Monday, February 22, 2016

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Retoration

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle After Restoration
I have had this black Raleigh Record ace around the shop for over a year now.  I think it is time I get it restored.  I believe the Record Ace to be a late 1970's or early 1980's Raleigh.  Over its life time this Raleigh Record Ace has had a lot of things done to it and a lot of mismatched  repairs and fixes.  I am planing on putting the Raleigh back to close to original with a few upgrades.  I think the Raleigh will turn out very nice!

The Raleigh Record Ace originally had steel rims, right now the Raleigh Record has a replacement alloy rim rear wheel, a nice replacement wheel.  The front wheel is a Schwinn Continental wheel, that will be replaced to match the rear wheel.  Alloy rims will make the Raleigh Record so much better then the original steel wheels.

The original stem was replaced with an adjustable stem, I really dis like the adjustable stems, they don't tighten down the best, they flex when put force to them and they are just ugly.  The adjustable stem will be replaced with something more close to original.  

I will also be replacing the crank.  I don't really want to replace the crank, it is pretty nice and I like the Raleigh markings.  The problem is someone cross threaded the pedal and it comply ate the threads to nothing.  I think I have a Sugino or SR alloy crank that will be really nice and a little bit of an upgrade.

From there the Raleigh will get a complete restoration along with new tires and tubes, new cables and cable housings, new handlebar tape, new saddle and all the replacement parts mentioned above.  I really like bikes painted black from this era, it is hard to beat polished black paint and polished chrome and alloy next to each other.  I can't wait to see the results and give the Raleigh Record Ace a ride.

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Handlebars

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Adjustable Stem

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Brake Lever

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Head Tube

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Brake

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Replacement Schwinn Front Wheel Hub

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle BeforeReplacement Schwinn Wheel Rim - This will be replaced. 
Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Adjustable Stem

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Fork Crown

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Replacement Schwinn Front Wheel Hub

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Top Tube

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Cool Down Tube Decal

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Down Tube

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Seat Area

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Top Tube - Wrong Cable Routing

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Seat Lug Area

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Seat Tube

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Crank

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Derailleur

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Derailleur

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Bottom Bracket

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Cable Hanger

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Brake Caliper

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Derailleur

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Wheel Hub

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Wheel Rim

It took some time to get the Raleigh broken down, a lot of stiff and tight bolts and nuts.  One of the real joys of restorations is how easy things go together when all the parts are restored and lubricated.

The frame I think is a lot better then it looks here.  it is very dirty and a small bit of rust here and there, but I think it is very light surface rust stains.  It should all polish out very nice and touch up paint should go very easy.  

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Before
Head Tube

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Before
Head Tube

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Before
Top Tube

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Before
Down Tube Decal

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Before
Down Tube

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Lug

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Post

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Lug

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Stays

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Before
Chain Stays

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Before
Drop Outs

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Before
Fork

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Crown

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Crown

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Blade

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Drop Out

The frame cleaned easily and after working through the polishing grits the black paint is amazing!  I am thrilled with the results!!  The black has a very deep shine, the decals look great and the touch up paint matched very well.  I am super happy!!

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Polished

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Polished
Head Tube

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Polished
Head Tube

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Polished
Head Tube

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Polished
Down Tube Decal - So Cool!

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Polished
Down Tube


Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Polished
Seat Lug

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Polished
Seat Tube Decal

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Polished
Bottom Bracket

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Polished
Bottom Bracket

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Polished
Bottom Bracket

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Polished
Seat Lug

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Polished
Chain Stays

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Polished
Drop Outs

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Polished
Fork

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Polished
Fork Crown

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Polished
Fork Crown

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Polished
Fork Blade

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration - Frame Polished
Fork Drop Out

The headset and bottom bracket are standard Raleigh.  The Raleigh headset always polish very nice and has 52 loose bearings.  The loose bearings make for a smoother function but takes a lot of concentration to line them all up with out dropping them.  Both the headset and bottom bracket polished very nice and with new bearings and grease they spin super smooth.  I love the polished chrome against that polished black paint!!

