Classic & Vintage - 1930/32 Swift. Help/info needed!

Bought this last night off of ebay, but can find little info about Swift on the internet.
I've searched BF and Old Roads, but find nothing.
Seller called it a 'Swift Cheylesmore' and the age is his estimate.

All I know for sure is that it was made in Coventry, England, and Swift also made cars pre WW2, in the 20s at least. They definitely did not make bicycles after 1939.
Cheylesmore is a suburb of Coventry, and, I presume, where the factory was.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/duktig/SwiftProfile.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/duktig/SwiftChainwheel.jpg

The chain-wheel is the distinctive feature for me.

Apologies for the pics, poor quality ebay stuff, but will post high definition ones when I actually collect it Wednesday.
I'm sure (I bet!) there is someone on BF who can tell me more....

Viscount.

You got to say that the chain-wheel is a cool art deco design, with all the curves, and definitely dates it.
I thought somebody would have told me lots about it by now....
I got faith in BF........

Very interesting stuff, can't believe that no one has chipped in here!

It sounds as if the factory closed up in 1931, so the bike would not be older than that.

http://www.theswiftclub.co.uk/register.html

(they'd like you to register your cycle, too :) )

East Hill

Thank you Lanky Lass!
Can't believe it either.
But I know this is such an interesting machine.
I've got it here now and it looks better than on Ebay.

The saddle (worn) is an Lycettes Aero Elastic.
The wheels are steel, but are painted with a blue and green stripe in the centre (where the brakes don't rub) and are obviously original.
It has excellent mudguards, with original green lining, and front forks which don't have drop-outs, just holes which you have to stretch the forks to fit/remove the wheel.

Will post some good pics tomorrow for all to see.
(Had my grand-kids here today and all was confusion!)

I am absolutely convinced this is my best find to date.
And cannot believe that nobody on BF has any info on this lovely machine.
The chain-wheel is a classic art deco period design.

Not checked your link yet but will do so now.

Many thanks: )

Nice looking roadster. Have you tried http://www.transport-museum.com/ ? I emailed them recently and they were very helpful and past on some great contacts. One being a 75 year old gent in Coventry called Dave Mac - tel (024) 7668 3239. He has been making and repairing Rudge Whitworth bike parts (mainly motorbikes) although he has a few push bikes. I bet you he could tell you a nugget or two about Swift. I'd be interested to see some better pictures of your bike as I have a 1939 Rudge Whitworth. Probably a few similarities. I'm having a mare putting this back on http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=357385
Good luck with it.
Pit Canary

Nice looking roadster. Have you tried http://www.transport-museum.com/ ? I emailed them recently and they were very helpful and past on some great contacts. One being a 75 year old gent in Coventry called Dave Mac - tel (024) 7668 3239. He has been making and repairing Rudge Whitworth bike parts (mainly motorbikes) although he has a few push bikes. I bet you he could tell you a nugget or two about Swift. I'd be interested to see some better pictures of your bike as I have a 1939 Rudge Whitworth. Probably a few similarities. I'm having a mare putting this back on http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=357385
Good luck with it.
Pit Canary

Thanks for the tips Pitcanary!

In fact I have already emailed the Bicycle Curator (Lesley Robertson) at CTM, but she's on holiday right now, so I wait!!
(I met her briefly last year when I was in Coventry and got a tour of their bicycle store!!
Amazing!!)

I've also found the Swift Register (thanks to Easthill : )) and working on that one.
They have around 200 Swift bicycles on it apparently.

Meanwhile I have some better photos now, and having given it a closer look, it is an interesting machine.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/duktig/SwiftProfileR.jpg

Still pretty dirty, but I'm working on it..
It was used often by the previous owner who used to take it in his camper on holidays!

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/duktig/SwiftLycetts2.jpg

The saddle is in need of recovering, but really comfortable.

