Thursday, April 21, 2016

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration - Very Cool 3 Speed!

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!!

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Handlebars

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Stem

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Head Tube

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Front Brake

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Front Fender Cap

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Head Tube 

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Front Fender

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Front Wheel Hub

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Front Wheel Rim

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Handlebar Grip

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Handlebar Grip

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - 3 Speed Shifter

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Stem

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Front Wheel Hub

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Top Tube

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Down Tube

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Wayne's Name - So Cool!!

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Saddle - Will be replaced.

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Seat Lug

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Tube Decal

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - College Bike License 

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Chain Guard & Crank

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Crank

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Pedal

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Chain Guard

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Seat Tube

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Bottom Bracket

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Seat Lug

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Rear Brake Caliper

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Rear Fender

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Rear Wheel Hub

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bicycle Before - Rear Wheel Hub

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!!

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - Head Tube

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - Head Tube

I love those lugs with the oval cut in!!

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - Head Tube

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - Top Tube

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - Down Tube

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - Seat Lug

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - Tube Decal

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - College Bike License

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - Seat Tube

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - Bottom Bracket

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - Bottom Bracket

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - Bottom Bracket

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - Seat Stays

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - Chain Stays

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - Chain Stays

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - Drop Outs

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - Fork

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - Fork Crown

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - Fork Crown

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - Fork Blade

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - Fork Drop Outs

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - Fork Blades

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Before - Fork Crown

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Fender - Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Fender - Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Fender - Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Fender - Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Fender - Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Fender - Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Fender - Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Fender - Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Fender - Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Fender - Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Fender - Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Fender - Before

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!!

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Head Tube

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Head Tube

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Head Tube

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Head Tubes

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Top Tube

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Down Tube

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Seat Lug - Love those ovals!!

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Tube Decal

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Tube Decal

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Seat Tube

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Bottom Bracket
I think this is beautiful!!

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Bottom Bracket

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Bottom Bracket

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Seat Lug

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Seat Stays

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Chain Stays

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!

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Fork

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Fork Crown

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Fork Crown

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Fork Blades

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Fork Blades

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Fork Blades

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Frame Polished - Fork Blades

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Fender Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Fender Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Fender Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Fender Polished
Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Fender Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Fender Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Fender Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Fender Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Fender Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Fender Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Fender Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Fender Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Fender Polished

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!

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bottom Bracket & Headset Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bottom Bracket & Headset Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Pressing Headset Cups

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Headset Bearings Packed

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Headset Complete

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Headset Complete

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Headset Complete

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bottom Bracket Bearings Packed

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Bottom Bracket Complete

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!

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Stem & Handlebars Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Stem Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Brake Lever & Grip Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Brake Lever Grip & Shift Lever Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed RestorationBrake Lever & Grip Before 
Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Handlebars & Stem Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Handlebars Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Stem Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Stem Exploded

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Handlebars & Stem Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Handlebars Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Stem Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Stem Complete

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Stem & Handlebars Installed

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Stem & Handlebars Installed

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Stem & Handlebars Installed

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!

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Saddle & Seat Post Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Seat Post Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Seat post Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Seat Post Installed

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Seat Post Installed
All along I have been working on the wheels, it is time to show that process and see the wheels 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.

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Wheel Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Wheel Hub Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Wheel Rim Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Wheel Hub Old Grease

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Wheel Hub Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Wheel Rim Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Wheel Bearings Packed

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Wheel Hub Complete

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Wheel Complete

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Wheel Installed

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Wheel Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Three Speed Hub Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Three Speed Hub Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Wheel Rim Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub Polished

Rear Wheel Pieces Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Wheel Pieces After

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub Complete

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub Complete

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Wheel Rim Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Wheel 
Complete

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Wheel Installed

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Wheel Rim

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Wheels Installed
More to come, check back!

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.

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Wheel New Rims Laced

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
New Kenda Tires

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Wheel Complete

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Wheel Complete - That hub needs some finger print removal!

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Wheel Rim Complete

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Wheel Laced

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Wheel Complete

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Wheel Complete

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Front Wheel Rim Complete

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!

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??


Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Crank Before
Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration - Crank Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
New Crank Cotters

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.
Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration - Fenders & Crank
Installed
Brake levers are next.  The brake levers where very rough, I actually soaked them in my rust removing concoction for many weeks.  Sometime on the polishing wheels and they turned out fantastic!  I couldn't be happier with the results.  I love the little curve the levers have in them.

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Brake Levers Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Brake Levers Exploded

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Brake LEvers Polished

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.

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Shift Lever Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Shift Lever Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Shift Lever Installed

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Shift & Brake Levers Installed

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Shift & Brake Levers Installed

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Brake Levers 7 Shift Lever Installed
 Next I installed the new seat.  I like this seat for city bikes.  It is a good value.  It looks good but I wish it didn't have white lettering. It is also very comfortable and is slightly wider for upright riding but not to wide.  I think it looks very good installed.  I did have to go into the collection for a saddle collar, the original one was made for a double rail saddle of the past.

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
New Seat

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
New Seat Installed

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
New Seat Installed
 The cable guides polished beautifully.  They really make for a complete restoration.

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Cable Guides Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Cable Guide Installed
I polished the chain guard.  It is pretty rough, but I worked some of the miss shape out with my nylon hammers.  I think it straightened pretty good and polished very nice considering how it started.  I have some new nuts and bolts to install in, that will be near the end.

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Chain Guard Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Chain Guard Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Chain Guard Before
Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Chain Guard Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Chain Guard Polished

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Chain Guard Polished
 I have since removed that white paint at the rear of the chain guard.

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Chain Guard Polished
The fenders took a little while to get right, they took a lot of bending and work with the nylon hammer.  The same for the fender struts.  I replaced all the hardware or nuts and bolts for the fenders because over the years all the hardware turned into a mix match of wrong size pieces.  All stainless hardware now and looks great!

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Fenders Complete

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Fenders Complete

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Fender Complete

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
New Fender Hardware
The handlebar grips look rough but with some soaking and a deep cleaning I think they turned out very nice!  Fit the Hercules perfectly!

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Handlebar Grips Before

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Handlebar Grips After

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!

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Shift Cable Guide Installed

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.

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Cable Housing Choices

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Light Silver Metallic

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Cables Complete

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Cables Complete
 The chain spent weeks in an oil bath and would not get any better.  It is to rusted and frozen up.  I repalced the chain with a gold edge one for a little character.  Looks great and feels great.

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Old Chain

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
New Chain - No Tension yet

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
New Chain No Tension Yet
Next I installed the chain guard.  It took a lot of fitting and straightening to get it to fit with out rubbing anywhere.  To do this I very carefully use a nylon hammer and some soft rags and a soft mat and strategically strike the metal.  Eventually I got it to fit very well.  I am pleased with the chain guard.
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.

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
New Pedals

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
New Pedals Installed

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!
Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete - Handlebars

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete - Stem

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete - Head Tube

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete - Front Brake

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete - Front Fender

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete - Front Wheel Hub

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete - Front Wheel Rim

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete - Handlebars

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete - 3 Speed Shit Lever

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete - Head Tube

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete - Top Tube Brackets

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete - Down Tube

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete - Seat

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete - Seat Lug Area

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete - Bottom Bracket

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete - Drive Train

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete - Crank

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete - Rear Brake Caliper

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete - Rear Wheel Hub

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete - Rear Wheel Hub

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete - Rear Fender

Wayne's 1950's Hercules 3 Speed Restoration
Hercules Complete
Thank you!
John Z.