1973 Raleigh Chopper Mk2 (Infra Red) Resto.

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So, here's another restoration in the work, found locally (Canada, Qc) about a year ago for a hundred CAD, the restoration actually started on the 28th of last February but was abrubtly interrupted when I found 3 CCM Spoilers, one after the other during most of last year...

Anyway, this Chopper is a three-speed Sturmey Archer stamped 73-02 (1973-February). Frame number is: 1895039 (late 1972-early 1973). Considering it was found locally, it is most probably a North American Chopper.

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On further look:

Here's some close-up pictures of the frame, shows a rather mild sunburn & the usual scratches:
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A close look at the badge (And new rivets), a bit faded but still good:
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Individual parts:

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-Brake Set & cables: Rear caliper was protected by a layer of mud, front had light surface rust. Cables were in excellent conditions.
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-Front & rear mudguards: Rusty & pitted, the usual.
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-Crank & pedals: Swaped the pedals from a RSW III of mine that was in better condition.
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Shifter & shifter console:
Console Sticker was gone but a brand new one has already been aquired. The 123 window has been replaced (Not shown).
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-Seat: No rips, cardboard underneath is till intact, the strap yellowed a bit though.
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-Sissy bar: Scratches & surface rust.
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Fixed handlebar (can't be adjusted): Overall good original chrome. Light scratchs at some places.
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Brake levers & grips: Got another set of black cover since there was one missing from the bike initially.
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-Front & rear wheel: Heavily pitted on the sides.
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-Tire(s): Original rear tire (front missing) has been throught heck, replaced with repop Mk3 Redlines.
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What's been done:

Wheels have been re-chromed/re-laced:
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Mudguards have been re-chromed aswell:
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A rack & set of springs/cups was bought since it was missing from the bike:
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A new headlight was also bought, one that will actually use the Heron lamp bracket:
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Stickers & decals were bought (will take some picture of the rest later):
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Frame was sandblasted:
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Expect to see more within the next week since I plan on finishing it on the 28th, the day it initially started! :bigboss:
 
Last edited:
coming along nicely,wish I still had mine from when I was a young 11-12y/o,in england my was black,had the prismatic exhuast/flame sticker on the chainguard,i kept it mint,and I cant even remember what happened to it,aparently the black ones are rare,but not an expert on that,I will be watching
 
love the bike I have decided I am in love with these mk choppers and it looks like you are doing a fantastic job keeping the parts og
keep us informed looks like you are on the right track
love the paint it looks to be correct and fantastic job
Sean
 
I had a similar bike as a kid, probably a 68, or 69 model, but mine was a 5 speed, with a brake lever next to the shifter, it had some crazy looking bars on it as well, I've never seen another one, but I want to think it was called a mongoose?...
 
I had one from Sears, that my dad took back, because it never shifted correctly, and pretty sure what I ended up with, was a Murray Eliminator...
 

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