This is Wayne's early 1950's Hercules 3 speed. Wayne brought it up from near Saint Louis for restoration. Every probably knows by now how much I love three speeds. They have so much history, they are very simple and almost bullet proof and they where work horses in pre and post war Europe. I have a Royal Scot 3 Speed that I love.
Wayne's Hercules has a lot of history. Wayne is the second owner and bought it in the late 1950's. He later took it to college. It has been sitting for a while and now its time to bring it back to life.
The Hercules will get a complete restoration along with new bearings, brake pads, cables, cable housings, new tires and tubes and a new saddle. It has been debated back and fourth on new paint but I want to try to see how far the original paint can be brought back. I think the age, character and the decals, paint scheme and Wayne's college bike license stickers should have a chance to survive.
I can't wait to see the Hercules come back to life and too see what can be done with the original paint. I love these 3 speeds and can't wait to road test it!!
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Handlebars |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Stem |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Head Tube |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Front Brake |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Front Fender Cap |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Head Tube |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Front Fender |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Front Wheel Hub |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Front Wheel Rim |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Handlebar Grip |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Handlebar Grip |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - 3 Speed Shifter |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Stem |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Front Wheel Hub |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Top Tube |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Down Tube |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Wayne's Name - So Cool!! |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Saddle - Will be replaced. |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Seat Lug |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Tube Decal |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - College Bike License |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Chain Guard & Crank |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Crank |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Pedal |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Chain Guard |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Seat Tube |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Bottom Bracket |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Seat Lug |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Rear Brake Caliper |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Rear Fender |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Rear Wheel Hub |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Rear Wheel Hub |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bicycle Before - Rear Wheel Rim |
I broke the Hercules down. It took some doing on some areas but overall for the age it wasn't the worst bike ever to break down. I like that!! The frame looks very rough broken down, there are a few rougher spots that will be rough but I think there is a beautiful frame in there with some beautiful patina!!
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - Head Tube |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - Head Tube |
I love those lugs with the oval cut in!!
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - Head Tube |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - Top Tube |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - Down Tube |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - Seat Lug |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - Tube Decal |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - College Bike License |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - Seat Tube |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - Bottom Bracket |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - Bottom Bracket |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - Bottom Bracket |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - Seat Stays |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - Chain Stays |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - Chain Stays |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - Drop Outs |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - Fork |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - Fork Crown |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - Fork Crown |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - Fork Blade |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - Fork Drop Outs |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - Fork Blades |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Before - Fork Crown |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Fender - Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Fender - Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Fender - Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Fender - Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Fender - Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Fender - Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Fender - Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Fender - Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Fender - Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Fender - Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Fender - Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Fender - Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Fender - Before |
It took a good deal of cleaning, actually a ton of elbow grease. A lot of the dirt and grime had to be carefully chipped away. With the frame clean though I was able to start working through the polishing grits. I started with a pretty course grit but went very lightly. I then worked through them all. I am thrilled with the results!! It started slow but as i progressed through the grits and wiped the frame clean the beauty started to show. I think the frame looks amazing, it shines in many places but still keeps some of the patina and the original character. I love it. The fenders even turned out great with some rough spots, but those rough spots are not badly rusted which makes a world of difference! Man this is a cool frame!!
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Head Tube |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Head Tube |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Head Tube |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Head Tubes |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Top Tube |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Down Tube |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Seat Lug - Love those ovals!! |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Tube Decal |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Tube Decal |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Seat Tube |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Bottom Bracket I think this is beautiful!! |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Bottom Bracket |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Bottom Bracket |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Seat Lug |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Seat Stays |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Chain Stays |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Drop Outs |
The fork turned out great! The fork crown isn't as shiny chrome as it was originally but I think it still looks good!
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Fork |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Fork Crown |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Fork Crown |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Fork Blades |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Fork Blades |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Fork Blades |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Frame Polished - Fork Blades |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Fender Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Fender Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Fender Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Fender Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Fender Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Fender Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Fender Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Fender Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Fender Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Fender Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Fender Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Fender Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Fender Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Polished |
Check back for more. Currently component pieces are soaking to remove hard grime, soon the restoration of the components will start!
I started the components with the headset and bottom bracket. The headset was very interesting with the bearing sleeve like pieces it has. The headset and bottom bracket looked rough to start but after some time in the crock pot for cleaning and then polishing on the polishing wheels the headset and bottom bracket look great! With new bearings both the headset and bottom bracket spin great too!
