For the love of English 3 speeds...
#7776
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good plan. I had planned to order a small pile of the sunlite black/black k103s due to them being so cheap.....for that same reason. Ive got at 57 robin hood im trying to get done. All i have left is to source good quality cotters and press them. Ive got 2 projects waiting for that process. I sure wish someone would step up and start making BBs that fit these old 3speeds properly with a square taper. Somthing sealed.....and simple. The SA rear hubs are an amazing design and the shear number of 3 speeds out there is unreal. All of them need a bit of TLC and they make great commuters and townies. Bullet proof really.
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#7777
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I admit! Shameless picture posting...
After two years, mostly procrastinating, Morley is ready for the road! As you can see original owner etched his name quite deeply in the one pic, plus a couple other locations.
Mostly original. Obviously new tubes & tires, originals had to be cut off from the wheels. New re-pop grips in the original style, thank you Taiwan Trading Co. One new cotter key for the crank, machined down to fit correctly. New brake pads, safety first! A re-died original Brooks saddle, not sure if the color is correct from new. Few miscellaneous nuts & bolts. Frame pump seems to work. I do need to locate the insert in the nipple end of the hose that allows the air into the tube.
Most work was done by yours truly. With hub, BB, headset cleaning & re-packing left to my LBS good guy Mason of Westerville Bike Shop. Shameless local business plug intended. And I just don't have the correct spanners to do this work yet.
Paint was brought back to life with Meguiers's Pro Line auto paint products. Chrome was basic elbow grease, chrome polish, SS pads and brass brushes. All else was scrubbed clean of 30+ years of oily dust. There has been no paint touch up or anything else. Rust and corrosion will be held in check.
Bike has been ridden several times. I have no reference for what she should ride like, but she is a hoot to be on. Needs some fine tuning for the 3 speed shifting. Rear brake cable is stretched beyond use, but I have a hack in place with a fix ready.
Much to my surprise the dynometer lights work! Bulbs look to be original. I did find a replacement lens for the rear light at Memory Lane in Grand Rapids, Ohio. Original lens was bleached a pale pinkish-yellow.
If there is any advice on placement of clamps etc., I welcome the feedback.
Cheers,
After two years, mostly procrastinating, Morley is ready for the road! As you can see original owner etched his name quite deeply in the one pic, plus a couple other locations.
Mostly original. Obviously new tubes & tires, originals had to be cut off from the wheels. New re-pop grips in the original style, thank you Taiwan Trading Co. One new cotter key for the crank, machined down to fit correctly. New brake pads, safety first! A re-died original Brooks saddle, not sure if the color is correct from new. Few miscellaneous nuts & bolts. Frame pump seems to work. I do need to locate the insert in the nipple end of the hose that allows the air into the tube.
Most work was done by yours truly. With hub, BB, headset cleaning & re-packing left to my LBS good guy Mason of Westerville Bike Shop. Shameless local business plug intended. And I just don't have the correct spanners to do this work yet.
Paint was brought back to life with Meguiers's Pro Line auto paint products. Chrome was basic elbow grease, chrome polish, SS pads and brass brushes. All else was scrubbed clean of 30+ years of oily dust. There has been no paint touch up or anything else. Rust and corrosion will be held in check.
Bike has been ridden several times. I have no reference for what she should ride like, but she is a hoot to be on. Needs some fine tuning for the 3 speed shifting. Rear brake cable is stretched beyond use, but I have a hack in place with a fix ready.
Much to my surprise the dynometer lights work! Bulbs look to be original. I did find a replacement lens for the rear light at Memory Lane in Grand Rapids, Ohio. Original lens was bleached a pale pinkish-yellow.
If there is any advice on placement of clamps etc., I welcome the feedback.
Cheers,
Took the bike to the son of the previous owner of Morley. He was very pleased and amazed with the bike. He also had located a saddle bag with tools, old pedals and a original Raleigh owners manual!
Was great to the smile on his face!
#7778
aka Tom Reingold
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I wasn't saying you did anything wrong. I'm saying you found something wonderfully absurd.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#7779
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I've read that cotters are soft so that they deform to the hard spindle rather than the other way around.
#7780
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All done. Seems to work perfectly. All 4 positions ( H N L B )engage smoothly.The newer SA shifter cable end, with the crimps,
is larger in diameter than the original, plain cable end that came on this one. The cable ferrule threads are the same, so I don't
have to make up a whole new cable. I figure I can carefully reshape the end of a newer cable with the bench grinder
until it fits. The rivets didn't come out so easily on this one.The case dimpled inward from driving the trigger rivet out.
