John's Bicycle Restorations: Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle After Restoration

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
After Restoration

Recently Gretchen and her husband Tim brought me this Raleigh Sports 3 Speed in classic Ivory for restoration. I am very excited for this Raleigh 3 Speed for first, I love 3 speeds. Second, the Raleigh Sports is going to get a very complete and very in depth restoration wit some nice upgrades.

On a side note Tim also got a Raleigh 20 folding bike around the same time and we did a mechanical overhaul on it. The Overhaul really did wonders on the Raleigh 20 and is a great riding bike. A very very cool bike!

I have written many times why I love 3 speed bicycles so just a short write up here. Three speeds meant independence for a lot of people in the first half of the 1900's and especially for decades in Europe after World War II. Three speeds are wonderful riding bicycles made for working and running errands. They are bullet proof in design and durability. My favorite part is the cycle tourist aspect. With 3 speeds being the peoples form of independence most people weekend toured on them with many pubs, restaurants and places to sleep catering to these tourists. Here is a link to a group trying to bring those days back, click here. I am also adding a link to a gentleman who toured the Elroy Sparta area of Wisconsin on a 3 speed. This is my favorite place in the world to ride, maybe I am bias growing up a Wisconsin kid?

The ivory Raleigh Sports is in descent starting shape, not to much rust and most everything is here. The Raleigh will get a new paint job along with new decals. New Delta Cruiser cream tires and tubes will be installed. New allow rims and spokes will be laced. A new larger cog will be installed and all new cables and cable housings. New Kool Stop brake pads will give the Raleigh even more braking power. And lastly new handlebar grips. I might be missing something in there but we will get to it along the way. I am so excited to restore the Raleigh and can't wait to see the results.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Before - Handlebars

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Before - Head Tube

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Before - Front Brake

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Before - Front Wheel Hub

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Before - Front Wheel Rim

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Before - Stem

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Before - Head Tube

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Before - Front Fender

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Before - Handlebars

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Before - Down Tube Decal

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Before - Seat Lug

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Before - Seat Tube Decal

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Before - Bottom Bracket

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Before - Drive Train

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Before - Crank

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Before - Pedal

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Before - Brooks B72 Saddle

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Before - Rear Brake

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Before - Rear Fender

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Before - Three Speed Hub

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Before - Rear Fender

I stripped the components from the frame. The streak continues, this is about the fourth three speed in a row I had to drill out the cotter pins on the crank. With close inspection with the components removed the frame is in good shape, no dents, cracks or damage. The paint is very rough but that is why the Raleigh is getting a new powder coat paint job.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Before - Head Tube

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Before - Down Tube

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Before - Made in England Decal

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Before - Seat Lug

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Before - Seat Tube Decal

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Before - Bottom Bracket

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Before - Seat Lug

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Before - Chain Stays

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Before - Drop Outs

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Before - Fork

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Before - Fork Crown

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Before - Fork Blades

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Before - For Drop Outs

The frame is almost stripped of the paint, a little more time and it will be ready for powder paint. Check back soon.

I have the frame and fork stripped and prepared to braze on some rear brake cable stops. On the Sports and even the Superbe Raleigh used plastic clips to hold the rear brake cable in place. The clips do not work well and the cable flops around some. I have a bunch of cable stops on hand but I wanted a specific style to hold a metal cable housing end. I wanted that style since the rear brake cable loops around and back to reach the rear brake from below. The cable stops should be here in the morning.

I was curious how much the frame of the Sports weighed. Moving the frame around it felt surprisingly light. I hear many times that and old three speed is heavy even though that is relatively not true. The frame came in at 5 pounds 9 ounces. Not that heavy at all considering a Centurion With Champion No. 2 tubing weighs in at 4 lbs 15 ounces. Most of the weight comes from the components on a three speed which we will be taking a big chunk out of with alloy rims.

I am running a few test samples of powder colors to see what shade will be best. The original Ivory has yellowed some over time and just want to pick the best match.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Striped

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Striped - Head Tube

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Striped - Down Tube

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Striped - Seat Lug

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Striped - Bottom Bracket

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Striped - Seat Lug

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Striped - Seat Stays

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Striped - Bottom Bracket

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Striped - Chain Stays

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Striped - Rear Drop Outs

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Striped - Fork

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Striped - Fork Crown

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Striped - Fork Blades

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Striped - Fork Drop Outs

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Weighing the Frame

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Weighed - 5 Lbs - 9 Ounces

The cable stops I wanted showed up. I did the brazing and they turned out great. The main part of brazing is to find a way to lightly hold the pieces in place with out force. There are many very expensive jigs out there but for me hose clamps and some thinking do very well. I placed the stops in place with hose clamps and a nail just lightly holding the stops in place, so light that with a light touch they move an fall off but just enough force that the flame doesn't move the stops.

