Originally Posted by
capnjonny
I am working on another Raleigh Superb. It was just a few weeks ago that I cleaned up another one.
Neither bike had a key for the fork lock.
Is there any way to get one? Would a lock smith be able to make one?
The current project has the best wheels I have ever seen on a vintage Raleigh and I have seen quite a few. They are virtualy without rust on the exterior and have minor rust inside which a wire brush and some Rust Mort delt with.
The frame is also rust free and after a good cleaning and rub down with 0000 steal wool a couple coats of Rustoleum clear brought out the original green color with only minor patina.
After a vinegar soak the bright work was polished and installed. Today I am bringing the bike to the Bike Exchange shop to finish up the cableing and install tires.
The chain guard and fenders are rusted beyond any potential clean up solution so I am leaving them off. I may end up just painting them black and re installing them if the shop manager insists.
I've had a few keys made by Steve Sandlin of Steve's Lock Shoppe (
Welcome to Steve's Lock Shoppe! Specializing in Import Automotive Locks) for Raleigh fork locks over the years. I gave him the number off the lock cylinder face and he made the keys. They worked just fine and looked good with the bike. The gold instruction decal that usually appears on the top of the frame plate can be bought through H. Lloyd decals in England.