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Ps. When I say re build hetchins as original I meant with gears!!

Thanks for the comments. All really helpful indeed.
The paint was done by Colourtech in dartford (Dave). This is who Roberts use. He outsourced the chrome work. Done a great job (the chrome on the head tube lugs is not 100% but it is pretty good). The paint and lug lining is spot on.
On the wheels i think i am coming around to 27" - it just feels right! Let me stew on the wheel options.
The bike is currently set up as a fixed and has a c-record crank on it, cinelli bars/stem, & open 4 cd 700 rims & new long reach dia comp front calliper (due to 700c) . Basically it is built up as a mix of 1980's & new parts on the basis that I wanted it functional / robust as I ride it a fair bit in the summer and wanted (1) brakes that worked well (2) wheels that could take a hard ride.
My current thinking though is to build up another retro frame for fixed (something Italian!) using the current bits off the hetchins and in the meantime collect bits to then build the hetchins with a more original/vintage set of parts (again hence starting this post, 27" wheels etc).

How/can i move this thread to current projects? Or just start again?

Yep skully. After using the bike for about 2yrs there are 2 things I am not happy with stem and wheels.
The reason for this post isto start sorting the stem and to see if I can get the GB on.
Ref wheels ... Yes 700c with 23c tyres just look too small on tjis frame designed for 27".
I was thinking of sourcing some 27" wheels but they would need to be tough enough to take a good ride without needing truing every month!! If such a thing exist I reckon I go for 27".
Failing that a sensible suggestion - fatter tyres too fill the gap!!

Respray, chrome & decals ...

Right here we are. Pic of hetchins after 40yrs in my grans/dad garage ... At which I convinced my dad the bike deserved to be ridden

Thanks for the comments/advice. Polish up it is. Although I do not have a polishing wheel.
Noted on the oven cleaner!
It's one to sort over the winter me think.
I will pull some pic's of the hetchins. Can't get any current ones as it's just been hung in the loft for the winter. There is no thread on it as I just joined the forum.
It is a crackling looking bike though. The curly stays really make it for me.
I also have the crank & wheel set that came off it. Will dig them out and post up some pics.

This is a stem that came off my dads 1953 curly hetchins which I have restored and used cinelli bar/stem.
I am thinking of having a go at restoring the gb stem and putting it back on the bike but slightly paranoid about its integrity ... Any experience of these things failing being 60 odd years old? There is no obvious cracking I can see.

I saved up from paper round at 14 to buy a Roberts like this. It was about £110 I recall!! Mine had a tri colour paint job mind.

Shame I am after 53cm. I have been on the hunt for a rossin. Great paint job!

Ok. Do come back if sales falls through. I am only round the corner.

Mudguard bosses front & back?

Still for sale?

SE23 is that Forest Hill, London

Very nice set up.
Is the frame sloping or traditional geometry?
Trying to figure out colnago sizing I normally ride equivalent of 54cm c-c.