Next is the handlebars and stem. In the photos below you can see the brake levers and shift lever along with the handlebar grips. The brake levers, shift lever and grips are still soaking but the stem and handlebars are ready to be installed. The handlebars and stem look a little rough but they polished beautifully! They are not perfect but perfect is not the goal here. I love how they look installed!
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bottom Bracket & Headset Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bottom Bracket & Headset Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Pressing Headset Cups |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Headset Bearings Packed |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Headset Complete |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Headset Complete |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Headset Complete |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bottom Bracket Bearings Packed |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Bottom Bracket Complete |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Headset & Bottom Bracket Complete |
Next is the handlebars and stem. In the photos below you can see the brake levers and shift lever along with the handlebar grips. The brake levers, shift lever and grips are still soaking but the stem and handlebars are ready to be installed. The handlebars and stem look a little rough but they polished beautifully! They are not perfect but perfect is not the goal here. I love how they look installed!
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Stem & Handlebars Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Stem Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Brake Lever & Grip Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Brake Lever Grip & Shift Lever Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed RestorationBrake Lever & Grip Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Handlebars & Stem Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Handlebars Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Stem Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Stem Exploded |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Handlebars & Stem Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Handlebars Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Stem Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Stem Complete |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Stem & Handlebars Installed |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Stem & Handlebars Installed |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Stem & Handlebars Installed |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Stem & Handlebars Installed |
The saddle is very far past usable. For now I polished the seat post and seat binder bolt. Both polished beautifully!
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Saddle & Seat Post Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Seat Post Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Seat post Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Seat Post Installed |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Seat Post Installed |
The wheels where rough. There was some rust in places inside the hubs and overall the mechanicals where caked in dry dirt and grease. I also had to cut the tires off. What is nice about all that caked on dirt in grease is it actually protects the chrome and metal. I gave everything a deep cleaning. At times I was carefully chipping of the old dirt. With everything cleaned I gave the hubs and rims a good hand polishing. The hubs and rims turned out very nice.
Some of the rear three speed hub pieces where rusty. I removed the rust and lubricated all the pieces. After overhauled the rear hub works very nice and looks great.
The rims have some scratching but over all they came back a long ways. Overall I am thrilled with the results of the wheels. The wheels have been somewhat trued. They still need more truing but right now some of the spokes are still frozen up a little. I have them soaking in penetrating oil and after sometime I will continue to true the wheels. New tires will be installed alter after everything is trued.
More to come, check back!
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Wheel Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Wheel Hub Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Wheel Rim Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Wheel Hub Old Grease |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Wheel Hub Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Wheel Rim Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Wheel Bearings Packed |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Wheel Hub Complete |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Wheel Complete |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Wheel Installed |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Wheel Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Three Speed Hub Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Three Speed Hub Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Wheel Rim Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Wheel Hub Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Wheel Hub Polished |
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| Rear Wheel Pieces Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Wheel Pieces After |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Wheel Hub Complete |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Wheel Hub Complete |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Wheel Rim Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Wheel Complete |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Wheel Installed |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Wheel Rim |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Wheels Installed |
After a lot of work trying to get the spokes to break free and braking about 6 it was decided that it would be safest to replace all the spokes and install new alloy rims. I think this is a great upgrade for the the Hercules. The wheels will be much safer, they will be dead strait, there will be some weight savings, the ride will be great and they will look great with the polished alloy.
I laced the new rims in and installed the new tires and tubes. The wheels look amazing!! I could not be happier and I can't wait to ride it!! I really like the way the basic Kenda tires sit on these rims.
I laced the new rims in and installed the new tires and tubes. The wheels look amazing!! I could not be happier and I can't wait to ride it!! I really like the way the basic Kenda tires sit on these rims.
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Wheel New Rims Laced |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration New Kenda Tires |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Wheel Complete |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Wheel Complete - That hub needs some finger print removal! |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Wheel Rim Complete |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Wheel Laced |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Wheel Complete |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Wheel Complete |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Front Wheel Rim Complete |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Wheels Complete |
I don't have the photo moved to my computer yet but the wheels look even better with the fenders installed!
