Anyone have at set of rearsets?

[Orgasmatron]

Looking at the photo of John Hartshorne bump-starting his bike, on the rear page of the latest Yowl, I am reminded that I was wondering where I could obtain a set of rearsets to fit to my bike.
I notice that the lever on the RHS in the photo, is used for a foot change. However, I need the lever for the rear brake (and retain the hand change). The LHS is obviously a foot rest only.
Does anyone have a set or know where I can get some, or does Mr. Marshall have them all on his TT bikes?
Chris.

[BRIAN MARSHALL]

Hi, The four 1928 TT bikes that I have owned (still have one), had rather agricultural, very long footrest hangers that bolted onto the usual two bolt holes to the rear of the flat section on the bottom frame rails, putting the actual footrest about inline with the gearbox layshaft. The 1929 TT bike that I am just finishing has a much nicer and lighter arrangement, with much shorter hangers that bolt on using the same hollow bolt that also secures the rear of the gearbox tray. This again puts the footrest about in line with the gearbox layshaft. Both types of course prevent the provision of a kickstart, so they are ‘run-and-bump’ machines only. This arrangement means that the TT machines also have rearset brake pedals too, pivotting in a lug on the frame that is on the lower frame-stay section of the frame. As of course all these machines are hand gearchange there is nothing for the rider’s left foot to do, but if you want a R/H footchange you will have to rig up both a L/H rearset brake pedal, and a R/H rearset gear lever, not easily done….
If I were you I would have a close look at the ex-John Hartshorne machine, now owned by Martin Heckscher, to give you some ideas. Also look in the book called “The First Scott Scene”, as there are some racers in there with different arrangements.
It’s your bike, but I would urge you NOT to mutilate any original Scott components in this exercise !
Brian

[Orgasmatron]

Thanks for that Brian.
Unfortunately, the original bolt-on footrests are rather mutilated (both the brackets and foot rests are bent and out of shape – one of the brackets has also been extended badly).
If I could locate a set of original TT Rep footrests in good shape, I would be happy to fit them.
The rear sets were only a passing thought.
Regards.
Chris.

[BRIAN MARSHALL]

Hi again. If you own an angle grinder, some good files, a piece of 5/16″ steel plate, and some 1/2″ diameter steel bar, they are not difficult to make, and I have made lots in the past. The only real engineering bit is reducing the ends of the rests and putting a 3/8″ BSCY thread onto them. You will also need someone to weld the rests into the hangers. The right-hand side one will also need bending so that it clears the gearbox, and this has to be done with the steel heated up to a bright red heat with an oxyacetylene flame. Over 25 years ago I went to my local technical college and enrolled on a City and Guilds Welding and Fabrication course, funded by the National Coal Board, for their apprentices to attend. It was a great experience, and not only did I learn a lot of metalworking stuff…. I was able to use all their machinery and welding kit, years before I had my own ! All sorts of Scott parts got made and repaired for only the cost of enrolling on the course ! If you don’t fancy all the angle grinder cutting you could just take a couple of plywood, even cardboard, patterns to a local general engineering place, and get them to laser cut or plasma cut the shapes for you, but don’t forget that the bending of the R/H one will foreshorten its effective length, so the pattern will have to be longer than the L/H one.
Brian

[Orgasmatron]

Thanks Brian. Do you know anyone who can supply a replica rear mudguard, by any chance?
Regards.
Chris.

[BRIAN MARSHALL]

Renovation Spares (Pete Lovatt), see adverts in ‘Old Bike Mart’, sell suitable ‘blanks’ of the correct radius and ‘D’ cross section, and then you will have to sort out the indents for chainguard, etc., with a local sheetmetal firm.
Brian

[Orgasmatron]

Thanks Brian.
Here’s another one for you. The original seat frame on my 1930 TT Rep, has an upstand at the rear (unlike a modern replica, which I also have). Do you know who the manufacturer would have been (it would be nice to have the manufacturer’s bage on the rear, if I can find one). I assume that I will have to have it recovered in leather, as it doesn’t have the original cover.
Regards.
Chris.

[BRIAN MARSHALL]

Hi Chris,
Leightons, who advertise in ‘Old Bike Mart’ etc., can do a fine job of recovering your saddle. At various bike shows I have seen repro’ saddle labels, mainly Lycett, but also Terry, and Jones. The Scott factory usually fitted Lycett saddles in the late vintage era, right through to the end of production at Shipley in 1950. The saddles with the upstand you describe were fitted on various large capacity bikes, typically Brough Superior, Matchless Model X, etc., so Leightons will be able to renovate it for you. Do ask if they will blast and repaint the frame or want you to do it before posting to them…
Brian

[Orgasmatron]

Thanks for the info Brian. I will get in touch with them.
Chris.

[flyingsquirrel]

I still have some of the late 20s style “D” section rear mudguards that i had Chris Williams make from my very battered original many, many years ago…..Unfortunately, packed, it is a quite large package making shipping a little pricey.

[Orgasmatron]

Many thanks for the offer Flyingsquirrel. However, I managed to get one made up for me in England.
Chris.

[Author]

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