The original parts that were refitted were the stem, handlebars, bottom bracket cups and spindle, upper headset …and the lamp bracket. All the rest were sourced from local, on-line and ebay stores; some found in used, some in new and some in NOS condition.

Several problems had to be resolved along the way mostly due to uncommon sizes and lack of standardization (e.g. 110mm rear hub, 90mm front hub, 26tpi headset, 72mm long bb). Fortunately, the web is an endless resource.

When this project started, I was not exactly sure what the outcome would be.

Meet Ralph.

Disassembling was straightforward (for the most part). Big exceptions were the seatpost, the cranks and the drive-side bottom bracket cup.

I finally managed to save the cup, but had to sacrifice the seatpost and cranks. It took days, substantial amount of WD-40 and several tricks. The bike is now ready for color stripping and sanding.

This was my dad’s 1973 Raleigh. Not any special or high-end model, but of very special sentimental value.

I recently decided to (try to) rebuild it. I am going to pay for leaving it outside to be beaten by the elements for the last 8 years. This is the “before” state.