look566 rider

Good day all,

Need some assistance for my project, a 1962 Raleigh Gran Sport. I have everything for the bike except wheels, fenders and the fork mounted Raleigh badge or light. Oh, the Brooks saddle will need to be replaced, or new leather attached to the original saddle frame. As you can see the paint condition is abysmal to say the best. The components in general appear to be in very good condition, just some good elbow grease to bring back to excellent shape.

The drive side seat stay and drop out have issues, stay is bent, which I do not think is hard to correct. I do have some concern over the "spread" of the axle slot portion of the drop out. Should I try to have this corrected by a frame builder? The blue bag in the picture holds both Campy derailleurs.



I do have a rear wheel that came with the bike. I question the wheel being correct as it says "Normaseal" on the rim and there is "Made in France" stamped on a retainer part of the hub/cassette assembly.



What research I have seen says the wheels were of a Dunlop manufacture. If the rear wheel is correct, great! Someone point me in the direction for a front wheel. If the wheel is not correct, please educate me on what wheels I need to hopefully be as original as possible.

My end goal is to restore to as original as possible. I feel this will be a gorgeous bicycle when finished.

Thanks,

Mike

redneckwes

I will have to look at my bike for sure, but I have at least one replaced rear rim.

Hubs were Racelite, bit I believe US market bikes were 36/36 spoke from the factory.

redneckwes

I have since put a set of Bluemels plastic fenders on it, think they are "Club Specials".

clubman 

As mentioned, originals were Dunlop Special Lightweights with Racelite hubs. I've never seen them in 36 hole. (edit, yes I have seen a 36 but it's an EA1, not 27"). Hilary Stone has an NOS pair of rims, 32/40 for sale for 175 pounds right now.
The Racelite hubs are rare also. It's a lot of money to put into a frame. Make sure the frame is solid and worth the investment to you.

redneckwes

I have one remaining Dunlop rim on mine, Racelite hubs and (I thought) they were 36 spoke.

They did funny things for the US market, we really didn't do 32/40.

Edit: I went and looked, and my rear wheel is 40h, and the front is in fact 32h.

It's been hanging awhile, and I could have sworn it was 36/36 lol.

clubman 

Yes, it seems that Raleigh tended to market most lines of bikes to the US differently than the "colony" above the 49th. Either way, it's a tough set of wheels to find. I think I'd cheat with some Tipo or NGS hubs.

redneckwes

Early Normandy's would also look pretty appropriate.

clubman 

Yeah the high flange works best. Lot's around too.

rhm

The most distinctive thing about a bike is usually the frame, and the value of a frame is judged by the condition of the paint, the quality of the workmanship, and the tubing. Judging by your description, the paint is in poor condition. The workmanship is probably standard Raleigh quality, and the tubing is nothing special. So, as much as you may love the frame, it is probably not a good candidate for a really faithful restoration. I'd say find some hubs that look right (I.e. early Normandy hubs with round windows, or the Sunshine ones that look the same) and good quality aluminum rims. Heck, you could even go 700c.

I've got nothing against Racelite hubs and Dunlop Special Lightweight rims, they are really nice. But they are not worth hundreds of dollars.

3speedslow

So many things can be said about these particular Raleighs. Wonderful riders and are quite smart looking when complete.

My 62 is much like Redneckwes's spectacular example. Unfortunately it was one of the bikes I took down to protect it during the move. I have since finally acquired the front hub and lamp bracket so when rebuilt, will be complete.

Wheels and hubs will cost and take awhile, at least for me.

hubs are 40/32 as said. Good news if you have the Campag that came with it too.

look566 rider

Excellent feedback everyone! I agree that the bike in general may not be particularly special. However, locally here in central Ohio, unusual old bikes seem to be hard to come by. As I will try my moderate painting skills and do as much work myself, I would like to bring this bike back to her former glory!

Sounds like I will go the close but no cigar route on the wheels.

Think she would be great to ride on the next Tweed Ride next November.

Thanks,

Mike

look566 rider

Any resource for the Chrome logo fork badge?

3speedslow

Not understanding. Are you refering to the Raleigh lamp bracket?

concour, it would be right at home on a Tweed ride!

redneckwes

Is there a Tweed ride in central Ohio? I'm between Findlay and Tiffin.

I have some early 70's chrome steel rims (36h) that would look era appropriate, you are welcome to them.

Michael Angelo 

Here's an NOS Gran Sport.


Brand New Vintage 1962 Raleigh Grand Sport. NOS!! NOT A RESTORATION

3speedslow

That's a beaut!!

John E

One of my college chums had a bike like that, as did the father of another friend. I have always liked the 49-46 chainset, which works great with something like 14-16-18-20-23-26 or 14-16-18-21-24-28 in back.

Interesting that the gents' model has dual chainrings and a front derailleur, whereas the ladies' model does not. Blatant sexism!

noglider 

@look566 rider, I have a pair of wheels that came off a 1960's Raleigh Record. They are in good condition. You may have them for cheap.

look566 rider

Yes, a tweed ride happens in early November in downtown Columbus. Usually starts at the North Market and goes 8-10 miles. Be aware they make craft brewery stops on this ride! Witnessed one rider cracking open a bottle of Crown Royal. I searched Tweed Ride Columbus on Facebook for Details.

I will let you know about the rims, thanks for the offer!

look566 rider

Yep, the lamp bracket. Did not know exactly what to call this part.

look566 rider

The ebay Raleigh is beautiful!

3speedslow

Lamp bracket then. They can be found on E- and if there is one, a swap meet maybe. From what I gather and am finding out; it is harder to get the bolt then the bracket. Mine came with the bolt but am having to source one for my Rudge.

look566 rider

Frame has been stripped of parts. Ready for the media blasting company to do there work! I will the try my hand at rattle can painting!

There is a bike parts swap meet here in Columbus next week. Will see if I can get close on the wheels. If not, I will take Mr. Reingold on his wheel offer.+

kitbiggz

What's that chrome piece on the fork do?

nlerner

^ Lamp holder.