Looks like this project has a sad end. The backstory is I acquired this bike, Raleigh? Robin Hood, new in 1965. It was my 1st and being in the country miles from the nearest town; it was my ticket to the world at large. Logged a lot of miles until I got a driver's license. I was scrupulous on maintenance though washing road dirt wasn't top of the list. It was last used in 68/ 69 and stayed at my mother's place until about 2010 when it went to a storage unit. Couple of years ago we brought it out here in the hopes of maybe using it again, nostalgia I suppose.

Some critter's seed storage in the bottom:


However then I saw this:


That was NOT how it was left in 1969. It is a very light frame so I figure some sort of alloy tubing. Dang! Maybe wall art now.