid rubber. Can anyone advise on who could do this rebuild to original standard?

Can anyone identify & date this Penny Farthing?

https://instagram.com/p/_xfhwFn2vZ/
https://instagram.com/p/_AW_Oan2tP/
https://instagram.com/p/_AW1AVn2tB/

Many Thanks,
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Old 12-27-15, 07:31 AM
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Nice project. I little out of the realm of folks around here, but there are a couple who could help out. Sorry I can't. You can always try the cabe. Penny farthings are more in their wheelhouse.

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Old 12-27-15, 07:40 AM
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Nice find! As to rust removal I just restored a south bend lathe and used a battery charger to remove rust. It's great and not abusive to the parts!
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Old 12-27-15, 08:22 AM
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Originally Posted by long john
Nice find! As to rust removal I just restored a south bend lathe and used a battery charger to remove rust. It's great and not abusive to the parts!
This, I would like to hear more about. But I guess this isn't the forum for it.
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Old 12-27-15, 08:29 AM
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Originally Posted by rootboy
This, I would like to hear more about.
Pretty common method in the old car/tractor resto world. Look for electrolysis and washing soda

Rust removal by electrolysis
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Old 12-27-15, 08:30 AM
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Very cool bike, and I'm looking forward to the first "after" pics with you aboard.
...Good thing there's no stem. That sucker'd be seized for all time.
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Old 12-27-15, 12:01 PM
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I take it that you lean to turn the bike?

Agreed, nice project and would love to see the final pics.
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Old 12-27-15, 01:40 PM
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@Smokysox Call this place and ask for Larry. He is usually in late afternoon EST during work hours. He might help you out or can tell you who to call.
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Old 12-27-15, 01:44 PM
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Very neat project. Looks like you have a good one to start with. Have no experience with a penney farthing but for our early brass era cars, more specific the high wheeler type/ artillery wheel, and buggies with town rubber, thinking they share the rubber fasten technique having a internal core wire that helps hold it on the hoop. Suggest to source a buggie restoration house or Amish wheelwright.

Also try contacting Larry Black at Mt. Airy bikes, Maryland. (BTW: Believe it was back in August he had a mishap. Careful with that thing.)
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Old 08-25-16, 03:04 PM
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Progress update

Hello, We have made some progress with the restoration of the Penny Farthing. We now know the bearings are Brown Aelous patent No. 3531 built 1877.

Possible new guess is that it looks like a Humber make, but any corrections are welcome.

We have not found any other markings and struggling on the type of brake to rebuild? Any help will be appreciated on the brake, rod and spoon type or a flat push down brake?

I've attached some of the latest photos.
The excellent restoration work has been carried out by Christian, from Richards of England.

Any help on colour scheme would also be appreciated. The current colours are primers / under coats.


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Old 08-25-16, 07:14 PM
  #11  
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Photos don't show, so here's my Mum and Nannie.





I know my Grandfather fixed the bike, and I'll guess the photo is from the thirties.
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