Unearthing a vintage bicycle gem

IT’S long been a fortunate thing for our history that “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure”.

Max Grigg, a passionate restorer of items from our past, found one such treasure when his son bought a property in the Riverina of New South Wales. Under a tree, abandoned and quietly rusting away, he spied an old and very unique bicycle.

Bringing it home, he began a restoration that revealed a bicycle, possibly circa 1950s or 60s, that would have given many hours of pleasure for a child with even a sidestep for one lucky passenger.

The chariot frame had to be cut from the bike so the restoration could begin. The steering and pedals were completely seized and there was surface rust all over.

The holes in the perforated mesh forming the base of the chariot were blocked with thick paint from a previous brush job. Max began clearing the holes with a pointed scriber but with many hundreds to clean he soon cast around for another method. A small drill provided a much better option, but it still took many hours.

Holes in the wheel rims had rusted so the wheel spokes were dismantled. Replacing the spokes proved to be a real puzzle and eventually Max had to admit defeat and send the wheels and original spokes away to be reunited.

Next the axles, pedals and steering shaft all needed new bearings before the chariot was once more welded to the frame.

With the bicycle starting to take shape again it was primed, and a family debate took place on the important question of choosing a paint colour. BP-green won out for the topcoat.

New tyres and tubes were fitted before the finishing touches, a new seat and handle grips.

The restoration process was for Max both fun and a challenge. The project was a window to the country children who must have spent many happy hours whizzing around the farm and a nod to the probable fond parent or grandparent who dreamed up such an original bicycle. Or is it a tricycle?

Visit the 39th Korumburra Swap Meet to unearth your own vintage gem.

Sunday January 14 from 6am at the Korumburra Showgrounds.

Entry $5 per person - kids free