If frame painting is just a *****, one recent endeavour in the cycle preservation has been more successful from my perspective: the reproduction of handlebar grips.
I have been working with the Lee-Healey Co. (successor to Britannia) in England in remanufacturing the classic grey rubber handlebar grips used by Raleigh Industries c. 1949-66. I got the sample today and it's a lovely piece of work indeed.
Anyway, these are for roadsters and "sports" bicycles and so of zero interest to you lot. But I also want very much to have replicas made of the classic 5-inch long light grey rubber "sleeve grips" used on British club and racing machines c. 1949-58. These were long enough to come up to the brake levers. Absolutely essential for any properly fitted club bike of the period.
Does anyone out there have a decent original he or she is willing to lend me? I need to send it to England for the mould to be made and it would be returned although the process can take about 6 weeks.
If you'd be willing to help in this endeavour, contact me privately. Thanks.
Peter Kohler
Washington DC USA