SWB0 GRRR.... Gonna Remain Righteously Ratty

[sdframe]

I wasn't going to enter this build-off, but two days ago I found a $20 skinny wheel "English Racer" in need of some love. I like the faded metallic red patina, the curved top tube and the brass(?) head badge.
Will try to retain the SA three-speed coaster brake setup if it works, or switch to a freewheel single speed setup. I have a perfect ratty leather saddle for it in storage, and a cool Nitto neck that'll fit. I may clear coat the existing finish with Effex. It WILL remain ratty.
Here it is, as bought.

 

[Wildcat]

It has a nice even patina. The rims aren't rusty and it has a Sturmey Archer 3 speed w coaster brake. It probably just needs new tubes and 26 x 1 3/8ths tires.

I had one of those with the curved top tube on my last ship while in the Navy. It was a 69 Hercules. The hub has the date on it in 2 digits. Yours is one of those branded Raleigh made bikes from the 60's or 70's. I can't tell what brand from the seat tube decal.

Mine was stripped down and I rode it all over Gitmo while we housed Haitians in the well deck of our ship for a month in 1992. The red paint was shining like new and all the chrome was excellent. I had to fly home on emergency leave and the bike was either left in Cuba or thrown overboard. Nobody knew nothin'!

 

[OddJob]

RaT oN~!

 

[sdframe]

The seat tube says Ross, but the head but the head badge and down tube say Armstrong.

 

[Captain Awesome]

The seat tube says Ross, but the head but the head badge and down tube say Armstrong.
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Ross Armstrong…

Good guy. Play pickleball with him on the weekends

 

[sdframe]

It has a nice stance as bought.

 

[sdframe]

Ross Armstrong…

Good guy. Play pickleball with him on the weekends

I hope he doesn't cheat.

 

[Wildcat]

I found a 64.

 

[sdframe]

I messed around with the rusted SA hub, and couldn't get it working. I think I'll go with my single-speed freewheel wheelset. The other parts that need to go are the fenders, bars, stem, grips, well-worn pedals, saddle and its short post.
Hasta la vista, nasty old parts!

 

[sdframe]

I found a 64.
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So THAT'S what it's supposed to look like!

 

[ingola]

Check the threading that looks like a Raleigh frame

 

[Just_Greg_59]

NICE !!!!! I had an Armstrong 3 speed ages ago, lots of fun just to blast around on. Just the pure enjoyment of riding a bike.

 

[sdframe]

I began a complete disassembly and things went well UNTIL I tried to remove the crank set. It's cottered, and I could not hammer those dang pins out! Rather than risk damage, I decided not to service the bottom bracket. Additionally, it would not spin. It felt as though it was encrusted in gunk Turning it manually, it started to give a little, and began to loosen up! Then I did something I've never don before; I actually sprayed some WD-40 into the bottom bracket. It worked! I can't imagine what it looks like in there, but check it out:

 

[sdframe]

I'm gonna call the bottom bracket "good enough" for now. We'll see what the future brings.

So here's what the stripped down frame looks like:

I'll use oxalic acid on the chrome parts. I thought I'd use Effex on the old paint. I've done it before on old patina, and was quite happy with the result. However, I'm trying to do this build only with parts and supplies I have on hand. Guess what? I have boiled linseed oil on hand, so that's what it's gettin'.