Late 1970's Raleigh Record Ace Restoration Bicycle After Restoration |
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!
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
John Z.
Exceptionally nice. What size were the original tires??
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