I did have a piece of steel bar stock that fit the inside walls of the case perfectly. I used it as an anvil to square up
the case from the damage it had and the dimple I made driving out the rivet. That turned out to be an essential tool
for this project. I got it together by inserting and driving home the rivet in the spring loaded swing arm first. I then
manipulated the trigger and cam with a small screwdriver until the holes lined up with the case. There was enough friction
that the rivet stayed in place while I drove it in without having to hold the screwdriver. I was wondering how
I was going to do that without 3 hands. Guess I was lucky there. So, one early 50s SA trigger rescued.
is larger in diameter than the original, plain cable end that came on this one. The cable ferrule threads are the same, so I don't
have to make up a whole new cable. I figure I can carefully reshape the end of a newer cable with the bench grinder
until it fits. The rivets didn't come out so easily on this one.The case dimpled inward from driving the trigger rivet out.
I did have a piece of steel bar stock that fit the inside walls of the case perfectly. I used it as an anvil to square up
the case from the damage it had and the dimple I made driving out the rivet. That turned out to be an essential tool
for this project. I got it together by inserting and driving home the rivet in the spring loaded swing arm first. I then
manipulated the trigger and cam with a small screwdriver until the holes lined up with the case. There was enough friction
that the rivet stayed in place while I drove it in without having to hold the screwdriver. I was wondering how
I was going to do that without 3 hands. Guess I was lucky there. So, one early 50s SA trigger rescued.
Last edited by BigChief; 07-25-15 at 10:39 AM.
#7781
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Figured I'd add my vintage 3-speed to the thread. I ride a Hercules King with a 3-speed B type 2 Hercules hub (and her-cu-matic shifter). Bike is late 40's-early 50's, near as I can tell, and is from before Raleigh bought out Hercules. (if anyone has more info on the model, I'd love to know. I've been researching, but can't seem to find any mention of a "King" model put out by Hercules)
On another note, does anyone know where one could get a new rear reflector housing? The rubber on mine is completely shot. I need to get the lens out so I can remount the reflector (both screws holding it on have come loose, and they're driven into the fender from inside the reflector), but doing so would probably destroy the old rubber housing.
On another note, does anyone know where one could get a new rear reflector housing? The rubber on mine is completely shot. I need to get the lens out so I can remount the reflector (both screws holding it on have come loose, and they're driven into the fender from inside the reflector), but doing so would probably destroy the old rubber housing.
#7782
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Figured I'd add my vintage 3-speed to the thread. I ride a Hercules King with a 3-speed B type 2 Hercules hub (and her-cu-matic shifter). Bike is late 40's-early 50's, near as I can tell, and is from before Raleigh bought out Hercules. (if anyone has more info on the model, I'd love to know. I've been researching, but can't seem to find any mention of a "King" model put out by Hercules)
On another note, does anyone know where one could get a new rear reflector housing? The rubber on mine is completely shot. I need to get the lens out so I can remount the reflector (both screws holding it on have come loose, and they're driven into the fender from inside the reflector), but doing so would probably destroy the old rubber housing.
On another note, does anyone know where one could get a new rear reflector housing? The rubber on mine is completely shot. I need to get the lens out so I can remount the reflector (both screws holding it on have come loose, and they're driven into the fender from inside the reflector), but doing so would probably destroy the old rubber housing.
I can't help with any information about your Hercules but I might be able to help with the reflector: Spares and Accessories for Roadster Bicycles Raleigh Tourist 28" 635mm at Yellow Jersey Westwood Rims is another keyword Rod brakes British spares.
#7783
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What a cool bike. I love it. Yes, preserving that reflector is a must. If a new housing that fits the lens just can't be found, it would be possible to machine a whole new body out of aluminum and paint it black. A lot of work for a reflector maybe, but that one is especially nice.
#7784
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I have a SA trigger shifter that works fine in 2 and 3. It wont go into one. 2 and 3 work fine and i can see where the pawl or "catch" is when i pull the trigger back to the 1 position and it is clearing the metal holder but the spring doesnt push down on the holder. Is there a way to adjust this spring to push down farther? Its probably just worn from age IF i use a small screw driver and push the metal holder its fine but as soon as i come out of first again it wont go back in. The spring is weak in the #1 spot and not pushing or engaging at all.
Hopefully this description makes sene. I am wondering if i bend the spring a bit to allow it to give more tension. I dont see any possible way to get the trigger shifter apart. Its press fit together.
Hopefully this description makes sene. I am wondering if i bend the spring a bit to allow it to give more tension. I dont see any possible way to get the trigger shifter apart. Its press fit together.
#7785
Senior Member
Figured I'd add my vintage 3-speed to the thread. I ride a Hercules King with a 3-speed B type 2 Hercules hub (and her-cu-matic shifter). Bike is late 40's-early 50's, near as I can tell, and is from before Raleigh bought out Hercules. (if anyone has more info on the model, I'd love to know. I've been researching, but can't seem to find any mention of a "King" model put out by Hercules)
On another note, does anyone know where one could get a new rear reflector housing? The rubber on mine is completely shot. I need to get the lens out so I can remount the reflector (both screws holding it on have come loose, and they're driven into the fender from inside the reflector), but doing so would probably destroy the old rubber housing.
On another note, does anyone know where one could get a new rear reflector housing? The rubber on mine is completely shot. I need to get the lens out so I can remount the reflector (both screws holding it on have come loose, and they're driven into the fender from inside the reflector), but doing so would probably destroy the old rubber housing.
let me know.
