Chopper Central

Mark’s Raleigh Chopper SE has been his from new, so it was only right that we returned it to ‘as-new’ condition, so it can be enjoyed for another 50 years. Launched to celebrate the 750,000 sales of the Raleigh Chopper, the SE was launched in 1976. Some refer to it as the silver jubilee, but it did come a year earlier than the Queens 25th year on the throne. All original parts have been restored and the seat repaired in a few very minor areas. The main frame itself was in pretty poor state, so 4 new tubes were used, plus the seat bracket re-done, as well as the stand fitting end re-shaped. It’s great to save the iconic bikes. Thank you for trusting us with your project Mark.
ChopperCentral.co.uk
- “They’re only original twice!” 😉

Somewhere in the world, there is a set of Miss-matched left-hand, long reflector MK2pedals, as I have the set of right-hand ones. Some chump sold me them as a pair and I didn’t unwrap them. Does anybody have a nice left-hand pedal that thecould sell me, or swap for a right-hand? Thanks in advance. Paul

Like his MK2 5-Speed Pinky, Mitchelle brought to us, his MK2 UV had also need treated to a similar level of restoration, which didn’t match Mitchelle’s desire. So again, we striped and restored every part that was sub-standard, which has resulted in another great one saved. Thanks again for trusting us with your projects Mitchelle.
ChopperCentral.co.uk - “They’re only original twice!” 😉

Paul’s and Mark’s SE frame sets looking much more presentable now. We find silver the hardest colour to pull-off, on a 50 year-old frame set, as they always seem to be more pitted. Maybe it’s something to do with the original paint application? Paul is building his bike himself, but Marks is a full build here and I will post some completed shots over the next few days. Thanks for trusting us with your projects guys.
ChopperCentral.co.uk - “They’re only original twice!” 😉

Mitchelle’s MK2 5-Speed Pinky came to us previously restored, but wasn’t to his liking or standard. The colour was a little off and not that well executed, but some re-chromed parts were OK. The frame set itself was really corroded and pitted, so went back and forwards to the paint shop for more and more high-build primer, until we were satisfied with the preparation. A new old stock derailleur was sourced from over the pond, as the original one was too far gone to save. All parts that needed it were re-chromed, with the finished bike ready for its next chapter. Thank’s trusting us with you bike Mitchelle. A very satifying build.
ChopperCentral.co.uk - “They’re only original twice!” 😉

A ‘Pinky’ and a ‘Blacky’. Laurence was never enamoured with the only factory paint option of the 5-Speed Raleigh Chopper MK2, so we have gone in a different direction. It will wear standard factory prismatic decals, on the jet black paint. Mitchelle is sticking with the original colour, so it will be nice to see these side-by-side, later this week.
ChopperCentral.co.uk “They’re only original twice!” 😉

How about this for a great temporary fix, for a broken rear frame. This repair has now been done properly, with a sympathetic repaint of the repaired area. I guessing that with the seat back on, it shouldn’t stand-out as an obvious repair.

When painting an SE frame set, it has to be faultless, unless every tiny fault is exaggerated by the silver. Paul’s instructions - “I’d like it minty-mint, please”.
From where we stated, we’ve come a long way. Thank you for trusting us with the paintwork Paul.
ChopperCentral.co.uk - “They’re only original twice!” 😉

WANTED - Raleigh Tomahawk MK1 front rod brake part. Does anybody have one of the ringed rods available? This part has been mis-placed and rest is useless without it. I did buy one firm an online seller, but now it has arrived, it’s missing the inner bar and end.
Thanks in advance

I’ve posted pictures of Steve’s completed crossover earlier in the week, but Steve has now sent pictures of what it looked like, when found - including a lovely set of Ali’ MK3 wheels and MK2 rear mudguard, amongst other sperious bits.
ChopperCentral.co.uk “They’re only original twice!” 😉