Restoration Projects

My next restoration project is a 1978 Carlton Grand Prix. Some of you will know that Carlton bikes were made in Worksop in Nottinghamshire, and were bought by the world famous Raleigh bike company.

This bike belongs to an old school friend of mine who I’d not seen for over 35 years! He contacted me after seeing what I’d done with the Gazelle and asked if I could restore this bike that he’d had since he was 12 years old. Unfortunately it’s spent over 30 years in a damp garage so is in desperate need of some TLC! He wants it restored so that he can pass it on to his grandkids – so no pressure to get it restored to mint condition then!

Here are the first lot of images that I’ve taken of the strip down that I’ve done so far. I’ll post regular updates as the project progresses.

Update March 2021

After a lot of hard work, and many hours spent at the polishing wheels, the bike is finished and has been restored to its former glory. All the parts are the original ones except for the rear rim which was badly rusted and pitted and couldn’t be salvaged, so a new chromed steel rim was sourced. The spokes and nipples were also replaced, as were the tyres and inner tubes.

The company that did the re-spray – Colour-Tech Custom Sprays in Kent – did a fantastic job of not only the re-spray, but also sourcing the replacement decals. The ‘Grand Prix’ decals had to be made bespoke as they are not available on the after-sales market. Thanks to David for all his help with this part of the project.

I’ve included one photo above, but will add more shortly as I plan to photograph the bike in detail before it goes back to its owner.

Update 25th October 2020

After a bit of a delay, the frame has now gone off to the re-sprayers for them to work their magic on it. I had originally chosen a company in West Yorkshire to do the work, however when I got in touch with them to discuss what needed doing I was told that they weren’t doing re-sprays due to the Covid-19 pandemic?? I then had to find another company that I was happy would do as good a job. I was recommended a company called Colour-Tech Custom Sprays in Kent who specialise in bike re-sprays. They will also source and attach new decals for me.

I have also started the very mucky process of polishing all the components that have been stripped off the bike. This is going really well so far, and I’m really pleased with how they are polishing up. I’ve posted an image below for you to see.

Update 4th October 2020

Following the strip down of the bike and some initial cleaning of the frame, it is unfortunately not going to be possible to restore the original paintwork to its former glory. There is simply too much rust to remove to get it looking anything like mint condition. The owner & I have therefore decided to have the frame sand-blasted and re-sprayed. The company that I have chosen to do this will also attach new decals and re-chrome parts of the bike where the chrome has deteriorated significantly.

My next job whilst the frame is away, is to strip down the wheels, refurbish the hubs with new bearings & grease and polish up, and then re-build with new spokes. I’m hoping the rims can be re-polished to a good condition. I also have the same work to do on the brakes, cranks, derailleurs and chainset! Better get cracking then.