#7787
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I have a SA trigger shifter that works fine in 2 and 3. It wont go into one. 2 and 3 work fine and i can see where the pawl or "catch" is when i pull the trigger back to the 1 position and it is clearing the metal holder but the spring doesnt push down on the holder. Is there a way to adjust this spring to push down farther? Its probably just worn from age IF i use a small screw driver and push the metal holder its fine but as soon as i come out of first again it wont go back in. The spring is weak in the #1 spot and not pushing or engaging at all.
Hopefully this description makes sene. I am wondering if i bend the spring a bit to allow it to give more tension. I dont see any possible way to get the trigger shifter apart. Its press fit together.
Hopefully this description makes sene. I am wondering if i bend the spring a bit to allow it to give more tension. I dont see any possible way to get the trigger shifter apart. Its press fit together.
#7788
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yup....it pulls way past the first gear pawl/catch on the shifter but the little spring thing that pushes against the block that is supposed to push down the block to catch on the pawl isnt pushing down because there isnt enough sprint tension. Its all in the trigger shifter. It should shift gears 1-3 with nothing hooked up....just some slight pull back tension. It wont catch at gear number 1.
#7789
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scale - most of my problems with SA 3 speed hubs are that I can get 1 and 3 just fine with the initial cable tension adjustment. After that is done, shifting from 3 down to "N", or 1 up to "N" may fail. Both up and down shifts never fail, but often one direction does.
First go for the high and low, I've always found that a little work with the barrel adjuster will bring "N" into line.
First go for the high and low, I've always found that a little work with the barrel adjuster will bring "N" into line.
#7790
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The trigger might only need a cleaning and lube. I have an ultrasonic tank and it is amazing how much dirt comes out of triggers when I clean them. After cleaning I use a needle oiler with Tri-Flow to sparingly get things slicked up again. The triggers are always much improved after this process.
#7791
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The trigger might only need a cleaning and lube. I have an ultrasonic tank and it is amazing how much dirt comes out of triggers when I clean them. After cleaning I use a needle oiler with Tri-Flow to sparingly get things slicked up again. The triggers are always much improved after this process.
#7792
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another topic. I have a 57 red robin hood and the forks look bent in a bit. Has anyone ran these forks as a replacement on a 3 speed?
Sunlite 26x1-3/8, 1" Threaded Fork - Modern Bike
Im almost certain ill never find another set of red forks for a robin hood and black would look weird. Chrome probably would as well but maybe less so.
Sunlite 26x1-3/8, 1" Threaded Fork - Modern Bike
Im almost certain ill never find another set of red forks for a robin hood and black would look weird. Chrome probably would as well but maybe less so.
#7793
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This might be it. I flushed and worked it real good using pb and parts cleaner. It doesnt feel tight at all. It pulls great....its just the last click down to 1 doesnt work. IF i pull into 1 and then push my finger over the spring it puts weight on the thing that catches the tooth on the shifter for 1st gear. IM pretty sure that little flapper thing in there is fine but the spring that pushes it down is weak. 2nd and 3rd are not a problem because the cam that runs it pushes the teeth out farther for these gears where the spring still has plenty of tension.
#7795
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We've been talking about this on the last few pages of this thread. I've only reconditioned a trigger once and it was an older window style shifter. What it amounts to is the rivets that hold the assembly together aren't really rivets. They're pins that were center punched on the back. So you can drive them out and get the trigger apart. Getting it back together is tricky, but it can be done.
#7796
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That would be so awesome, thanks for the offer. I think white would look alright, match the white fender splash.
#7797
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You've got plenty of room to move the chain back. Try that first. It could be a cotter, too.
My Sports made an unusual clicking sound when I was pedaling hard. I thought it was a pedal, but changing them out didn't solve it. Finally, I checked the cranks in just the right position. I had to snug up the bottom bracket a bit.
My Sports made an unusual clicking sound when I was pedaling hard. I thought it was a pedal, but changing them out didn't solve it. Finally, I checked the cranks in just the right position. I had to snug up the bottom bracket a bit.
My next project might be to replace the bearings/lube in the crank, if I can muster up the courage to smite those cotters. Is it advised that I find replacement cotters in case things go haywire?
#7798
aka Tom Reingold
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I overhauled the pedals with new bearings and grease and moved the wheel back in the slots, and the slipping seems to have been resolved not sure which of those did more good, but it was fun to tear into the pedals.
My next project might be to replace the bearings/lube in the crank, if I can muster up the courage to smite those cotters. Is it advised that I find replacement cotters in case things go haywire?
My next project might be to replace the bearings/lube in the crank, if I can muster up the courage to smite those cotters. Is it advised that I find replacement cotters in case things go haywire?
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#7799
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I finally broke down and bought an official cotter pin press.
#7800
Senior Member
Okay, I will put the tape measure on it tomorrow and check size. Glad to help out if I can.