Swift also made their own free-wheels by the look of this:

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/duktig/SwiftRearHubSwift.jpg

Can't do much for your problem though, because on the Swift the rod that comes down to the rear brake is a pretty crude arrangement, whereby the rod is simply bent around the BB!!
May be it isn't original, or a part could be missing.

The rear wheel is shod with a "Camel Cycle Tire".
American spelling, so I'm wondering if it is an old USA product.

Got plenty more pictures if anybody wants to see them!

Thanks for the Dave Mac contact. I will pursue that one.
And I for one would be interested to see some more pics of your machine too!

Looks in pretty good nick, and a great piece of history. I've really got into the pre war roadsters, especially when you think how many got destroyed for the war effort. The Swift freewheel is class. I'd like to see a photo of the headbadge. I'll post some pics of mine when it is done. Hopefully not to long. I've had the rear hub serviced, I've repainted the frame and forks as it had been done already, and pretty badly. I'm waiting on the bb axle to be repaired. I can't wait to get out on it.

Can't say much on your bike but Swift dates back to at least 1891.Built by Coventry Machinists Co.,Cheylesmore Works,Coventry.M.A.Holbein road 361 miles 1446 yards in 24 hours at herne track in 1891 on a Swift to set a new record.
So just jump on your Swift and ride it 362 miles in 24 hours and beat his distance....I pushed 25 miles today and I'm dying!!!

Does the tyre look as if it could be original? Apparently Camel Bicycle Tires are still being made:

http://www.huskybicycles.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=403-540&Category_Code=tire&Store_Code=hbs


Got plenty more pictures if anybody wants to see them!

Absolutely!

East Hill

Can't say much on your bike but Swift dates back to at least 1891.Built by Coventry Machinists Co.,Cheylesmore Works,Coventry.M.A.Holbein road 361 miles 1446 yards in 24 hours at herne track in 1891 on a Swift to set a new record.
So just jump on your Swift and ride it 362 miles in 24 hours and beat his distance....I pushed 25 miles today and I'm dying!!!

Thanks! I thought/assumed that the machine was made in Coventry but the seat-tube decal says "Swift....Birmingham."

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/duktig/SwiftSeatTubeDecal2.jpg

Poor decal and not a brilliant photo!
I think they got taken over by another company at some point and may have had a factory in Birmingham.
Seems odd though, that it should be called the Swift Cheylesmore if it was actually made in Birmingham.
There is another (poorer) decal on the down-tube so I'm certain of the name and model.

Not sure I want to attempt the distance/endurance record just yet, because I had the rear wheel off to clean and check this morning and the free-wheel is a little 'gritty,' so I want to fix that before using it.
Even then I'm not too sure, because I'm 1946 vintage myself!!

Thanks Easthill.
When I read yours this morning and saw the Camel link I got to work and cleaned the rear wheel/hub/etc.
Underneath the dirt I found "Made in Thailand" on the Camel, and it even had a narrow reflective stripe!!!
Well, it's good to start the day with a laugh!?

But anyway, here's a couple more detail pics:

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/duktig/DSCN2305.jpg

The nuts are missing off of the chain tensioners...
The lidded hub oiler is a nice detail, but I cannot make out the markings on the hub yet.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/duktig/DSCN2307.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/duktig/SwiftSerialNo2.jpg

The paint on the rims is a very nice touch, and most survives.
(Shame my focus is on the carpet rather than the rim!!
Got a good camera, but the operator needs help!)
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/duktig/SwiftWheelPaint.jpg

The frame paint is not so good and poses a dilemma.
How to deal with it?

Seems sensible to preserve what remains, but where it is missing it needs treating in some way to prevent rusting that doesn't detract overall.

Looks in pretty good nick, and a great piece of history. I've really got into the pre war roadsters, especially when you think how many got destroyed for the war effort. The Swift freewheel is class. I'd like to see a photo of the headbadge. I'll post some pics of mine when it is done. Hopefully not to long. I've had the rear hub serviced, I've repainted the frame and forks as it had been done already, and pretty badly. I'm waiting on the bb axle to be repaired. I can't wait to get out on it.