I applied a heavy coat of flux and brazed the stops in place. I little water cleans the flux off and then I clean things up one more time with a crass brush. The stops turned out perfect. I am very pleased with the results!

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
New brake Cable Stops

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Frame Placed in a Way To Aid in Placing Stops in Place

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Front Cable Stop - Mock Up

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Cable Stop - Mock Up

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Front Cable Stop - Flux Applied

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Cable Stop - Flux Applied

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Front Cable Stop - Brazed

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Cable Stop - Brazed

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Cable Stops - Complete

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Front Cable Stop - Complete

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Cable Stop - Complete

I started work on the fork. We decided to had a view rack braze ons to the fork for future front rack versatility. The brazing went well and the eyelets will add a lot of versatility.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Fork Rack Bosses

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Fork Marked Location for Brazing

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Fork Rack Bosses Fitted

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Brazing Flux Applied

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Brazing Fork Front Rack Bosses

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Fork Front Rack Bosses - Complete

With the rack bosses brazed and complete I prepared the fork for powder coating. A Tempest Ivory is the chosen color, a perfect match for the original Ivory White paint. I applied the color and a top clear coat. The color look great applied, there are a few spots that are not perfect smooth from small dings and nicks in the fork metal from over time, but you really have to look close to know. With the fork painted it kind of stands out that Raleigh at the time wasn't really going for a nice, neat and clean look in there metal joints. The joints are plenty strong, it is more a picture of the economic times in England at the time that this Sports was built. Overall the I think the fork turned out fantastic! I love seeing the Ivory color back to a new finish. I love this stuff!!

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Fork - Ready for Powder Paint

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Fork Crown - Ready for Powder Paint

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Fork Rack Bosses - Ready for Powder Paint

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Fork Blades - Ready for Powder Paint

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Fork Drop Outs - Ready for Powder Paint

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Fork - Powder Painted Ivory White

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Fork Crown - Painted Ivory White

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Fork Blades - Painted Ivory White

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Fork Rack Bosses - Painted Ivory White

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Fork Drop Outs - Painted Ivory White

I was not totally happy with the paint on the fork. The roughness of the Raleigh tubes and joints was showing a lot with the normal thin application of powder. On Monday I couldn't take it anymore and stripped the paint and applied the paint again. This time I applied the powder thicker and even thicker in the joint areas. I then applied the clear coat and the fork looks fantastic!! People say I obsess to much over things no one else would ever notice and see but I don't know any other way.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Fork 2nd Paint Attempt - Awesome!!

The frame paint did not go to well. The frame had a coating of a very goopy substance that would leak out when heated for the powder coat. It made for a very nasty paint job! Photo below.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Goopy Leaking Substance

Luckily knowing a little chemistry makes powder coat stripping a simple 20 minute process. So so so much easier then paint stripping. It amazes me that powder coat paint is so strong and tough and one chemical makes it wipe right off. With the frame bare again I baked the frame for quit a while with no powder on it. This baking of the bare frame burned off all of that goopy substance.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Powder Coat Stripping

The second attempt at the frame powder coating went well. But again I wasn't all that happy with the rough Raleigh tubing and lug lines so after I saw how good the fork turned out with a thicker application I decided this morning, Wednesday, that I would strip the frame and apply the thicker coat.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Second Application of Frame Paint

It was so worth it painting the frame for a third time. The paint looks fantastic and the thicker application smoothed everything out and made the lug lines look great. I love it, the paint with a clear coat has such depth and luster. I love this stuff!!

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Final Paint Complete - Awesome!!

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Final Paint Complete - Awesome!! - Head Tube

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Final Paint Complete - Awesome!! Head Tube

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Final Paint Complete - Awesome!! - New Brazing

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Final Paint Complete - Awesome!! - Bottom Bracket

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Final Paint Complete - Awesome!! - Seat Lug

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Final Paint Complete - Awesome!! - Chain Stays

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Final Paint Complete - Awesome!! - Drop Outs

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Final Paint Complete - Awesome!!

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Final Paint Complete - Awesome!! - Fork

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Final Paint Complete - Awesome!! - Fork Crown

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Final Paint Complete - Awesome!! - Fork Blades

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Final Paint Complete - Awesome!! - New Brazings

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Final Paint Complete - Awesome!! - Drop Outs

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Final Paint Complete - Awesome!! - Fork

Since I was spending time on the paint I started work on components here and there. Since I did this the usual build order will be a little different.

I started with the wheels. The rims are in rough shape and will be replaced with new alloy rims. I broke the wheels down and removed the spokes. The hubs are dirty and nasty and full of hard grease but I think they will come back beautifully.

I broke down the hubs and cleaned all the old grease. With the hubs clean I went to the polishing wheels and the hubs polished beautifully! I installed new bearings and packed them in new grease. The hubs spins super smooth and look fantastic. Later on I will lace the wheels to the new rims with new spokes. For now I am super happy with the wheel hubs!

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Front Wheel - Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Front Wheel Hub - Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Front Wheel Rim - Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Wheel Hubs Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Front Wheel Hub - Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Front Wheel Hub - Old Grease

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Front Wheel Hub & Pieces - Polihsed

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Front Wheel Hub - Polished

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Front Wheel Hub - New Bearings & Grease

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Front Wheel Hub - Complete

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Wheel - Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub - Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Wheel Rim - Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub - Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub Pieces - Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Wheel Pieces - Polished

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub - New Bearings Packed

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub - Old Grease

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub Pieces - Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub Pieces - Polished

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub - New Bearings Packed

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub - Complete

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Wheel Hubs - Complete

Now that the paint is complete on the frame and fork tomorrow I will be able to start assembling a few components to the fork and frame. I will also be starting the paint on the chain guard and fenders. I hope they go a little easier then the frame :)!

The head set and bottom bracket are in descent starting shape. I put everything into the crock pot for cleaning and then did the polishing. The pieces polished beautifully. I then backed new bearings in new grease and the headset and bottom bracket spin great!

The headset was meant to have the Raleigh headlamp bracket built into the headset. The bracket works like a spacer. With out that bracket the headset does not lock down like it should. With out that spacer the headset will come loose quickly. I do not have a spacer that fits the Raleigh style in the collection of spacers so I will have to come up with something later. That spacer is a little rare because the Sports and three speeds always had that bracket so no spacer. The spacer needs to come from and early 1970's Record.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket - Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket - Polished

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Pressing Headset Cups

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Headset Cups Pressed - Huge Transformation!

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Headset - Complete

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bottom Bracket - Complete

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket - Complete

The handlebars and stem are in descent starting condition however the bolt that claps the handlebars to the stem is to far damaged. The bolt was forced through the clamping area at one point and bent and then because it was bent the nut was cross threaded on. After searching through the parts collection for quite a while I was lucky enough to find one replacement bolt.

I cleaned the handlebars and stem and got to working through the polishes on the polishing wheels. The chrome on the handlebars and stem came back beautifully! There is some chrome damage on the handlebars where it would hit if the bike fell over but after polishing it isn't to bad.

Installed the stem and handlebars looks amazing next to the new paint. I love this stuff!!

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Stem - Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Stem - Exploded

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Stem - Polished

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Damaged Stem Bolt

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Handlebars - Polished

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Stem With Replacement Bolt

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Complete

I had a hard time removing the crank cotter pins. I tried the pin press and every other trick I know and they would not budge. Well one budged but deformed and the other I had to drill out. The crank is in better condition then most I come across. I gave the crank a good cleaning and then hand polished it. The crank turned out fantastic. I installed the new 9.5 mm cotter pins and the crank spins great! I love the way the crank turned out, it polished beautifully and its hard to beat the Raleigh Heron design.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Crank - Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Removed & Damaged Cotter Crank

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Crank - Polished

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
New Cotter Pins

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Crank - Installed

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Crank - Complete

The wheels are not built yet but the hubs are complete. To keep track of them I installed them in the frame for now.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Front Hub - In Place

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Hub - In Place

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Hubs - In Place

I am so glad the three speed shift lever is older with the clear plastic cover and metal body. I cleaned and flushed the shift lever and then lubricated it and now it function very smooth and easy. With it working great I polished out all the metal and cleaned the plastic cover. Assembled the shift lever almost looks new! I love this stuff!

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Strumey Archer 3 Speed Shift Lever - Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
3 Speed Shift Lever - Exploded

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
3 Speed Shift Lever - Polished

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
3 Speed Shift Lever - Complete

The brake levers are the Raleigh style with the large adjustment barrels. Usually these brake levers I find are pretty rough but these are in pretty good starting shape. I cleaned all the pieces and got on with the polishing. The brake levers turned out great, probably the best example of this style I have come across.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Brake Levers - Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Brake Levers - Exploded

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Brake Levers - Polished

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration'
Brake Levers - Complete

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Brake & Shift Lever - Installed

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Brake Lever - Installed

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Brake Levers - Complete

The Brooks saddle that is original to the Raleigh Sports is in amazing condition. Gretchen and Tim took the original saddle and put it on one of their Raleigh 20's A perfect match. For the Sports they have a beautifully new Brooks B66S in Honey, an amazing saddle! I installed the seat post and new saddle and it looks amazing. The seat post polished very nice and the seat binder bolt polished beautifully and is in great condition. A lot of the seat binder bolts and nuts are beat up pretty bad, this one is perfect.

With the brown honey saddle installed it has almost changed the color of the paint. It has turned it to a deeper ivory color that looks amazing. I don't think it shows well in the photos but definitely has the affect in person. Have I mentioned I love this Stuff??

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Original Saddle

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Seat Post - Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Seat Post & Binder Bolt - Polished

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Seat Binder Bolt - Polished

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
New Brooks B66S Saddle - Beautiful!

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
New Brooks B66S Saddle

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Brooks B66S Saddle - Installed

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Seat Binder Bolt - Installed - Beautiful Also!

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Saddle - Complete

The big Raleigh brake calipers like this are not my favorite to restore. They are not my favorite to restore for two reason and it has nothing to do with how they function. First they are fiddly, that is the best word I can come up with. Second they are usually very beaten up and rough but these calipers are in good starting shape.

I cleaned all of the pieces and got to the polishing wheel. The pieces polished very nice. Before I could assemble the front caliper I had to straighten the long bolt that runs through the center of everything. It had a bend to it.

I assembled the brake calipers and lubricated all the pivot points. I installed the black brake pads as place holders. Later I will install the salmon colored Kool Stop brake pads. I don't know why I installed the black pads for now other then the Kool Stops show dirt and I did not want to have to keep cleaning them.

The brake calipers look fantastic installed next to the new paint. Fantastic!!

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Brake Calipers - Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Brake Calipers - Exploded

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Brake Calipers - Polished

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Brake Calipers - Complete

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Front Brake Caliper - Installed - Fantastic!!

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Brake Caliper - Installed

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Brake Calipers - Complete

Pedals take a beating, they get all the dirt and puddles being down low and they usually get banged into things. These Raleigh block pedals are somewhat rough. I gave the pedals a good cleaning and then started the hand polishing process. The pedals really turned out nice! I am very happy with the results! Best of all they spin great!

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Pedals - Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Pedals - After

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Pedals - Installed

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Pedals - Complete

While I was at it I decided I would install the brake cables and cable housings. I think the dark Ice Gray is perfect for the Raleigh Sports with the Ivory color and the new leather. I also was exited to see how the new cable stops would look.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
New Brake Cables & Cable Housings

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Cables - Complete

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Cables & New Cable Stops - Love It!

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
New Cable & Cable Stops - Love This One Too!

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Brake Cables - Complete

This week I have been working on the fenders and chain guard. Fenders and chain guards take some time to strip the paint and prepare for powder coating. There are a lot of nooks and crannies and tight spaces to remove paint and rust from. After the chemical stripping I work each piece through the media blaster. These style fenders take a little more care as the fender struts are welded to the fender so they can not be removed.

In the process of preparing the fenders and chain guard I also work any dents I can out with some sheet metal hammers and blocks. I also straighten any twist or bends in the fenders.

The metal of the fenders and chain guard is thin and heats up very fast and if timing is not just right and temperature controlled perfectly the process can go bad very easy and requires a start over. So far so good!