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket - Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket - Polished

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Pressing Headset Cups

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Headset Cups - Pressed

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
New Bearings Packed in New Grease

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Headset Complete

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Headset Complete

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bottom Bracket Bearings Packed

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bottom Bracket Complete

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bottom Bracket Complete

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket - Complete

Like I said above the newer adjustable stem will be replaced.  They just do not function well, loosen easy and flex like crazy when force is applied.  I selected a headset from the collection and started polishing the handlebar and stem.  The stem polished very nice, I am happy with the results.  The handlebars also polished very nice.  The stem and handlebars look great look great installed!

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Handlebars - Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Handlebars - Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Handlebars - Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Replacement Stem & Adjustable Stem

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Stem - Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Stem - Exploded

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Stem Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Handlebars & Stem - Polished

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Stem - Polished

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Stem - Polished

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Stem Complete

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Installed

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Installed

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Installed

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Installed
 The brake levers are standard brake levers but what I like about Raleigh Brake levers from the late 70's is the purple circle on the side that is the lever axes, I just think its cool and on the city levers too.  The brake levers polished very nice and with some lubricating and adjustment now work very well, they where a little gritty and stiff before.

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Brake Levers - Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Brake Levers Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Brake Levers Before - Purple 
Circle

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Brake Levers Polished

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Brake Levers Installed

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Brake Levers Installed
 The brake calipers look really rough but center pull brakes always turn out nice.  They polish very nice and actually work compared to side pull brakes from the era.  I really like the black Raleigh decal on the brake calipers.  I broke the calipers down and gave everything a good soak and cleaning.  With all the pieces clean I worked through the polishing wheels.  The pieces really polished nice. Assembled and with new brake pads the calipers are stunning and installed even better against that polished black paint.  I love this stuff!!

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Brake Calipers - Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Brake Calipers - Exploded

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Brake Calipers - Polished

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Brake Calipers - Complete

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Front Brake Caliper - Installed - Awesome!!

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Rear Brake Caliper - Installed

The rear derailleur is a Raleigh branded Suntour.  I love the Suntour derailleurs, pretty much all Suntour derailleurs. (There are a few I do not like.) Suntour derailleurs just restore beautifully and are bullet proof in there function, you can't ask for much more.  It took a little bit of time to break down this derailleur but everything came apart fine.  I cleaned all the pieces and worked through the polishing grits.  The rear derailleur turned out beautiful!  Installed it looks even better!  Best of all restored and lubricated it function so nice!

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Exploded

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Polished

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Complete

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Installed

The front derailleur is also a Sun Tour.  I cleaned all the pieces and then spent some time at the polishing wheels.  The pieces polished very nice and completed the front derailleur looks amazing!  I really like the Raleigh Brand Name on the bracket band.

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Front Derailleur - Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Front Derailleur - Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Front Derailleur - Exploded

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Front Derailleur - Polished

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Front Derailleur - Complete

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Front Derailleur - Complete

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Front Derailleur - Installed

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Front Derailleur - Installed

I like both version of the Suntour power shifters but I especially like the large shift levers.  They just work very easy and hassle free.  Cleaned, polished and lubricated they look even better.  These shift levers look great completed and great installed.


Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Shift Levers - Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Shift Levers - Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Shift Levers - Exploded

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Shift Levers - Polished

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Shift Levers - Complete

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Shift Levers Complete

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Shift Levers - Installed
 What really completes a restoration is all the cable brackets polished out.  I really like the polished down tube cable stop against that Raleigh Decal.  I did replace the seat binder bolt, the one there was just a hardware store bolt.

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Down Tube Bracket - Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Down Tube Bracket Installed - Love that decal!

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Rear Cable Hanger - Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Rear Cable Hanger - Installed

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Front Cable Hanger - Installed

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Seat Post - Installed

The rear wheel that is on the Raleigh is a replacement wheel.  The original wheel was a steel wheel.  This is a replacement alloy wheel.  The wheel is very nice and doesn't have many miles on it at all.  I broke the wheel down and gave it a good cleaning and polishing.  The wheel hub and rim polished great.  I replaced the bearings even though the wheel doesn't have many miles on it, might as well replace the bearings with the hub broken down.  

The front wheel on the Raleigh was a Schwinn Continental wheel, that had to go.  I have a very nice Aryia wheel that has been around for a while that matches the rear very nicely.  It is a very nice wheel that someone in the past built up with car grease.  I broke down the wheel and cleaned and polished everything.  The hub and rim polished very nice!  I replaced the wheel bearings and built up the hub.  The front wheel looks great and spins great.  I love the rim shape of both wheels.