The machine has no head-badge, just decals (Head, seat, down-tube + rear mudguard) and most are poor after 75 years or so!
But here's the head-tube remains:

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/duktig/DSCN2300.jpg

My interest in yours stems from my previously oldest rescue, which was a ladys 1947 Rudge Sports Superbe.
Lovely machine from the immediate post-war austerity period, even though it was in the Raleigh stable by then.
Always been on the lookout for a pre war example since!
You want to see it?
It's on BF elsewhere but can't see any reason I shouldn't repeat it in a different view here...

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/duktig/1947%20Rudge%20Superbe%20Sports%20Tourist/RudgeLatest006LR.jpg

Got lots more pics of it if you want to see them.

You from Cov I presume?
I ran the Coventry Cycle Centre (Stoney Stanton Road, by the canal bridge) for a while last year and came across numerous local machines in the process. Pollard, OBrien etc.
But never a Swift!

Viscount, at least you know now that you can get replacement tyres for your machine ;) !

I can make out 'Abingdon' on the hub, but 'workolid A'?

This has turned into a most interesting thread!

East Hill

Viscount, at least you know now that you can get replacement tyres for your machine ;) !

I can make out 'Abingdon' on the hub, but 'workolid A'?

This has turned into a most interesting thread!

East Hill

That's what my (poorish) eyes tell me too.
Wormolid was my first thought!

Abingdon is Oxford and Morris, isn't it?
Certainly car/engine production and engineering generally in that period.

Had a response from the bicycle curator at Coventry Transport Museum this morning requesting pictures, so I expect some illumination shortly.

She thinks the dates (30/32) are "worrying" so I'm hoping that it's earlier.
(Earlier the better as far as I'm concerned!)

Might well be earlier since the sellers guess is wrong/vague, in that he didn't know production stopped in 31, according another informant.

And, I've written to the Swift Bicycle Registrar, who will no doubt have more, useful information.
Could be quite interesting.....

Wormolid occured to me too, but genealogy being what it is, my guess would be 'workolid', because the fourth letter doesn't look enough like an 'm'.

Yes, Abingdon was certainly a thriving center for automobile production at that period, so that would not be a surprise there!

The SB Registrar should have some very interesting information, and I shall look forward to seeing the results of your enquiries.

East Hill

Viscount,
The transfers are lovely, if a little faded. It's a tough choice with the paintwork. I would certainly try and salvage the decals. Mine had already been badly brushed painted before I got to it, with no sign of the original underneath. So I have had to repaint. This is a photo as I got it.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h208/markdhudson/Rudge.jpg
Your 47 Rudge is a beauty. I'd love to see more photos. I have a 38 ladies Raleigh I'm thinking of selling. It's been repainted and the rims are cracked but it's all there. Let me know if you want pics.
I went to the Beamish museum today, where there is a 1906 Rudge Whitworth singlespeed, that is something else.
No I'm not from Coventry, I just got into the Coventry thing through the Rudge, I've read up a lot since. And really, it produced some unrivaled machines in the very early days.
Why are the dates "worrying"?

No I'm not from Coventry, I just got into the Coventry thing through the Rudge, I've read up a lot since. And really, it produced some unrivaled machines in the very early days.
Why are the dates "worrying"?

Hi again!
Your machine is so cool. Put some more pics on here when it's done.
I realised you were not a Coventry guy when I saw your posting this morning.
(with your new signature)
But, so what!!

I've had a mad day communicating with the Coventry Transport Museum.
Sent them loads of pics, and they have never seen anything like mine!
Despite having a Swift tricycle and other machines in their collection.

And all the local knowledge.
Well, it looks very 'interesting!'

When she said "worrying" she meant that it didn't fit into their current knowledge.
So it may be older than I think!! ( It can't be newer, can it?)

If the local Coventry museum doesn't know much about it, it must be a good prospect, and may be rare.
I hope so.

