Intelsergeant

Hi guys I just found this beautiful 1953 rudge (based on rear hub date stamp) sitting in the middle of the woods in a secluded area by the beach. Looks like it was sitting out there for a few years. Looking to get some help in restoring it. The crank, chain and hub turn with no issues. Looks like it's missing the pump, some bulbs and lenses and needs new tires. Anyone have any information on this rudge and advise? Thanks in advance.

For some reason the site won't let me post pics until I have ten threads. I'm happy to email the pics or if someone can post them for me.

Intelsergeant

Thanks

Kilroy1988 

I was about to offer my assistance for the photos but the story is a bit strange. Did you return to the spot multiple times to be sure no one has left the bicycle there temporarily, or did you just take it? Were you in public or private land? Sounds like this could easily be a case of theft, whatever your intentions.

Kilroy1988 

If the bicycle was actually in the woods then after a few years, or even a few months, it would be covered in debris and probably have things growing on it. Was that the case?

Intelsergeant

Lol it was buried in years of brush on my buddies property.

Intelsergeant

When u see the pics you'll see what I mean.

Kilroy1988 

Okay, that's fine then! Just wanted clarification first. Sounds like a good old ride.

BigChief 

Rudge is my favorite of the Raleigh built roadsters. I've owned a few over the years. Here's my '51 full dress roadster. The next is a 1955 made from a rust bucket into a stripped down, repainted "scorcher" There wasn't much left of the original, so nothing was lost by customizing. You have come to the right place! Lots of English roadster lovers here.

Intelsergeant

Wow the one we got looks almost identical to the first pic u posted.

Intelsergeant

Kilroy I just emailed you pics

Kilroy1988 

Here are the photos:

Intelsergeant

Awesome Kilroy thanks for posting them for me. I guess my first thing is tires and tubes, the rim measures 22" in diameter any idea where I'd be able to get some original looking tires?

BigChief 

These are very nice bikes and well worth fixing up. To me, the 1950s were a high point for English roadsters and examples from this time are getting harder to find.

Moe Zhoost

Tire size on most English 3 speed bikes is 1 3/8 x 26. You can verify this by looking at the markings on the old tire side walls. The ISO size designation is 37-590. I have Kenda gumwalls on my Raleigh Sports and they look nice; however the sidewall color is a bit too yellow for my taste. I think Panaracer makes their Col de la Vie in that size. I have these tires on a 650b bike and like them very much. Kendas if you're cheap, Panaracers if you prize esthetics.

Intelsergeant

Thanks I ordered the tires and tubes,we tore it down to the frame/forks leaving the crank in place yesterday. It's cleaning up good and the surface rust is all gone. The rims are definitely going to take some time.

Road Fan

Sometimes I'm a total cheapskate - you can de-rust the rim brake tracks by just riding it.

Intelsergeant

There pretty rough

Moe Zhoost

I've had some success in cleaning up rims like these by soaking in an oxalic acid solution (1 teaspoon per gallon). There will still be some pitting but the improvement is remarkable. De-lacing the rim from the hub makes it a bit easier especially when polishing the rim. It's always prudent to replace the spokes on wheels this old anyway. I'd be tempted to replace the rims with aluminum ones. The SunRingle CR-18s with polished finish would look "right" on the bike and they are available in 40 hole.

If you do plan to disassemble the wheels AND you will be taking the rear hub apart for cleaning/inspection, do the hub first as it is much easier to take apart when mounted on a rim.

I'm looking forward to more posts as you move forward with your restoration

Intelsergeant

Thanks... We're getting there the hubs look great and cleaned up nicely it's the rims that are pretty rough.

Intelsergeant

Some better pics of the rudge

Intelsergeant

IsleRide

Looks like the front rim is a replacement already. (flat profile) Nice project but if it's been out in the weather for a long time I would urge you to overhaul the bottom bracket and headset bearings.

BigChief 

That's a good one. Lots of original features still intact. The original finish is plenty good enough to preserve and end up with classy patina. Down tube and seat tube and rear mudguard transfers are still there. You have the original 3 or 4 speed trigger shifter, cloth covered cable housings, original head set, bars, brake levers, that wonderful Hand Of Ulster crank with original dual quill pedals, mudguards and correct period Sturmey Archer head and tail lamps. I see that it has different rims. The front is Endrick while the rear is Raleigh pattern nicknamed Westrick. That was a design that could be used with either rod or caliper brakes. I think the rear is original and the front or whole front wheel was replaced at some point. This is a really nice project.

Intelsergeant

These are pics of the front and rear hub both say sturmey Archer.

3speedslow

The HAND! Sweet Rudge which is also one of my favorite makers. The only thing which would put this over the top is if it was a 23” frame.