FishBiscuit

I also posted this in the vintage forum, but it was suggested that I post here too.

I just picked up a second Raleigh Twenty yesterday, and for the most part, the bike is stock and in great condition.

One problem though:

At some point in the bike's history, someone attempted to improve the steering by replacing the nylon-bushing-and-chrome-cup setup at the top of the steerer tube with a bearing race. It seems like a good idea, in concept, but that modification has only left room for one of the nuts that holds the fork on (no room for the Raleigh headlamp bracket either- neither of which were included with the bike). This is a problem because the mere act of steering the bike will loosen the nut and compromise the bike's safety.

I'm more interested in restoring this bike to factory goodness by replacing the missing parts than I am in pimping it out with a modern headset (I find the stock setup to be adequate for the type of riding I do).

I'm interested in finding a replacement for the missing steerer tube nut (the larger one- I imagine it's 26tpi, but not certain), the missing nylon bushing, the missing chrome cup that goes over the nylon bushing, and a Raleigh headlamp bracket.

Does anyone know where I can find these parts? I know the headlamp bracket shows up on eBay all the time, but the other parts seem to be slightly more exotic. And since I'm asking, my other Twenty is missing the seatpost bolt and L-nut. I'd like to find a replacement for those too (a long shot, I know).

Much thanks!
~Sean


Here's the bad setup:


Here's the good setup on my other bike:


And for illustrative purposes, here are the parts I need, highlighted:

Dynocoaster 

Have you checked out www.raleightwenty.webs.com? Lots of useful info and you may find the parts there also.

Russcoles11

Easiest way to source all the parts you need would be to get someone in the UK to buy a R20, strip off the parts you need and send them to you. I would offer but I don't have space for another bike atm. In the UK it should be easy enough to get a R20 for £10-15, I doubt you could get the parts cheaper even taking into account shipping costs (just checked ebay and theres one at £0.99 near me with 3 hrs on the auction).
Otherwise I would suggest looking at www.raleightwenty.webs.com for details about how to modify the headset safely, maybe someone who has done this might also have the old parts sitting around?

alecw35

On my RSW and BSA Twenty I cut down the headstock, and recut the steerer tube threads to use a regular head set. The RSW had the stem clamp in the headset stack. As I didnt want to use a expander bolt. I ran the cables thru the stem.

What youve got looks a bit dangerous.

FishBiscuit

@Russcoles11: That's a great idea. I do have some friends in the UK. I have some leads on all of the parts now, so I might be in luck.

@alecw35: Definitely dangerous. After my initial ride, I took it apart, and it is currently sitting upside-down in the middle of my kitchen while I search for a solution.

Russcoles11

You could also try oldbiketrader.co.uk as another option, again you would have to get the parts shipped from the UK.

FishBiscuit

I got all the parts I needed! Thanks rhm, and wooden shoe biker at the raleightwenty forum, for your help!