3speedfan

I have a 1953 Condor women's three-speed that I bought used around 1970. I enjoyed riding it for many years, then stupidly stored in a shed for an extended period, where it rusted. After more years of sitting neglected in my garage, it's so rusted that it can't be ridden. I'm not under any illusions that this is a valuable bike (it was obviously built to be a utilitarian bike), so restoration would be silly, but I'd like to recondition it so I could have the satisfaction of riding it again, saving it from being junked, and, in the process, learning more about three-speeds. It will need a new chain, brake pads, cables, etc., and I plan to install a NOS Sturmey Archer 3-speed trigger shifter than I got on eBay a few years ago.

But can anyone recommend a logical order of steps to take / things to tackle? I assume removing all the rust is the first step. But after that, I'm at a loss about what to do next. Any recommendation for procedure would be appreciated! Many thanks.

P.S. I'm attaching a photo of the badge. The bird on my badge has its wings folded, not like the bird in the photos of Condor badges that I see online, which has its wings spread. So I don't know if my Condor has any relation to the existing company in London.

clubman 

More pics are still needed to assess what could or should be done.

Lascauxcaveman 

^ What he said.

Sure, the chain and brake pads will need changing out, but how badly rusted are the rims, spokes, crankset, handle bars, seatpost and all the other steel parts? Is any there any serious deep rust on the frame, or just some surface rust? If it's the former, then you'll probably want to shut this thing down.

wrk101

I start every project the same, ONCE I know it is worth getting into.

I strip the bike down to the frame. Its the only way to fully inspect everything: headset, bottom bracket, internal rust, etc. Then I evaluate what I find. Take plenty of pictures first if you go this route. I put items into zip lock bags and label them, and everything from the bike goes into a labeled box. I did a photo history on a recent project. You can find it on my bicycle Facebook page.

3speedfan

Clubman, here are some photos showing all the external rust.

Wrk101, thank you for the suggestions.

wrk101

Unless this is a sentimental/family bike, I would pick a better project. Women style 3 speeds have very limited value. Pick one in better condition. This one is way rusty, plus missing some key parts, like the chain guard. Wheels are toast.

3speedfan

Well, I did wonder about the wheels. Thanks for the honest assessment.

3speedfan

I ended up donating the Condor to the Yellow Bike Project (The Austin Yellow Bike Project), which accepts donations of bikes in any condition. It seemed like the best solution.