Also I called your friend/contact in Coventry today and had an interesting chat.
He sounded busy as hell, but still had time to discuss Swifts.
He can't be that old!!!
The main point he made was that The Swift Cheylesmore was a top of the line model in its day.

So I wait to see developments...
Looking good though.

I'm going to apply Kurust to the paint-loss areas as a temporary measure.
No way am I going to lose the remnants of the decals, or any of the the original paint.
My plan is to conserve it as best I can in its current condition.
And seek advice later.

Tonight I won a similar period leather Wrights saddle on ebay which will go on the Swift while I sort out the worn original Lycetts.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=330179637211&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=014
It's an ongoing process.

More pics of my smashing 47 Rudge are available here:

http://flickr.com/photos/bikesruz

More available if you want.
(PM me is best.)

It is a public space and you can see several other bicycles of mine if you follow the thread/links.
Got lots of other interesting machines!

Wormolid occured to me too, but genealogy being what it is, my guess would be 'workolid', because the fourth letter doesn't look enough like an 'm'.

Yes, Abingdon was certainly a thriving center for automobile production at that period, so that would not be a surprise there!

The SB Registrar should have some very interesting information, and I shall look forward to seeing the results of your enquiries.

East Hill

Hi Easthill=)
Watch this space then.
Pitcanary gave me a lead, and I have others to follow up.
I will report all here for the public record.
Looks very promising as I write.

I'm still waiting for a response from the Swift registrar, and that may well provide good leads/information.
The curator at the museum also gave me a tantalising contact who has not yet replied to my phone calls.
Will report it all here. (I will call her again as soon as I post this...)

Fascinating stuff, isn't it?
And a pleasure too!

I enjoyed your photo montage of the trip to the Worcestershire Beacon very much! Not to mention looking over the rest of the bicycles in your collection :) .

I shall indeed keep my eyes 'on this space'.

East Hill

I enjoyed your photo montage of the trip to the Worcestershire Beacon very much! Not to mention looking over the rest of the bicycles in your collection :) .

I shall indeed keep my eyes 'on this space'.

East Hill

The trip to the Malverns and the Worcestershire Beacon was one mad escapade.
Two friends of mine took a fancy to my RSWs and I parted with two of them (I converted them, so to say!: ) and we thought 'why not go out on a trip together.'
Three RSWs in convoy must be a rare sight nowadays....
And off we went!!

OK, it wasn't too far away, 6/7miles or so, but it was a severe test of the little machines coming down the hill.
I got a blister off of the rim testing it at the bottom!!!
But all was well, and we got home safely.
Which speaks volumes for RSWs.

Tonight, while writing this, I get a call from the Swift Bicycle Registrar!
He's intrigued too.
Didn't add too much to my collected knowledge, but more will come shortly for sure.
He's going to stop by and have a good look soon.
Gets interestinger and interestinger....

My bicycles on Flickr are a moment in time.
I have a good turnover and not all are still in my possession.
But they are all much loved, even if they don't stay long.

I moved into a tiny flat in June and my bedroom is my bike park nowadays.
Six is too many!!!
So I need to concentrate on essentials.
Sold two on ebay this last weekend, but still got an early 50s Phillips arriving Friday.
Too many bikes, as someone already said.

But it's all good fun.

Now then, look what's just come on fleabay
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VINTAGE-ADVERT-1924-SWIFT-BICYCLE-COVENTRY_W0QQitemZ150177424223QQihZ005QQcategoryZ35QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Now then, look what's just come on fleabay
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VINTAGE-ADVERT-1924-SWIFT-BICYCLE-COVENTRY_W0QQitemZ150177424223QQihZ005QQcategoryZ35QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Now then, me just put a modest bid on it!
Looks so much like mine!
Can't read the print on a download though.

We will see.
Actually I've found other ads/posters, but nothing illuminating yet.

