-
Got the frame an forks bake from being resprayed at Mercian over Christmas, really pleased with it just a little less sharper around the lugs than I would have hoped for but I think it is just the laquer top coat, not the enamel itself. I was going to line the lugs, but having looked at some images of old RRA's in their original paint, it seems barely any had this done, so I have decided to leave them.
1 Attachment
-
-
close up of the seat lug-bit of pitting to the frame showing through but unavoidable really as it was coated in such thick Hammerite paint before I didn't realise it was bad underneath at all, and frankly I think it is preferable to have a bit of pitting rather than ugly thick paint or powder coating
1 Attachment
-
-
Also got the wheels built up at Mercian-thurns out their wheel builder seems to be an oldish chap as he told me it was really nice to work with some old parts again. He was very knowledgeable and has done a fantastic job so very happy I chose Mercian to build them in the end-I've had a few disasters giving old parts to wheel builders in the past who've totally ruined the rims and or/hubs.
1 Attachment
-
-
got it partially bolt up in last few days, but discovered that bottom bracket cups have a large diameter to the inner hole, so the spindle had some play that makes the cranks wobble slightly. Going to have to to search for another axle that fits the cups better whilst still fitting the chatter lea cranks, so this may slow things up a bit.
Other than that, and the fact I can't find one of the brake levers and the screw-in Sturmey cable jockey wheel (I think that I may have lost them when moving house or put them somewhere 'safe'-never to found again.), pretty pleased with progress so far.
1 Attachment
-
-
Looking good.
-
What bb did you use. I am trying to find one but i dont know whag j need for a williams chajnset.
-
The paint does seem a bit thick to be honest, yes,-at least around the bottom bracket and top tube. However-I checked back on the photo's when it was painted the horrible yellow and it seemd to be then as well, so I don't know if it's just something with those lugs, like they were never that sharpely defined or something. The head tube paint seems fine, however, and as it was Mercian that painted it I kind of hope it was done properly, as I've never heard anything of them doing a bad job before.
It is built up now, but havn't been able to get any photo's uploaded as yet as no home internet. Will try do some this weekend. I've taken it out for a short ride around the block and need to do some fine adjustments to the sturmey hub set up, but that's par for the course, I can never set these up correctly straight off!
thecycleclinic - The bottom bracket is a Bayliss Wiley 2c raleigh type axle with the original cups. It's not really the ideal length, but I tried a load of different ones and they gave to much play in the cups or were too close clerance for comfort-RRA's originally had a specific hollow nickel plated axle that I think may work with some williams, but I've never seen one for sale ever. So I settled for the Bayliss wiley for now.
I think it's just a case of trial and error to find what is best fit for your cranks I'm afraid.
-
Also, whilst I'm at it-any opinions on whether to line the lugs or not? Most RRA's seem to have not been lug-lined form the photos and catalogue images I can find, but I had intended to do it in either flat or metallic gold.
Just worried it may look a little too 'busy' what with the massively elaborate decals, that's all. So any opinions?
deleted
thecycleclinic
anidel
Ecobeard
-
Post a reply
About
RRA, Raleigh Record Ace Post War. Model 26.
Posted by
@jeff80
It's a pair of 32/40 spoke 27" rims and a front hub I'm after, otherwise it's pretty much there for what I'm building. There's a pic at the bottom of page 10 on the pre-50s thread: https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/238801/?offset=225