My new framest
I just got this frame on ebay and the I can't wait for it to show up, so I'll just occupy myself here until I get it. It's a Raleigh Professional Mk V, Serial # WM8000937. I got into a last minute bidding war over it and I think I paid more than I should have, but I already have parts for it, so I don't mind as much as I probably should. I just have a couple questions about the frame itself. I know on the later Professionals had bosses for water bottles and shift levers, but I can't find a picture of one that had top tube cable guides brazed on. Even on the retroraleighs site the top tube has clamps? Are these original, or were they added later. If they were added later then it would have been repainted, the guy says the paint is original, and he has enough good feedback to seem reputable. Obviously there are some missing decals, but I can get those, but should the lugs be outlined with gold paint, or did they stop doing that in later years? I have seen a Professional where the top tupe decal was set back further, I suspect that is how mine probably was. Now I can start looking for new shifter levers since the ones I have clamp on.
-Matt
Edit: I forgot pictures, what good would any of this be without pictures?