It certainly reads 1924 top left. So you could be in the 20's.
I spoke to Dave Mac today. He's fixed my axle, sourced me two Rudge transfers and is giving me two new cotter pins all for 14 quid. What a gentleman.

The hub, possibly?
http://molcat1.bl.uk/EvanImages/Nof/mid/052/014EVA000000000U05293000.jpg

Abingdon Works Co. of Warwickshire Birmingham.

AHA! Of course! the cap reads "ABINGDON WORKS LTD A"

The hub, possibly?
Abingdon Works Co. of Warwickshire Birmingham.

AHA! Of course! the cap reads "ABINGDON WORKS LTD A"

The walls are tumbling down...

Brilliant find!

East Hill

The hub, possibly?


Abingdon Works Co. of Warwickshire Birmingham.

AHA! Of course! the cap reads "ABINGDON WORKS LTD A"

What a find!
Well done indeed.

I wonder if the whole hub is Abingdon?
Rather than just the oiler.
I have tried to decipher the words on the actual hub and will try again right after this.


The Oxford connection was a total red herring!!

The curator at CTM said she thought the bicycle was probably made at the Ariel (Motor Cycles also) works in Birmingham, so I've been trying my luck with that one.

Pitcanary I have also tried to decipher the text on the ad you found and with a bit of fiddling in Photoshop I can read most of it. The graphic though looks sure to be the same model.
I will definitely try to win it.

I mailed the seller and he has lots of similar stuff and is checking to see if he has more Swift ads.

Thanks all!!

Splendid, let's hope you get some dates soon.
Is there an English 3 speed/roadster picture thread? I had a quick look but there doesn't seem to be anything. If not, do reckon it's worth starting one? It would be good to access them all in one place.

Splendid, let's hope you get some dates soon.
Is there an English 3 speed/roadster picture thread? I had a quick look but there doesn't seem to be anything. If not, do reckon it's worth starting one? It would be good to access them all in one place.

I started a 3/4 speed thread a while back.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=329641

I've not been following everything just lately, for obvious reasons,
but there are plenty of of 3 speed fans on here.
Me included.
Your Rudge will be well interesting.

By the way I'd like to see your Raleigh, but to be honest a ladys might not suit right now.

It's taken me a while to get used to navigating around the site,
but it's definitely worth it sticking with it.
No UK sites come close.
CTC is a joke in my opinion.

I started another thread, just for a bit of fun, but it got locked yesterday!!

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=356227

I fired off loads of pics to the Swift Registrar this morning and he reckons it's a late-ish one,
so I'm just waiting to see what transpires now!!
That ad you found was a gem I reckon!

Just seen your 3/4 speed thread, that'll do me. That Royal Raleigh of you mates is mint. I'm hoping my axle comes in the next couple of days then the Rudge is out for a spin. I'll post some pics up too. Not sure what to do with my ladies Raleigh. I might even break it down and sell the parts. Not something I'd do normally but the rims are finished and the paint is not to hot. Btw, small virtual world, it was my mate who set the RSW flickr group up.

Talking about your Raleigh....

I had a nice clean 1969 Ladys BSA on ebay (pictured elsewhere on BF) for 17 days at £29.99.
No bids.

So I used the wheels for another project, gave some other parts (excellent mudguards/pedals/saddle = £25) to a friend for his old machine.
Listed the chain-wheel on ebay and got £32 for it.
Sold the brakes/levers etc. to the same guy, in Holland, for another £5.
Bars to someone in Germany for £5.
Got another £8 for the basket that came with it (saved the whole from "recycling").

What does that say about the state of the UK bicycle economy?
Sad stuff, but nobody seems to want lady's machines, even for a reasonable price, and it financed my next project.
Still got the frame if anybody wants it.

On the other hand, people who want certain important parts to keep their machines on the road are happy, and other machines are therefore kept on the road.

So you can double your money on ebay easily, even taking into account their excessive fees.
Lessons there.

And in my case it all helps to keep a cool old Swift on the road for a good while yet!

