d4dman

I have recently found a Claud frameset in the roof space of my daughters outhouse!! It's rusty but somethings are clear: it's lugged, Kromo tubing (badge on seat tube) under that there are two sets of Olympic rings, mid section is unreadable, downtube has Claud's signature and the lower pump bracket is 'U' shaped the upper is standard arrow head, head badge is alloy not a decal, fork crown is twin plates. There is a tiny fillet above and below and both sides of the rear brake tube, the cotterless chainset is steel with button allen caphead retaining bolts, looks like Simplex???, one Hurret gear lever for rear changer is present, the rear changer looks original but looks like a Benelux design, one chain stay is bowed but not creased maybe the reason for storing it???? the numbers stamped on the b/b and steerer tube match 522 513. Any one any idea what I've found? Will repair it but go with up to date equipment no time to trawl round for parts!!
d4dman

David Newton

Pics or it didn't happen!

Peter_B

It was likely made in March 1951, taken from the latter number 513. Look at the 1951 catalogue here for ID: https://www.nkilgariff.com/

It's all about what you want to do of course. Some would keep it near to original condition, stop the rust, use original parts, etc.

d4dman

And you are********** About as funny as piles!

Brad Sasher

did you have pictures?

d4dman

Hi Brad
No don't have pictures at present it's in a very sorry state! Most of the paint work is rust! So if it turns out to be a find I would restore but with modern kit, as Philistine as that might be to some!! I will try to get some photo's of it posted but I'm a luddite! There are certain features that are not present on other photo's of what appears to be the same frame, (nkilgariff etc) so if your interested in what it is please be patient - and keep checking. Of course if a Cluad expert wants to restore it in period kit I might trade it in! Best regards
Steve

CMC SanDiego

I've got to wonder, how is it possible that a Claud Butler frame came to be in any place that has an outhouse? I would love to see pictures of both the bike and the storage location.

rhm

Steve, what is an 'outhouse' where you live? In the US it generally refers to a primitive latrine, a wooden structure not much more than a meter on each side, and two meters high, placed over a deep hole in the ground. It is not the kind of place people normally hide high-end bicycle frames!

In this forum, you will encounter mostly people who will recommend saving the paint and building the bike up with period kit. I'm among them. And people who want photos. I'm among them, too! At any rate, congratulations on finding (and saving) the frame; whatever you do with it, it'll be good to have it on the road, rather than in the outhouse.

d4dman

Hi CMC SanDiego and rhm sorry about the outhouse! I have a phd in confusing people!! It's a brick building next to her house originaly used as a storeage room and potting shed when the house was built in the 1800's!! It's gone now and the area is patio but the frame was in the loft which had been boarded presumably to keep it warmer. when the demolition started and the boarding was removed - 'hey presto'- Claud appeared! I think maybe the chain stay damage was the reason for it being stored and was then forgotten about as the house spent some time as a hotel along with it's mirror image property next door (English semi detached two houses joined ) they were apparently built by a cotton king for his twin sons. I'm rambling now I'll quit before you fall asleep! will try a sort photo's of frame for interest but it's ratty!
Best regards Steve

OLDYELLR

Yeah, as someone was once supposed to have said, "two nations divided by a common language". I suspected d4dman was from the UK, because where else would one find an old Claud frame in the attic of an outbuilding (as we would call it). That's why it's good to go to your profile and put in your location so we all know where you're coming from.

I too am looking forward to seeing some pictures of this frame. If it still has the original paint, a lot of folks would vote that it just be derusted and cleaned up.

rhm

Cheers, Steve

I knew all that .

Looking forward to photos of Claud.