So far I have the front fender complete and the chain guard very close to complete. The rear fender has the most work to it and that is about 3/4 done. The powder coating process is also a little more tricky then a frame.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Front Fender - Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Front Fender - After Chemical Stripping

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Front Fender - Straightened & Prepared For Paint

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Front Fender - Complete

I finished the chain guard. I stripped the paint and started the preparation for powder coating. There was a slight twist in the chain guard and a few test and bends. The twist I removed easily and the dents to. My sheet metal skills are not the best when it comes to flattening flat metal like the long flat side. I was able to get most of the bends and shallows out of the chain guard, it looks good, a lot better then before but I wish I had a little better skills in that part to make it perfect. One of the best parts of the chain guard is how nice the mounting hardware polished, the polished hardware and new paint look amazing together. Overall I am very happy with the chain guard.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Chain Guard - Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Chain Guard - Complete

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Chain Guard - Installed

The rear fender is in very good shape for rear fenders, usually rear fenders take a huge beating hanging off the back. There where a few dents I pounded out and one small one I could not get out where it was located. I stripped the paint and prepared the fender for powder. Some how I lost the photos of the chain guard and rear fender stripped and ready for powder.

Installed with the polished hardware the rear fender looks great! I love it!!

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Fender - Before

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Fender - Complete

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Fender - Installed

I restored the wheel hubs above. Now it is time to lace the hubs to new Sun CR-18 rims. I did some bad spoke formulas and ordered rear spokes that where 5 mm to long, I had to order new.

I laced he wheels and trued and set the dish on the wheels. The Sun rims are so nice compared to original steel rims. With the wheels laced I installed the new Schwalbe Delta Cruiser tires in cream, a perfect look for the Sports and great riding tires! I forgot a few photos in the process below but I still love this stuff!!!

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
New Sun CR-18 Rims & Spokes

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
New Spokes

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
New Rims

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Front Wheel - Laced

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Front Wheel Rim - Laced

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Wheel - Laced

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Wheel Rim - Laced

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
I love the Polished Alloy Rims!

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
New Delta Cruiser Tires

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Front Wheel - Complete

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Wheel - Complete

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Wheels - Complete

At this time I installed the new Kool Stop Continental brake pads. The Kool Stops combined with the alloy rims should supply an incredible amount of stopping power compared to the original setup. Now that the pads are installed I have no idea why I installed the generic pads during the build, I must have had some thought going on.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
New Kool Stop Continental Brake Pads

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Kool Stop Brake Pads - Installed

Now it is time to install the cork handlebar grips and apply the shellac. I think shellacked cork grips are my favorite of all grips. The cork grips look amazing complete on the Sports.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
New Cork Handlebar Grips

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Cork Handlebar Grips - Installed

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Applying the Shellac to the Cork Handlebar Grips

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Cork Handlebar Grips - Installed

Gretchen ordered a Velo Orange Rear Reflector. The Velo Orange reflector is just amazing, such a beautiful reflector, the best I have ever seen. I installed the reflector but I do not like the angle it is sitting at. I am thinking through ways of changing the angle and will post that when I figure it out.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
VO Reflector

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
VO Reflector - Installed

The Sports is almost complete. So very close. I modified a rear fender clip and that is in paint right now. I ordered a 22 tooth rear cog for the Sports and when I installed it yesterday I noticed one of the teeth had a crack in it and when I moved it with my fingers it broke off. That was right out of the cardboard package that day so it was't just laying around. It was sent back and a new one should be here tomorrow. When it arrives a new chain will be installed and then the test riding and tuning.

I am burnishing the alloy rear rack a little more and that will be installed. I tired powder coating the rear rack but my powder gun does not have he control to get in all those many small tight areas. When the rear rack is installed a decision on decals will be made.

Check back soon.

Everything from here to below was done a couple weeks ago except for the decals which where done today.

The 22 tooth rear cog went on easy as can be and a new chain was installed. A gold chain was chosen for the gold color. I think the gold chain really adds a lot to the look of the Sports.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
New Rear Cog

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
New Rear Cog - Installed

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Chain - Installed

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
New Rear Cog & Chain - Complete

The original head badge is in good shape, it is not perfect but I think that is good. I like the original head badges to be just cleaned up with. I think there is some real nice about an original head badge with the new paint. Just a small thing but I like it. Thank you to my friend Darrel Yarbourgh for sending me original Raleigh head badge rivets.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Original Raleigh Heron Head Badge

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Original Head Badge - Complete

The Velo Orange rear reflector is really bothering me the way it sits horrible on the fender. I have tried a few things with no success. This time I tried taking shims from a mountain bike V-brake. It helped a lot, not perfect yet but getting there. I have one more idea to try yet.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
V-Brake Shims on the Right

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Sitting better but not there yet.

