My latest project has been this classic British 3 speed ladies roadster; it’s now finished and the restoration brought me great satisfaction! Matthew contacted me and supplied the Raleigh a few weeks ago; it belongs to his girlfriend but originally was owned and ridden by her grandmother. His idea was to have it restored in secret as her birthday present – smooth :)
The Wayfarer’s clearly had a lot of use (see bottom of page) but, given its provenance, I wanted to keep it as original as possible – so the only new parts are the Raleigh Record tyres & inner tubes, the brake cables and a shiny new chain to replace the worn-out original. It’s been completely stripped, cleaned, lubricated and polished – a true oily rag restoration that keeps all the original 40 year old patina while transforming it into a fully functional machine that’s clean as a whistle. I hope it brings great happiness to its owner!
Here’s how Grandma’s beloved Wayfarer looked a few weeks ago, complete with rust and cobwebs:
Great job! Matts a friend of mine and were all very impressed with the results. Good work
Thanks Frosty – really happy with it myself too! :)
Thank you so much for all your hard work; I absolutely love it. I’m very, very lucky it’s a really special present. I promise to look after it!
Was a pleasure to work on the bike, I’m really happy you’re pleased with it! :) Alex
Hi,
My wife has a wayfarer like this and used regularly since her Father bought it for her in 1972.
I is in good condition for it age.I intend to restore it to its former glory but I am having trouble finding a paint code / Humbrol touch up colour
I wondered if you are able to shed any light on the subject.
Kind regards
Steve Escott
Thanks for your comment, I think it might be best to take the bike to car paint place who could perhaps match it. Humbrol unlikely
Many thanks for your swift and helpful reply.
I shall give it a go.
Cheers
Steve
I got a bike like that in my shed. In need of restoration. What will be the going rate before and after restoration, please
I have emailed you, thanks