More hard news on that front follows shortly.
Spent a good part of today cleaning up the chrome which now looks pretty good for an 80 year old.
Got new brake pads, properly adjusted.

But I wonder should I try to straighten the wheels?
Slightly out, and I've dosed the threads with WD40. Inside and out.
Old, old spokes and I'm not keen to break any!

AND there is modest play in the BB.
So, do I try to fix it, and potentially create problems with removing cotter pins?
Or leave as is?

Opinions anyone?

Btw, small virtual world, it was my mate who set the RSW flickr group up.
The RSW group is a brilliant thread on Flickr, but how much response does it get?
I saw the Vintage bikes groups pics + I thought to myself WTF is a Vintage Bicycle?
1980s? 1970s?

There are some nice machines admittedly, but they want to see vintage drugstores????
What?
The only place I see proper vintage machines discussed sensibly is on this site.

Here's a thought: What is a vintage bicycle?
How do you define it?

When I was a kid a vintage car was pre 1930.
Veteran was pre 1914 war.
Post vintage thoroughbred (PVT) was 1931 to 1939.
Post war became 'classic' which has a murky dateline ending it.

Now anything bicycle over 5/10 years old is 'vintage' if you look at ebays listings.

I like the definition that Virginia uses for cars. Anything 25 years old or older is considered vintage or antique. The difference is a vintage can be used as a daily driver, and an antique is for show only.

By that definition anything earlier than 1982 is vintage.

I like the definition that Virginia uses for cars. Anything 25 years old or older is considered vintage or antique. The difference is a vintage can be used as a daily driver, and an antique is for show only.

By that definition anything earlier than 1982 is vintage.

OK, I just posted a new thread asking this precise question.
It is an interesting point:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=359048

I would say that vintage means older than a certain date.
Irrespective of usability.
In UK antique means older than 100 years (I think!)

What happens if you have a 100 year old car that you use every day?
That is not an antique?
You leave a 1981 car in your garage most of the time and it is an antique?

I think you need a date cut-off?

Good point on the Raleigh business. I think where you can, it's good to keep a bike in it's original state. But yes as you say, if it's not selling or worth more broken down, so be it. As long as it's for the greater good ie I need some period lights and dynamo for me Rudge this winter. Can't believe yours didn't sell.Well I can. Most people would rather go to Halfords and buy something for £80. Without thinking. BIKE? HALFORDS, BIKE? HALFORDS. (only works speeched slowed down and arms outstretched. Zombie style.)
Don't get me started on the vintage thing, I've seen the thread so I'll not say to much here. It's something I've been thinking myself since I've been on BF. Especially as I'm mostly in the C&V section. And people are saying it doesn't matter. It does when people are listing bikes from 2001 on the premise that it's "a classic." I know it's horses for courses but Christ. It's never been a classsic lad. I'd like to see a separate Vintage section. And vintage is 1973 and prior and that's final.
On the old Swift, my advice would be do it now. If you are planning on riding it, and I presume you are, get any horrors out the way first. At 80 years old it will be worth taking the bb out and greasing the bearings etc. The two biggest repairs on my Rudge were the Sturmey hub which I got fully serviced, and now ticks like a dream and the bb axle needed building up as it had a divot in the metal. I could have restored the bike and left them, but they would have just niggled away at me. Do it for peace of mind if nowt else.

Hi Pitcanary!

Yes, you think as I do.
I'm want to ride it asap.
But also want to know that I won't be making things worse by doing so.

Mailed the previous owner last night and he told me he'd bought it at Prescott (Hill Climb) in the dark, and was pleasantly surprised when he saw it in the morning!!
Says he's done over 1,000 miles on it since.
What more to say?

I meant to ask you if your Rudge had SA gears.
They are so simple when you get the courage to take them apart and look at them.
My 47 one had a brown gunge slowing everything down.
So I dismantled it (hesitantly, I have to say) cleaned it, filed a few bits here and there, put it all back together and it ticked like a clock.
It had a worn clutch, that was all.