I also installed a rear light. The light came with a bracket for a rear rack but that bracket is specific for that companies rack. I tried attaching just the reflector with out the bracket but that did not go well either. The hole in the back of the reflector was not threaded and did not fit against the rack. I have put the light on the seat post for now. The light is extremely bright, very cool.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Rear Light - Installed

Now it is time for the decals. I waited quit a while for the decals to get here however the decals are very very nice quality. The main decals went on first. The Raleigh on the down tube, the made in England decal and the chain guard decal. The decals look fantastic! I forgot to take photos in the shop after removing the front masking. I waited a few hours for things to dry before removing the masking and just forgot the photos. The new decals can be seen in the final photos.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
New Decals

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Installing Down Tube Decal

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Installing Made in England Decal

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Installing Chain Guard Decal

I wasn't expecting the decal set to come with e Raleigh High Tensle Stell Tubing decal. It looks fantastic on the seat tube! The gold is perfect for the Raleigh and it is very understated there.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Raleigh High Tensle Steel Decal

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Raleigh High Tensle Steel Decal - Installed

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete

I very very carefully took the Raleigh to the end of the block one more time today just to make sure it was still tuned. It is so smooth. The shifting is like butter. What a ride.

I then tried to take final photos outside. There was no temperature when I did. 0 Degrees. I wish I could have gotten better light for the photos with all the white snow. I will also try to take photos indoors of the details later.

I love the look of the Raleigh Sports. I love the Ivory color so much more then the basic Raleigh white. The Ivory is much more classy. The Brooks honey saddle, cork grips and cream tires are perfect. Its hard to tell in the photos but the gold chain fits right in with the grips, saddle and cream tires. I think brazing the rear brake cable stops to the frame instead of the cable bracket makes a huge difference, cleans everything up.

The bright work polished beautifully. The crank and headset look factory new and the stem, handlebars and brake elvers are not far behind.

The new Sun Alloy rims and new spokes make a world of difference. They feel light, quick and nimble and the alloy braking surface works so much better then the chrome in weather like today

The gold foil decals brings everything together, a perfect match for the color and components.

I really love this stuff!! And I am extremely proud of the work that went into the sports.

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Handlebars

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Stem & Handlebars

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Head Badge

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Front Brake

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Front Wheel Hub

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - New Sun Alloy Rim

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Stem & Handlebars

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Handlebars

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Head Tube

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Down Tube Decal

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Made in England Decal

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Front Half

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Brooks Saddle

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - High Tensle Decal

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Drive Train

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Crank

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Chain Guard Decal

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Rear Brake

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Rear Wheel Hub

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Rear Sun Alloy Rim

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Rack

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Rear Fender

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Handlebars

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Brake Lever

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Stem & Handlebars

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Head Badge
Awesome!

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Front Brake

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - New Front Rack Braze Ons

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Front Wheel Hub

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Front Wheel Rim

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Stem

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Three Speed Shifter

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Head Tube

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Front Wheel Hub

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - New Rear Brake Cable Braze Ons

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Cable Bracket

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Made in England Decal

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Front Half

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Brooks B66 Saddle

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - High Tensle Steel Decal
Awesome!

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Bottom Bracket

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Drive Train

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Crank

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Chain Guard Decal
Awesome!

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Rear Wheel Hub

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Brooks B66

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Rear Brake Caliper

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Rear Wheel Hub

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Rear Wheel Rim

Thank you for the interest. It took a while but I am very proud of the work and the results of the Sports.

John Z.

5 comments:

AnonymousSeptember 7, 2015 at 3:31 AM
Thanks for the post. I really like your information that you share among us.

Bicycle Rims Manufactures

UnknownOctober 7, 2015 at 8:01 PM
Great work, John! We are excited about the restoration. Things are coming together. Tim H.
UnknownOctober 22, 2015 at 12:15 PM
Bike looks fantastic. Great work John! Congrats to these owners...
GretchenJanuary 13, 2016 at 2:49 PM
The restored bike is even more gorgeous than the pictures show and much better than the original now. It's hard to tell the exact color of the ivory from the photos, the weather here has been very cold and dark and not good outside lighting for John and his camera. Can't wait for spring to come! John did a fabulous job on my bike! Gretchen

John's Bicycle Restorations

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Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Gretchen's 1972 Ivory Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration

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