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THE VINTAGE MOTORCYCLISTS WORKSHOP

RADCO (1987) FRANK FARRINGDON

About the Author

The pseudonym of Radco masks the identity of arch vintage motorcycle enthusiast Frank Farrington, whose interest in early bikes dates back to his schooldays in the immediate post-war years.

His divinity teacher at Ormskirk Grammar School, Lancashire, was an eccentric vicar who rode a rare (and rusty) two-stroke Douglas Bantam around the parish. Lessons were often overlooked as master and pupil discussed motorcycles, swapping magazines every Thursday. A fascination for vintage motorcycles developed and a 1916 belt-drive Radco was acquired for £3 and rebuilt in a hen-shed by the light of acetylene gas.

Over the years to come most weekends were spent either restoring, rallying or racing vintage bikes (the author can boast of having won a Belle Vue Speedway race on a 1926 two-speed Scott!) so laying the foundations for his widely acclaimed series of restoration articles in the Official Journal of the Vintage Motor Cvcle Club.

In spite of dire parental warnings about mis-spent youth he learned to fly in open-cockpit aeroplanes at the age of 17; an aviation career was not to be however, and he followed his father's footsteps into engineering.

Other interests encompass traditional jazz (playing that weird and wonderful vintage instrument, the Sousaphone) and vintage cars. Current project is a supercharged Austin Seven Ulster for VSCC events but he still finds time to contribute regularly to the Official Journal of the Vintage Motor Cycle Club and Classic Mechanics.

For sentimental reasons the pen-name of Radco was chosen for his series of technical articles, honouring the almost forgotten Birmingham motorcycle marque which sparked off his interest decades ago.

The Vintage Motorcyclists' Workshop

The central theme of this book is motorcycle restoration for the amateur enthusiast; the reader is thereby encouraged to attempt almost every aspect of the work himself, within the confines of his home workshop.

Veteran, vintage, and classic motorcycle owners will discover a wealth of information within these pages. The author, an experienced engineer and restorer, guides the reader through all the stages (and pitfalls) in the building of an old motorcycle in a straightforward manner.

Engine and gearbox reconditioning are dealt with in great detail and much of the information on carburation, magneto overhaul and electrical test procedures is gathered together in print for the first time. Even such "mystical arts" as wheelbuilding, electroplating and coachpainting are given full meas-ure, whilst beginners and experts alike will find the numerous tables and illustrations a valuable reference source for years to come.

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