The Swift is getting better.
Got the saddle this morning and it is a Wrights Olympic in amazing condition for its age.
According to Browns Catalogue:

http://www.brooksarchives.info/brooks%20/catalogs/brownbrothers/39bb292.html

This is an excellent resource for period saddle info.
This Olympic (W57) is very close to correct period I think.

Now I've just got to work out how to recondition mattress saddles!!

Finally, got a Q about your Craft Shop!

Check your PMs.

Viscount,
Nowt doing in me pm box like.

There is now.
Got distracted;)

What a find!
Well done indeed.

I wonder if the whole hub is Abingdon?
Rather than just the oiler.
I have tried to decipher the words on the actual hub and will try again right after this.

I have now discovered that the hubs are almost certainly Brampton, and, in the post this morning came this:

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/duktig/SwiftAdvert.jpg

Courtesy of Pitcanary and ebay.
The bicycle pictured is the same model as mine, I'm sure!
Only difference I an see is the saddle.
The one above looks to be leather, whereas mine has a Lycetts mattress.
Probably leather was the best for the Indian climate!

Worth every penny that.

I'm giving this thread two thumbs up!

What a great collaborative effort :D .

East Hill

Been doing a little work on the Swift over the last week.
Some results pictured here:

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/duktig/SwiftProfileSaddle.jpg

Found what I believe is a period leather saddle.
A Wrights Olympia, which will replace the believed original Lycetts 'Aero', while it is being reconditioned/repaired. (It has elastic suspension, rather than the more usual coil springs!)
The Wrights saddle is in excellent condition for its age, looks a bit heavy, but very comfortable.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/duktig/SwiftWrightsSadd.jpg

Next job is dealing with the missing paint!!
Be interested to hear others experience/opinions on this.

I'm intending to restore, rather than repaint and lose what is left of the decals.
So I'm advised best method is to derust the paintless areas, (rub back to bare metal) apply Kurust, and then a single coat of black lacquer.
Then polish.
Bit fiddly and time consuming but the winter is ahead!

Seems sensible to preserve the remaining paint and decals,
and where the paint is missing there is only surface rust.
No pitting except a little on the down-tube/cross-bar.

Here is an example on the chain-stays:

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/duktig/SwiftRHubCleaner-1.jpg

Not beyond redemption I think?

Looks a treat and that saddle is just the ticket. Do you know where they sell those little brake lever covers? Could do with some of them on mine. And what did you use to get that hub looking like a gleaming diamond?

what did you use to get that hub looking like a gleaming diamond?

WD 40 and a toothbrush, it was clean underneath!

I see from the advertisement that the doodad on the back of the seat tube is a pump peg--don't suppose that the pump came with your bike? How is that peg attached? It doesn't look as if it is brazed on.

Your paint actually looks quite solid for the most part.

East Hill

About the finish on your bike;

Quite a few of us on the "Gentleman cyclist" group just wipe the frame, fenders etc. down with 90 wt gear lube. Sounds like it would leave the bike "greasy feeling" but you wipe off any excess with a dry rag. Makes the paint shine a bit, keeps rust from spreading or forming and darkens any existing rust. But still everything is "Original, Unrestored"

My 1950 Norman is missing as much paint as your Swift and had more rust, especially on the fenders and rack. It looks pretty respectable now. It's been through a couple of rainy rides without having to refresh the 90 wt.

I'd guess that most, if not all, of the unrestored, pre-1960 bikes on the 3 Speed Tour of Lake Pepin have had this treatment.

About the finish on your bike;

Quite a few of us on the "Gentleman cyclist" group just wipe the frame, fenders etc. down with 90 wt gear lube. Sounds like it would leave the bike "greasy feeling" but you wipe off any excess with a dry rag. Makes the paint shine a bit, keeps rust from spreading or forming and darkens any existing rust. But still everything is "Original, Unrestored"

My 1950 Norman is missing as much paint as your Swift and had more rust, especially on the fenders and rack. It looks pretty respectable now. It's been through a couple of rainy rides without having to refresh the 90 wt.

