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BSA Paratrooper Restoration Build Thread

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Connor

Finally riding a big boys bike
I've been looking for a good military bicycle project and was fortunate enough to get a paratrooper off of @Glenn Rhein. The plan is to restore it back to original military specs with just a rear brake set up and modern tires...
Thinking of grabbing a can of this Olive Drab paint:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Z54WV8/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Does anyone know of a good bike tire that looks like the original war grade style? The closest I could find was these:
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5...0001&campid=5335809022&icep_item=311002109082

-Connor
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Hi Connor,

These are the ones (including tubes) I bought a couple of weeks ago for my latest BSA.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pair-of-26-X-1-3-8-Record-Raleigh-Black-Tyres-And-Tubes-Schrader/401609620938?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

The tread is spot on. The only drawback is the 'Raleigh Record' moulded into the sides, but at least it's a british bike company, and only really noticeable if you go looking for it.

Red handlebars and mudguards on bikes in British Army service used to indicate Ammo Technicians and bomb disposal units.

Best Regards,

Adrian
 
Last edited:
Hi Connor,

These are the ones (including tubes) I bought a couple of weeks ago for my latest BSA.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pair-of-26-X-1-3-8-Record-Raleigh-Black-Tyres-And-Tubes-Schrader/401609620938?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

The tread is spot on. The only drawback is the 'Raleigh Record' moulded into the sides, but at least it's a british bike company, and only really noticeable if you go looking for it.

Red handlebars and mudguards on bikes in British Army service used to indicate Ammo Technicians and bomb disposal units.

Best Regards,

Adrian


Hey Adrian, just ordered the tires - thanks for the tip! I’m not sure if the handlebars were originally red, but I’m thinking about going all green...
-Connor
 
Heresy, Curtis ! (-:

i'm working on my third at the moment. I have two good restored ones, and the paint and transfers on this third one are excellent. However, most other parts are missing, and, since an original front wheel today costs twice what my first complete bike did (!), I have settled down to play a long game and get parts as and if they turn up (does anyone have a spare butterfly nut, and bottom bracket?)

In the meantime, I have set myself the task of building a 3 speed rider with parts no later than 1955.

Best Regards,

Adrian
 
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