Rudge Whitworth...Not What I Expected...BUT!

[HARPO]

Maybe to mount a full chain case?

That sounds feasible, especially for the time period (1953) of the bike.

 

[SirMike1983]

Correct, that is the mounting bolt for the inside of the chain case. The boss is brazed on to the chain stay and threaded. Raleigh continued to use the chain case boss on the frame even after they converted most of the US bikes to hockey sticks. I usually try to leave them mounted so that dirt does not get into the hole. I would put a little oil or grease on the threads and tighten it into place so that it does not rattle. That way if you ever want to convert to a chain case it will be there.

 

[FICHT 150]

This place has 747 of them on hand. The same bolt holds the rear seat stays on a Raleigh Roadster, and the front fender to the fork.

https://britishfasteners.com/bsc-bsf-hex-set-screw-1-4-x-1-2-1000.html

Ted

 

[HARPO]

I found another difference in the two Rudge forks. This one has the "slit" in the top to accommodate the headlight holder to have it sit properly. The one from the ladies (the donor) doesn't, so I can't put the one back that was on it, nor an "R" one I had in my parts bin. So much for a light going on.

Another interesting note on the two front fenders...the 1953 one is a little longer! I measured it, and then took a photo. Weird! Cost cutting a bit of metal??

Anyway, I've decided to only use the fork from the ladies donor bike. I'll keep everything else as original as possible with the exception of being able to hang the light. Donor fenders are a little nicer, though.

 

[HARPO]

Work continues...

 

[bikewhorder]

That's an alloy hub! I had a fork like that but unfortunately it got scrapped in my move last year. I was a little too cavalier about getting rid of stuff and now I regret it.

 

[HARPO]

I'm putting the bike back together with its original (but bent) fork until I find one where I don't sacrifice another bike in such good condition (meaning the '63). I'm going to take the time and fix that one all up in the next few weeks. So many projects, lol!!

 

[HARPO]

OK..I put it back together, with a new neck and the correct lamp holder with the"R" in it. All else are the pieces that came with it when I brought it home.

If anyone is interested in it (and it MUST be picked up), make me an offer just so I know I didn't waste all of those hours cleaning it up. I'd like to see it completed by someone.
I didn't finish the '63 either, but they can both go as a package. Let me know if anyone is interested and PM me.

Thanks!
Fred

 

[juvela]

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fine job reforming the mudguards

thar be a career awaiting thee in the auto body trade...

sagacious decision regardin' companion of knife & spoon

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[HARPO]

Hopefully someone will want to give the two bikes a good home.

The wheel-set alone with the Dyno hub and alloy hub are worth the price on the '53.