From here its a little all around on what I am working on on the Hercules. First is replacement brake calipers. I took these from the collection and have already been restored. The original calipers required the pear ended brake cables, something that is really hard to find if at all. I am replacing them with Raleigh Brake calipers from my collection. I have to take a photo of them installed, they look great!
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration - Replacement Brake Calipers |
The crank is a little rough to start. I cleaned it and worked through a lot of polish by hand. The crank is not perfect but I think it looks great considering where it started. It looks even better installed! I installed new crank cotter pins also. Does it get better then a crank with Hercules spelled in it??
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Crank Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration - Crank Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration New Crank Cotters |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Crank Installed |
When I installed the brake calipers I put the fenders in place. I am still working on the fender struts but for now the fenders look fantastic installed with those new rims! I also have new nuts and bolts for the fenders.
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration - Fenders & Crank Installed |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Brake Levers Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Brake Levers Exploded |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Brake LEvers Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Brake Levers Complete |
I am also very happy with how the shift lever turned out. It was very gritty and stiff. I cleaned and flushed it and then lubricated it. It shifts smooth now and much easier. I worked very carefully on the polishing wheels to protect the graphics. I am thrilled at how the shift lever polished and turned out.
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Shift Lever Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Shift Lever Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Shift Lever Installed |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Shift & Brake Levers Installed |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Shift & Brake Levers Installed |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Brake Levers 7 Shift Lever Installed |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration New Seat |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration New Seat Installed |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration New Seat Installed |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Cable Guides Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Cable Guide Installed |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Chain Guard Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Chain Guard Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Chain Guard Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Chain Guard Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Chain Guard Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Chain Guard Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Chain Guard Polished |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Fenders Complete |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Fenders Complete |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Rear Fender Complete |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration New Fender Hardware |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Handlebar Grips Before |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Handlebar Grips After |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Handlebar Grips Installed |
Next I installed the shift cable guides. Makes a big difference when they are polished nicely!
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Shift Cable Guide Installed |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Shift Cable Guide Installed |
I was stuck between two colors of cable housings. The dark gray is usually nice but it seemed to kind of muddy things up a bit. So I went with the light silver metallic with the breaded look. I think it was a good choice.
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Cable Housing Choices |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Light Silver Metallic |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Cables Complete |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Cables Complete |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Old Chain |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration New Chain - No Tension yet |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration New Chain No Tension Yet |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Almost Complete |
I am just waiting on pedals to show up because I could not save the originals and it will be ready to tune and go home.
The pedals arrived, they are basic pedals like the style from that era that spin nicely.
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration New Pedals |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration New Pedals Installed |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete |
The Hercules took about a week to work out all the little gremlins. The shifting need adjusting and the rear wheel hub also need adjusting. The fenders took a lot of straitening on the rod but now are very good, lot of clearance. The worst was the chain guard. The chain guard has such tight tolerances that it took a lot of fine tuning to fit correctly on the road. The road is always different then stand tuned. Everything twists and shift when power is applied to the pedals.
Once I got everything working right the ride is amazing. The Hercules has a very long wheel base with a lot of rake on the front fork which makes for a very straight and easy riding bike. Not the best on corners but that is a trade off for the Cadillac like ride, now twitch at all! I think the wheel rebuild makes a huge difference in the feel of the Hercules.
I really like how the Hercules looks, it has all the years of patina on it but looks amazing polished up and rust removed. The paint is one of my favorites ever, it look so good even with all the wear and tear. Only time can make it look so good. The chrome is shining, the alloy rims look great with the new tires. The saddle fits the look very well and the polished cable guides and new fender hardware makes all the difference. I love it!
Thank you!
John Z.
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete - Handlebars |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete - Stem |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete - Head Tube |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete - Front Brake |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete - Front Fender |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete - Front Wheel Hub |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete - Front Wheel Rim |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete - Handlebars |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete - 3 Speed Shit Lever |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete - Head Tube |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete - Top Tube Brackets |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete - Down Tube |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete - Seat |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete - Seat Lug Area |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete - Bottom Bracket |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete - Drive Train |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete - Crank |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete - Rear Brake Caliper |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete - Rear Wheel Hub |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete - Rear Wheel Hub |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete - Rear Fender |
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| Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration Hercules Complete |
John Z.
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