1954 Freddie Grubb Restoration

PeterLYoung

I am restoring a 1954 Freddie Grubb Serial Number 6473. Bought it as a wreck at an Household Auction. I had one in the 1960's and always regretted selling it.
Really only the frame is salvageable as everything has badly corroded or is worn out.
As a result I have decided to rebuild it with all Campagnolo parts circa 1960's, a bit later than frame date but it makes it a very usable bike.
Frame is currently at Mercian Cycles in Derby for full restoration.
Two sets wheels are at Strada in Worthing for rebuild,
set 1: Campag Record 36 Hole High Flange with 27" Weinman L17 Clincher NOS. Hard to get good 27" rims!!
set 2: Campag Record 28 Hole High Flange with 700c Mavic Open SUP Clincher NOS.
I attach a few photos and will post later when I have frame back for rebuild.http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/usyoungsters/media/Freddie%20Grubb%201_zpsritcc7yz.jpg.html?sort=3&o=42
http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/usyoungsters/media/Freddie%20Grubb%204_zpsiout5wqy.jpg.html?sort=3&o=39
http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/usyoungsters/media/Freddie%20Grubb%2031_zpsmv3sfelt.jpg.html?sort=3&o=13

cld531c

lovely. cant wait to see it finished!

twotoebenny

I've got an old grubb in my garage that I've been wanting to restore for a while, but don't have the time/inclination. will keep an eye out to see how this goes.

PeterLYoung

This is the second post regarding my restoration of a Vintage Freddie Grubb Meteor Frame No 6473 of around 1954/55.

This time I decided I was not going to skimp the project and it was going to be built with Campagnolo Parts 1960’s Vintage. I have spent all this year searching on eBay and other websites acquiring all the parts I need. This is not a cheap way to build a bike but as I wanted all parts to be NOS or Excellent unworn condition I had little choice. I acquired three sets of Campagnolo Record High Flange Hubs in nice condition. Two 36 hole sets and one 28 hole set. All except the 28 hole rear (which is unused NOS) I have replaced all the bearing cups, cones and bearings. To build the wheels I decided to build two sets, First set to be 27’ X 1” for which I acquired four Weinmann LP18 NOS Rims (good 27” rims are hard to obtain, mine came from a seller in Canada). Second set to be built using 28 hole hubs and I found NOS Mavic Open SUP 700c rims, I have three of these, giving me one spare if needed. Being all aluminium finish the rims will not look out of place on such an old frame. I found on eBay some Campagnolo Brake Drop Spindles to facilitate the 700c rims.
The wheels are being built by STRADA Wheels of Worthing.

I have manage to purchase all the rest of the Campagnolo Components, Crank Set, Pedals, Brakes, Headstock Bearing NOS in box, Front Derailleur NOS in box, Rear Derailleur, Saddle Stem NOS in box. I was fortunate to find NOS full sets of Campagnolo Brake and Gear Cable Kits in Sealed Packs. I have also bought a number of Freewheel Blocks NOS in their boxes. Two Regina Chains in original sealed packs.

For the frame restoration I settled on Mercian Cycles of Derby. They build beautiful Road Bikes and have a restoration section and I found other Freddie Grubb owners have used them and sung their praises so in September I took the frame up to Derby and await completion of required modifications and repairs plus a full paint job.
On inspection of the frame they found a chainstay was damaged so they both have been replaced. I wanted the frame adapted for 10 Speed (2 Speed front 5 Speed rear). Fork Stem needed shortening by 2mm to suit Campag Headstock Bearing and Front and Rear forks spread to 100mm Front and 120mm Rear.

I have spoiled myself with a new Brooks B17 Titanium Frame Saddle in Honey finish and matching Handlebar Tape.

Mercian Cycles of Derby completed the frame restoration and painting this week and I drove up and collected it Thursday 14th December.
Very pleased with the result and so spent the time since assembling all the components onto the frame.

Bike is now ready to ride though I have not recovered from my broken thigh/hip well enough to ride it yet. probably won't now be until the better weather in Spring before I am able.

Most components are Vintage Campagnolo Record/Gran Sport, except Stem is GB Biba, Bars are Cinelli, Saddle is Brooks B17 Honey Titanium Rails, Bar Tape Brooks Honey Leather, Rims Mavic Open SUP, Tyres Schwalbe.

Here are some photos showing the finished bike:-
http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/usyou ... d.jpg.html
http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/usyou ... i.jpg.html
http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/usyou ... l.jpg.html
http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/usyou ... u.jpg.html
http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/usyou ... 3.jpg.html
http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/usyou ... c.jpg.html
http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/usyou ... k.jpg.html

term1te

You've built yourself a very fine bike there. I hope it rides as well as it looks, and that you're fit enough to take her out in some early spring sun. Chapeau

PeterLYoung

Term1te wrote:

You've built yourself a very fine bike there. I hope it rides as well as it looks, and that you're fit enough to take her out in some early spring sun. Chapeau

I have now ridden it twice and very pleased how it rides, it is bit 'frisky' due to frame angles of 72 x 72 deg but this is not a fault, I love it.
Gears/brakes etc work fine, so far it has no faults, going to enjoy this in the summer!!!!