Help identify my tandem
- Thread starter Alan E. Pierce
- Start date
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Alan E. Pierce
'Lil Knee Scuffer
Was dismantled when I picked it up.
The front fork was chromed almost completely. Except the top 4 in. of
Will measure frame tomorrow or the next. Will post that is it or the measurements if they are different 0
The front fork was chromed almost completely. Except the top 4 in. of
Thank you and thank your friend for me.
Will measure frame tomorrow or the next. Will post that is it or the measurements if they are different 0
dnc1
Cruisin' on my Bluebird
Good question. They seemed to do things slightly differently to everyone else.
I'll see if I can find out.
dnc1
Cruisin' on my Bluebird
Not sure what thread size they used on the tandem headsets @juvela, you're right that on the solo headsets they used a thread size of 31/32" × 20tpi.
The tandem headsets are for a 1 1/8" steerer tube and use different sizes of bearings in the top and bottom races, as detailed here.....
...Hillary Stone sold this C-L tandem headset in the past.....
...he also makes the point that the tandem crown race will only fit a frame made for this particular headclip headset, which is what my friend also said.
So obviously the frames headtube has a slightly different internal diameter to a headtube made for the far more common 'Brampton' headclip headset.
But what that size actually is I couldn't say.
(Images from V-CC library and Hillary Stone).
The tandem headsets are for a 1 1/8" steerer tube and use different sizes of bearings in the top and bottom races, as detailed here.....
...Hillary Stone sold this C-L tandem headset in the past.....
...he also makes the point that the tandem crown race will only fit a frame made for this particular headclip headset, which is what my friend also said.
So obviously the frames headtube has a slightly different internal diameter to a headtube made for the far more common 'Brampton' headclip headset.
But what that size actually is I couldn't say.
(Images from V-CC library and Hillary Stone).
Alan E. Pierce
'Lil Knee Scuffer
Hello again. I compared all the measurements for the 12B. My bicycle fork has one difference, the distance between the front forks i measured 4 1/4". Was thinking when the wheels with the drum brakes where added maybe they spread the tubes to fit the newer wheels. The attachments you added are extremely helpful with tech info. By chance do you have any pages with the other parts such as cranks, chain rings, wheel component's etc. Seriously thinking of restoring it to original as in 1931. going to take me a few years or more do to the financial cost to search, secure, shipping to obtain each piece but i believe will be well worth it. saving a little part of history and go for a ride. In Yuma Arizona once a year a 100 or so bicyclist get together for a PUB RUN. 6 mile ride stopping at six bars. seen some vintage bikes in the group along with every kind to date. Unfortunately the leather part of the seats can not be saved. The cables as most parts where left in a plastic tub outside, rusty is a understatement to say the least. White vinegar soak everything and see what i have. please pass the word i am seeking parts for this project. Oh, colors..there was some little blue as in baby blue. do you know if this was a period correct or was it open to any color available at that era in time?
I thank you again for your help and everyone else.
dnc1
Cruisin' on my Bluebird
As stated before, all of these were 'custom builds' as such, so no two examples may have been the same. So you can't really go wrong with whatever you choose to employ.
Here are some pages from the 1931 'Chater-Lea' catalogue, showing what else was available from them.....
Personally, I feel that finding a lot of these items would be a long, difficult task.
I would be inclined to also try and source other contemporary parts that were also available from manufacturers such as Brampton, Phillips and others, items such as wheel hubs, pedals, handlebars etc; these are likely to be easier to find, and substantially cheaper, as the name 'Chater-Lea' does add a bit of a premium to the prices asked.
For saddles, obviously Brooks, Lycett, Mansfield or any other British maker would be appropriate.
I would stick with the cranks and seat stems you already have, but obviously it's up to you.
You should bear in mind that this project would never be worth the amount of money you would have in it if you took the time to source exclusively 'Chater-Lea' componentry.
It would be a 'labour of love'.
Good luck, and if you need any help don't hesitate to ask.
(Images from V-CC library).
Here are some pages from the 1931 'Chater-Lea' catalogue, showing what else was available from them.....
Personally, I feel that finding a lot of these items would be a long, difficult task.
I would be inclined to also try and source other contemporary parts that were also available from manufacturers such as Brampton, Phillips and others, items such as wheel hubs, pedals, handlebars etc; these are likely to be easier to find, and substantially cheaper, as the name 'Chater-Lea' does add a bit of a premium to the prices asked.
For saddles, obviously Brooks, Lycett, Mansfield or any other British maker would be appropriate.
I would stick with the cranks and seat stems you already have, but obviously it's up to you.
You should bear in mind that this project would never be worth the amount of money you would have in it if you took the time to source exclusively 'Chater-Lea' componentry.
It would be a 'labour of love'.
Good luck, and if you need any help don't hesitate to ask.
(Images from V-CC library).
Last edited:
Alan E. Pierce
'Lil Knee Scuffer
Thank you for the pages.
I do agree it will take time and money. Have the talent to do all the work myself and that saves a lot of money. Got lucky last month in a way. That my land lord had a 30 bicycles that he wanted gone. Some were high quality modern bicycles which I saves the enough pieces to put together a $900.00 bike. With those can put the tandem on the road and as find the missing Chater-Lea components at a really good price I will remove the part off the bike and sell it. Putting the Chater-Lea on. Gives me back some of the monet. When complete then dismantled the bike. Have the parts rechromed as I paint it. A labor of love yes. To say I have one, priceless. To leave it to sell to a collector or leave it to a museum. Either way a tiny piece of English bicycling is saved. Learned over my life time if one is patient and keeps a eye out anything can be bought for a very good price and sometimes for a discount when the seller realizes it is for a complete restoration. It is when a person wants it now a heavy price is paid. Just last week a women sold 3 bicycles for $10.00. Wheels off but all there. 2 Chinese cheap throw away but one was a $2,000.00 high end pro racing Japanese bike. Was to late to get them but someone got the deal of the of a life time.
I have no clue what the value will be when done. Heck there could hundreds of them in Europe. Didn't find a single one on my internet search. If it turns out I somehow ended up with that only model left then it is well worth doing. Plus if I can not complete the bike then will sell it to someone who can. I paid $30.00 for it. Gives me room to spend some.
Did inform the sell I got it from what it is and my plans. Going to keep them updated. We both thought the 1950's or 60's. With the parts I have, nice paint and put it together and sell it for $300.00. Now I have to think hard which way to go.
There is no doubt everything is in Europe it needs. Not unless I happen to get real lucky and find a old Chater-Lea at a yard sale.
You have been a tremendous help education me on this endeavor. The knowledge I gained alone is with buying the bike. To far down the rabbit hole to stop now but my soon to be wife is not overly joked with me right now. Lol to much time reading everything I can. Looking up parts for a rough price. Yes I already have a hundred hours in it.
You see I have 4 trucks to complete, a Sandra's, electric mountain bike I am putting together. 5th wheel R.V. us 20 more things. Slowly they come together. Can spend a fortune now to finish them or keep searching for a good price. Always find at least one part a week.
Anyway thank you again.
This Forum is amazing.
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