Heylett restauration
 

Hi,

I'm an absolute newcomer when it comes to bikes, but while cleaning out an old farm we found some old bikes that I'm willing to restore. Started with a Heylett by random pick, and all I know is that the seat is not original.

The plan is to dismantle it and restore every part in optimal state, except for the frame whose paint I won't touch. Out of interest I started looking for information on the bike, but haven't really found a lot. Most results are the same text or forum topics leading to that text. (Some of you probably know exactly which one...)
Almost every picture or topic is on their racing bicycles, while we have a city-bike with the carrier on the back.

Just knowing from what year it is would already be some nice information. Some parts might have to be replaced, and finding original ones would be a nice bonus.

Found this to be a nice forum, so going to share the experience and hopefully take in tons of yours, if you don't mind.

UPDATE: Pictures

https://cdn.pbrd.co/images/GLwxipW.jpg

https://cdn.pbrd.co/images/GLwyxET.jpg

https://cdn.pbrd.co/images/GLwzaeO.jpg

https://cdn.pbrd.co/images/GLwzkC0.jpg

https://cdn.pbrd.co/images/GLwzu9M.jpg

https://cdn.pbrd.co/images/GLwzzY8.jpg

https://cdn.pbrd.co/images/GLwzEfe.jpg

Need pics.
1962 or earlier you have a Helyett. 1966 or after you have a Gitane. In between a Griffon and what exactly that meant??
Time to get familiar with ebay.fr and perhaps some of the vendors there. One of the nice things about French bikes is there are huge commonalities between good bikes and cheap bikes. And parts were made to standards that persisted for long periods of time.
If you are happy and impressed by the original paint that is a good sign of an old one. The old striping and decals were wondrous.

Can't wait to see photos! What part of the world are you in?

Nice bikes, Helyett. Subscribing. And while we're waiting for the pics: here's someone on a Helyett:

https://myalbum.com/photo/k73PdMEFQdJB/1k0.jpg

Oh, and welcome, [MENTION=470535]DaTonio[/MENTION]!

Well, the paint isn't in perfect condition but that adds to the charm in my opinion.
I wanted to look for original parts but therefor I hope to find out what model/year of production/ ... it is.

Btw, that 4 year gap in between Heylett and Gitane... Was there no production at that time?

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DaTonio -

This forum thread gets into a bit of the history:

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...9-helyett.html

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Thanks for the good read. Unfortunately it is one of the pages I stumbled upon before (and that got me attracted to this forum).

Upon checking more on the book mentioned in that topic... It has been released by now. Going to save up some money and try to buy it. Probably not allowed to copy the entire book to this forum, but sure willing to share the information.

Pictures have been posted.
Hopefully getting a job on monday, so I can start investing in the parts. In the meanwhile, it is cleaning up the good parts.

Looks like a very nice project! Love the paint and those handlebars. Should be really nice when you get it cleaned up!

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The machine's Huret model 700 front mech launched 1966. Beginning 1974-75 its name was changed to Club and later to Club II. The contoured surround for the travel adjustment screws mark it as relatively late. If original, it could be a dating aid. The bicycle's model of Huret shift lever set did not launch until 1976-77. This pattern of BOCAMA lug paired with the ESGE chainstay bridge and the paint colour are consistent with a Gitane product.

Is the serial number marked on the outer face of the left dropout?

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Sweet reply, awesome information!
Thanks a lot and even more.

I don't see a serial number on the dropout, nor anywhere else on the bike.
The dropout is a Shimano Tourney and seems to have suffered the tooth of time less than most other parts. The bolt used to secure it to the frame makes me think it is not original

I might have done something wrong...

Removed/damaged the chrome beyond repair, as my nephew and brother pointed out. Now I am wondering if it is ok to roughen up each chrome part and go for a mat look?

Removed chrome? Reverse electrolysis? Acid? Sandblasting?

Turns out the fabric I used to clean the metal with has some roughness that scratches off the outer layer. I used it to clean so many old tools and materials from the barn, so I didn't really think about it.

Chrome: -1
Experience: +1
:lol: