Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Re: 1955 Triumph fixed gear conversion

I've got a 1955 Triumph Meteor road bicycle that I'm interested in converting to a fixed gear. Here are some of the specs (pretty patchy i know):

Model: Meteor Frameforks: 23 inch frame, 22 inch top-tube, chromed fork crown cap
Colour: Blue (was originally red)
Age: 1955
Gears: 3 Speed Sturmey Archer, AM alloy hub.
Brakes: Chromed steel calipers & levers (Raleigh Industries)
Handlebars: Chromed steel drop.
Pedals: Chromed steel cage
Stem: Chromed steel
Seatpost: Chromed steel
Saddles: Lycett leather Wheels: 26 x 1&1/4 inch chromed steel rims, Sturmey Archer hubs & Galv spokes
Cranks: Cottered chrome steel (Raleigh Industries) 170mm
Chainwheel: 'Triumph' chromed steel

and here's a link to photographs of it in its current state: http://www.re-buy-cycle.co.uk/details.php?id=288

My concern is that since the wheels are irreplacable sizes, new tires won't have enough clearance in the frame. The whole bicycle needs an overhaul, and if its possible to convert i'll probably scrap everything except the frame. So would clearance be a problem? Also related is my concern that if slightly bigger tires DO squeeze in would it be difficult to locate a front brake with a short enough reach to touch the rims?

Thanks!

I love the bike as it is! Scrapping everything!? I may be interested in some stuff, specifically wheelset, crank, and fenders.

That bike is beautiful as is. I would clean up and ride as is. If you decide to go "fixed", don't cut anything off or paint it! I wish I could find a vintage Triumph bike in the states.

well this was one of my other queries, i wasn't sure i'd be able to use the chainwheel since I thought it might not be compatible with the new fixed wheel. Advice?

im asumming your using chainwheel to mean chainring, yea? if so it should probably work, i dont know the actual spacing on it, sorry i can help you there
i saw keep it as it, it looks sweet

Please don't convert that to a fixed. Either restore it or sell it to someone that will and take the money and buy a Kilo TT or something. Post that bike in the C&V forum and see what some of them have to say. They would know if that bike is restoration worthy better than I.

20 years from now someone will be on this forum trying to find parts to turn that bike back into a beautiful 3-speed english road bike. I hope they use the search function and find this thread. When they do a single tear will trickle down their cheek.

Don't convert that bike, get some 80's bike if you want to convert something. Keep that as is.