Re: [CR]Reynolds 531 stamping, question

(Example: Events)

Date: Sun, 06 Mar 2005 22:36:28 -0600
From: "John Thompson" <JohnThompson@new.rr.com>
Organization: The Crimson Permanent Assurance
To: JB Froke <jbfroke@msn.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]Reynolds 531 stamping, question
References: <BAY11-DAV41F53F1B9B4DB04100B4C5B85F0@phx.gbl>
In-Reply-To:
cc: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

JB Froke wrote:
> Question for the experts: Does one normally expect to find a Reynolds
> stamping on the tubing of an assembled frame? Specifically, while
> sanding-down my 1960s Tigra (for a redux), I found stamped on both the
> down tube and top tube the word "REYNOLDS" and on the down tube added
> "REYNOLDS 531 ??? 20/23." I had not seen that before, and have relied
> on others to identify whether a bike was indeed built of 531 - if the
> decals were missing. So again, is it usual or unusal for such a
> stamping.

No; that's normal. The stamped end of the tube indicates the long butt -- where the builder should trim when cutting the tubes. All the main tubes, fork blades, and steer tube were stamped, but not the seat stays. 753 tubes were *NOT* stamped; the long butt end was indicated by a swatch of paint.
> (I assume the 20/23 means inside and outside diameter of the tube, but??

Actually the gauge of the wall, IIRC.

--
John (john@os2.dhs.org)
Appleton WI USA