Huge vintage 531c frame

dub 24 · 27-05-2021 2:49am #1

Just thought I'd start a post about the reincarnation of the frame 8 valve kindly gave away . I have stripped the frame back to bare metal by hand as I couldn't get it dipped or vapour blasted as these processes would have damaged the chrome on the rear stays and forks.

I also did a bit of research on the frame. The W frame number helped me identify as 8 valve correctly said was an 1983 frame made in the Nottingham lightweight unit.
The plan is to respray the frame and build it with modern components. I have a contact from a mate who specializes in polishing chrome so the frame will be going to him to work his magic. I have a set of Shimano Dura ace mavic open pro wheels for it .I will also be looking for the rest of the bits and pieces so if anybody has a groupset lying around they want to sell please let me know.
Cheers
Dub 24

greenspurs · 27-05-2021 8:38am

Wow... naked frames are beautiful.....

I have a Peugeot from my racing days that i wanted to 'recycle' , but never got around to it.....
Best of luck - looking forward to following the build !!

dub 24 · 27-05-2021 9:09am

Cheers Greenspur . Yep your spot on the raw steel is beautiful I even contemplated living it raw and clear coating but unfortunately from researching it it's not an option . That peugeot looks lovely
Dub 24

magicbastarder · 27-05-2021 9:44am

someone here - iwillhtfu, i think - has a 'naked' frame, i think coated in BLO?

Cetyl Palmitate · 27-05-2021 9:48am

I have a runaround with a raw steel frame. It needs a rub of linseed oil every few weeks but not much hassle. That frame is a pretty generic steel frame though so I wouldn't be too bothered if it did get damaged.

hesker · 27-05-2021 10:34am

Looks pretty big alright. 62cm or a bit more at a guess.

Do you have the frame number out of interest

dub 24 · 27-05-2021 11:21am

BLO that's an idea
Hesker spot on 62cm
Frame Number WG3000188

magicbastarder · 27-05-2021 11:22am

boiled linseed oil.

dub 24 · 27-05-2021 11:40am

Thanks mate

magicbastarder · 27-05-2021 11:48am

BLO is what's known as a 'drying oil' - a lot of oils evaporate and leave no trace; BLO polymerises as it cures and leaves a skin behind; i use it on wood a lot.

dub 24 · 27-05-2021 3:55pm

Further picture

8valve · 28-05-2021 11:26am

dub 24 wrote: »

Just thought I'd start a post about the reincarnation of the frame 8 valve kindly gave away . I have stripped the frame back to bare metal by hand as I couldn't get it dipped or vapour blasted as these processes would have damaged the chrome on the rear stays and forks.

I also did a bit of research on the frame. The W frame number helped me identify as 8 valve correctly said was an 1983 frame made in the Nottingham lightweight unit.
The plan is to respray the frame and build it with modern components. I have a contact from a mate who specializes in polishing chrome so the frame will be going to him to work his magic. I have a set of Shimano Dura ace mavic open pro wheels for it .I will also be looking for the rest of the bits and pieces so if anybody has a groupset lying around they want to sell please let me know.
Cheers
Dub 24

Wow! it looks better already?

What method did you use to strip the paint?

8valve · 28-05-2021 11:35am

This would have been its original colour scheme...

swarlb · 28-05-2021 3:25pm

8valve wrote: »

This would have been its original colour scheme...

I think there were several different frames with similar colour schemes, and different tube configurations, 531, 753 etc. The 'Team' frames serial numbers began with SB (SBDU) or Special Bike Developments Unit. The other frames had 'Professional' or 'Team Raleigh' or 'Raleigh' or just plain 'Team' written on the top tube. While they all 'look' the same there are several tail differences.

8valve · 28-05-2021 4:28pm

swarlb wrote: »

I think there were several different frames with similar colour schemes, and different tube configurations, 531, 753 etc. The 'Team' frames serial numbers began with SB (SBDU) or Special Bike Developments Unit. The other frames had 'Professional' or 'Team Raleigh' or 'Raleigh' or just plain 'Team' written on the top tube. While they all 'look' the same there are several tail differences.

Very true; everything from the run-of-the-mill 'gaspipe' frames, through 531, 531c, and 753 frames all carried the TI Raleigh team livery. The 1980 TdF was won on a Raleigh frame in this colour scheme, so they made them at all levels to capitalise on that success.

Standard gas-pipe frames with serial numbers starting with N (main Nottingham factory).
Lightweight frames with serial numbers starting with W (pre-1981 at the Worksop facility and post-1981 at the lightweight frame facility attached to the main Nottingham factory).
The hallowed frames with serial numbers starting with SB, built in the Specialist Bicycle Development Unit, which were all made to order?

dub 24 · 06-07-2021 8:05pm

So the bike is nearly ready to go . I have to fit a new chain tomorrow. Set it up for myself and when that's done put some tape on the bars .

I'm waiting on a tapered ferrule for the rear derailleur cable which holds it in place in the brazed on spud on the back stay. These are as rare as rocking horse poo . 8 valve who as always comes through for us here on the forum is sending me on one . In the mean time I rigged up a little temporary set up using a little doofer from a three speed set up.
I've no idea if it will work but I'll know tomorrow one way or another .

The frame was stripped of the previous paint using cellulose thinners and green scouring pads. I couldn't send it for dipping as that would have ruined the chrome stays and forks.
I then had the bare steel frame polished by a mate who has the whole polishing wheel set up.

I then sprayed the whole frame with a 2k clear lacquer that is normally used on clear glass to protect it from the elements , so here's hoping it will do the same for the frame ,only time will tell.

I have gone for a modern component set up .
Shimano 105 throughout
Chinese carbon bottle cage
Carbon bars .
The only thing vintage is the Brooks saddle and for me personally there is no other saddle .
Hope you like the photos

dub 24 · 15-07-2021 6:39pm

IMG-20210714-WA0005.jpg

IMG-20210714-WA0013.jpg

IMG-20210714-WA0014.jpg

IMG-20210714-WA0009.jpg

8valve · 15-07-2021 8:44pm

You've done a fabulous job on this, D24.

The raw steel looks fantastic; what a way to preserve a prestige frameset!

Chapeau!

dub 24 · 16-07-2021 3:27pm

Thanks mate really appreciate your sentiments

WOT · 16-07-2021 5:21pm

Would ride! Nice job on the frame and build. Why not use a quill stem out of interest?

Any idea what it weighs in at?

dub 24 · 17-07-2021 7:02pm

@wot Cheers mate ,really appreciate it . I have a quill stem in it I just haven't cut it down yet . I have no idea of weight to be honest .

Cheers

Dub

greenspurs · 20-07-2021 7:56am

😍

Beautiful !!!

Well done, great job on her !

dub 24 · 21-07-2021 8:17am

@greenspurs Thanks for your kind comments

Huge vintage 531c frame

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