These wheels are a major upgrade compared to what was original on the Raleigh Record Ace.  They are much lighter being alloy and they wheel function much better especially in wet conditions.  New tires will be installed when they arrive.

  
Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Rear Wheel Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub - Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub - Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Rear Wheel Rim - Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub - Old Grease

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub -Polished

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Rear Wheel Rim - Polished

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Rear Wheel Bearing - Packed

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Axle Pieces Ready

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub - Complete

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Rear Wheel Complete

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Front Old Schwinn Wheel

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Front Old Schwinn Wheel

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Front Old Schwinn Wheel

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
New Front Wheel - Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Front Wheel hub - Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Front Wheel Rim - Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Front Wheel Hub - Polished

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Front Wheel Rim - Polished

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Front Wheel New bearings Packed

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Front Wheel Complete

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Front Wheel Complete

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Wheels Complete
That is where I am on the Raleigh Record Ace.  I am super pleased with the results so far.  I am waiting on the new tires to arrive.  I am still picking out a crank.  I am also deciding on handlebar tape.  Check back soon.

The original crank's non-drive side arm and pedal where badly stripped.  You can see how bad in the photos below.  This opened up a spot for a little upgrade for the Record Ace.  I chose a very nice Sakie SR crank.  I broke the crank down and worked through the polishing wheels.  The crank polished beautifully!  Installed it looks even better!  I am very happy with the crank and the little upgrade!

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Original Crank

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Stripped Crank Arm

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Stripped Crank Arm

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Stripped Pedal

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Upgraded Crank Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Upgraded Crank Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Upgraded Crank Before

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Crank Exploded

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Crank Polished

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Crank Complete

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Crank Installed

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Crank Installed

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Crank Installed
 Next I installed the new Kenda tires and the new tire tubes.  The tires look great with the black paint!

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
New Kenda Tires & Tubes

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
New Front Tire Installed

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
New Rear Tire Installed

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Tires Installed
Next is the new cork handlebar tape.  Black of course!  The black through out the bike makes it a mean looking bike!

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
New Handlebar Tape

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
New Handlebar Tape Installed

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Handlebar Tape Installed
 Next is the new saddle.  I chose a slightly wide saddle.  The Record Ace has slightly slack geometry so the slightly wider saddle will be much more comfortable than a narrow saddle.  That and black looks great on the Record Ace!

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
New Saddle

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
New Seat 
Coupler

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
New Saddle Installed
 That completes the Raleigh Record.

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete

I test road the Raleigh Record Ace this morning.  Right away I could tell it need a slightly longer chain, about two full lengths.  With the longer chain the Record Ace rides very nice!  Very smooth and quite fast.  I think the upgrades of alloy wheels and the crank make a world of difference!  I like the ride of the Record Ace very much.  I gave it about a 10 mile test ride before calling it complete.  I could have gone a lot farther if it didn't start raining!

I like the looks of the Raleigh Record Ace even better then the ride.  The black polished paint looks incredible!  I love the silver accent color and the silver cable housings!  The upgraded crank looks amazing and the gum wall tires bring everything together.  One mean looking bike!  If I had the space I might keep the Raleigh Record Ace but I do not so it will be up for sale shortly.

Specs to come!


Raleigh Record Ace

Price - $325
Frame Size - 23.5 Inches / 59 cm
Year - Late 1970's
Speeds - 10

Upgrades
Replacement Alloy Wheels - Original rims where steel.  A very nice Upgrade!
Upgraded Crank

New Parts
New Cork Handlebar Tape
All New Cables
All New Cable Housings
All New Bearings
New Kenda Gum Wall Tires
New Tire Tubes
New Saddle
New Pedals
New Chain
New Brake Pads

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete 

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete 

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Handlebars

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Stem & Handlebars

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Head Tube

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Front Brake Caliper

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Front Wheel Hub

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Front Wheel Rim

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Stem & Shift Levers

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Handlebars

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Front Wheel Hub

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Front Half

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Down Tube

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Team Raleigh Decal

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Saddle

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Seat Tube

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Bottom Bracket

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Drive Train

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Crank

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Front Derailleur

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Rear Derailleur

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Rear Brake Caliper

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Rear Wheel Hub

Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration
Bicycle Complete 
Thank You!
John Z.

1 comment:

  1. Exceptionally nice. What size were the original tires??

    ReplyDelete