Ru(st)dge-Whitworth Crescent Sport

First build thread :)
Been fixing/modifying old discarded bikes for the last 2 years - thought this might be a good incentive to get cracking on finishing up some projects...

And share the love for pre-1960 machines

This machine popped up in January on Facebook: discovered in a basement in Wales - Free

The handlebar stem and bars struck me as mid 30s, Philco front centre pull - Oooh, I like that.
So I jumped on it - although it was like a 5 hour trip each way. YES, first dibs...

The Ru(st)dgy adventure starts

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Good luck with that
Love the bell attached To the end of the handlebars.
What's the orange on the tyre and do you have both wheels.?

Is the seatpost seized?

More seriously, I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with this and perhaps picking-up some tips...

Whoa. Where do you even start with something like this? I'm impressed already!

Blimey,
What are you going to work on first?
Sub'd

No rear wheel @falconvitesse - front wheel beyond salvation & unfortunately handlebars bent :( Will try post regular updates during the process.

@SideshowBob @russmeyer good question, ha ha. Soak a bit first and strip down to a workable basis. Funny enough the frame doesn't seem too bad. I always like a 'patinated' look, so it will not be a respray and bling bling

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Reckon this will be fine as long as the rust isn't terminal as you say. Looking forward to seeing it come together.

Good luck with that

That's a little corrosive

Looks a bit knackered, leaning against that wall :-)

Looks pretty brave! As long as the rust isn't too deep it'll probably scrub up ok. Depending on the age, the bars may have been painted originally. Difficult to tell from the pics.

Rust - Rudge
2 - 0

Sometimes rust wins :(
Makes you wonder where the orange color comes from. Could it have had red tyres, or maybe an orange inner tube caused this...
Cut out the front hub to keep as example - axle incl cones and nuts, flip top oiler, wing nuts might go back on a replacement wheel

Pedal came off without too much trouble - if anyone knows a source for these, or other mid 30s rat traps - much appreciated!

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Talking of corrosive.!
Definitely keep those wing nuts. There are normally a few rat trap pedals on the Bay, or you could buy a doner bike.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/292076574384)

Cheers @falconvitesse - no more donor bikes, that's what got me into the chaos in my shed and garden ;) but with prices on Fleabay it is always very tempting!
Nice Ulster Sports though - rarer than the Pathfinders.

There is another Rudge in the pipeline - quite happy to get this one soon

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I was watching that. Far too small but looked interesting. Good to see its gone to a good home.

The reddish front wheel tyre is no longer a mystery
Huzzah for the Veteran Cycle Club library :)

1931 Rudge No 67 specifications
Tyres: Avon Red Speedster

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lol.
Would never have considered that