I'd guess that most, if not all, of the unrestored, pre-1960 bikes on the 3 Speed Tour of Lake Pepin have had this treatment.

I agree 100% with your method.
It does prevent deterioration,
it's just that I would like a more permanent job eventually.
It can be ridden as is, and will be!
I just need the time attend to it.

I did ask a smashing, helpful (Yorkshireman, I presume!) guy who restores pre 30s machines and lists them on ebay, and he told me his methods in detail.
I'm sure he wouldn't mind me repeating it here.
He obviously has vast experience, and is meticulous in his work.

Keidals Method:

"Re your Swift - if it's black, relatively simple, if it's a colour I would consider a repaint up to the decals if they're worth keeping. There's a guy in the NW of UK who does transfers. (Lloyds, I think. Viscount)
This is what I do with reasonable black paint. I dismantle the lot, it's easier. I then "paint" it with White Spirits and dry it straight away with Kitchen paper towel or toilet paper.On all good paint I use "Solvol Autosol" chrome cleaner [a tube from motor shops, Halfords etc.] it gives a superb finish to the paint but don't rub hard enough to remove all the paint ! For all surface rust, I carefully remove with small pieces of Aluminium Oxide paper, it's red and buy the finest grade [same sources] Use very little pressure and fold the paper to get a fine [stiffish] edge to work with. Then coat these areas using a fine brush with "Kurust 15 minute" liquid - 2 coats minimum, preferably 3 - it dries in a few minutes. Then wash these areas with warm water and dry immediately as before. Finally, give all the frame, mudguards etc. a coat of "Auto-Glym Resin Polish", same source - it's expensive and in my opinion the best.
It's time consuming and it's well worth the trouble ! If you repaint, use Jap-Lac enamel straight from the tin [from FOCUS]. I remove all paint and give everything a coat of "Kurust 15 minute", wash it off when dry and wash all with warm water and dry thoroughly. Do not use an undercoat or primer.
Use only the 15 minute Kurust, or "Jenolite" liquid if you can find it ! Try and keep these liquids off your hands, if you do get it on fingers etc. rinse in running cold water using your thumb-nail to scrape the stuff off! Wash your brush thoroughly in cold water.
Good luck."

Keidal is his ebay.co.uk moniker and I recommend checking his lovely, sympathetically restored machines.

I see from the advertisement that the doodad on the back of the seat tube is a pump peg--don't suppose that the pump came with your bike? How is that peg attached? It doesn't look as if it is brazed on.

Your paint actually looks quite solid for the most part.

East Hill

Thanks East Hill:)
The pegs are not braze-ons as you correctly deduced.
(You must have eagle eyes!)
They are separate, but look original to me.
The top one even has an screw adjuster built in.
Pic here:

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/duktig/SwiftTopPeg.jpg

Turning the lower bit finely adjusts the distance between the two pegs.
Quite sophisticated when you realise.
I did not get a pump with it, but I could find a period one in time, I reckon.

The paint is probably 65% overall with most wear on the chain-stays.
I don't want to lose any of the original, but it deserves treating where it can be.

Here also is a digitally enhanced version (courtesy Photoshop) of the pic in the ad:

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/duktig/SwiftAdvertGraphic.jpg

Clearly shows the peg is not a braze-on.

Been working on the bicycle since my last report.
Also had a few miles of riding, and it works fine.

However, still waiting for news/updates from researchers and will post when I get it.
More pics following over the weekend, when I get time.

You must have sensed that I was going to ask for an update!

East Hill

Best way to clean a greasy dirty hub without scratching it is Easy Off oven cleaner ;) takes it all off, just be sure to remove the wheel from the frame before spraying as you dont want to damage the paint or any aliminum parts of a bike :) Those braided springs are sick!