A couple of dumpster finds

[rkbonds]

I found these 2 bikes yesterday in a dumpster close to my house and just couldn't pass them up. One is an old Huffy with chrome fenders and the other is an old Raleigh with generator style lights. Both are in need of repair and one of them is going to get restored and motorized. What's your thoughts and how can you tell an age on them? And yes, I know I've been gone for a while but, I've been real busy with work and enjoying my other motorized bike.

 

[Happy Valley]

The old Raleigh's had lug frames and I see yours does too. Usually made for a strong frame,
just make sure they're not badly rusted from the inside out. A little rust is not a problem and when you strip them down for rebuild it's good to use a rust inhibitor in the inside of the frame tubes. These are sold commercially but expensive, I use mineral spirits/30 wt motor oil 5:1 in a spray bottle.

 

[Hawaii_Ed]

Good find!

 

[graucho]

My fave was the second to the last shot. That chain looked like something dug up from a "chain coffin's" grave site. Buried for a few years. Good find. Try to bring some part of these back to life.

 

[rkbonds]

I've gotten the Raleigh almost completely sanded down to bare metal still have some more work on the lower bars and crank housing. All the metal looks good so far I just wish I had access to a sandblaster. Still have not been able to figure out how old it is and the only numbers I have found don't tell me anything according to what I can find on the net. The numbers are 241089 These are located where the rear wheel bolts on but, they are the only ones I have found so far maybe with a little more sanding I'll find some that mean something.

 

[Member 5549]

you can find someone with a sand blaster, like i did it doesnt cost much.
had some rought iron chairs blasted...

 

[rkbonds]

Here is an updated photo of the Raleigh getting close to being road ready. Then on to getting the motor ready to go on. I am ordering new rims and spokes for the older hubs because the hub size is perfect for my sprocket to mount directly to.

 

[graucho]

WOW rkbonds what a little TLC will do for a dead bike. Great job man. I just had to get a comparison from before and after.
Sorry for hijacking your photo but im showing it to everyone. Looks like the ultimate frame for a motor.
.
.

 

[rkbonds]

Thanks and no problem hijack all day I don't know how to post side by side pics so it's all good. I'm hoping to have it rideable by the end of the week. Getting it motorized is going to take a little longer. I ended up combining the 2 bikes to get the look that I was wanting.

 

[Happy Valley]

Nice job. I can appreciate the hours that go into bringing them back. I've done a few myself. So, what are your plans for motorizing when you get to it?