Dear CR Listmembers,
Perhaps some of you will recall seeing a rather sad looking Hetchins curly for sale on the http://www.flashq.de site this past December and January. The photo showed a yellow bike leaning against a chickenwire fence. It was identified as a Brilliant "Circuit of Britain" sold from Hetchin's shop in 1964, serial # H27779. David Miller confirmed from the serial number that the frame was constructed in 1959.
I bought this bicycle and had it shipped directly to Argos Racing Cycles in Bristol for restoration of the frame. I am the third owner. The first owner, a teenager, had the frame repainted in yellow. My initital plan was to have the frame restored to its original color, but Argos tells me that they can't determine the original finish. The headbadge is also missing.
Can anyone tell me how I could get the proper headbadge?
I am also looking for suggestions on typical paint schemes for a Brilliant of this period. There is no chrome on the frame or fork. I am aiming for a period-correct finish. Would the 1962 Brilliant on the flashq site be a good guide?
Also, what are the correct transfers? I don't think the elaborate "Coronation" pattern is right.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Very truly yours,
Chris Cleveland
Minneapolis, Minnesota