RADBMX.CO.UK
Technical & Reference Section => Tech and Restoration => Topic started by: ultra_aeroburnernev on February 22, 2010, 03:25 PM
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Hi All, my mate has just been given an 80s Wilson BMX, i cant find any info on these at all, any of you chaps got any info on these, or pics to help restore, Cheers Nev :D
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PM Matt, he may be able to help ya' ;)
http://www.radbmx.co.uk/forum/index.php'topic=86037.0
:coolsmiley:
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Steve wilson was a Frame builder based in Redditch West Midlands in the early 80's, I believe he made motocross frames before he tried his hand at BMX, My cousin had an extra long custom BMX f+f made by him BITD, if I remember correctly he manufactured an off the peg range as well as Frames, Forks ,Bars and Seat-posts to customers requirements and did not sell complete Bikes so your mate cant go wrong with any era correct parts, he also made the Frames for the Halfords race team. Hope my jaded memories are of some help.
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The first bikes made were sold as completes, these didnt have top quality parts on them though. I have a complete bike test in an old mag that I need to get scanned in. Later on it was mostly just frame, forks and bars that were sold.
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Matt the only complete I remember back in the day is this one that Halfords could build up to order based on the Frame, but as I say my memory is jaded ,cant wait to see your test scans as BITD I was a regular at both B'ham wheels and Redditch BMX Tracks so I saw loads about, I actually visited Wilson with my Uncle and Cousin to collect his Frame, god that Frame was long! I could hardly reach the Grips when sat on the saddle but then I was a Mongoose riding short ar$e :)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ee43/jp_rebel/img110.jpg)
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I remember seeing a Wilson freestyler F&F in Halfords in Bristol. It was priced at £89 & looked just like a gen1 Haro Master. Same underneath bottom gusset holding the down tube to the head tube. Same double top tubes but I cant remember the drop outs or if the forks looked the same. I only ever saw one at Halfords & it was just the F&F. This would have been around 82-83ish.
But your right, I've just looked on google & theres nothing about them. :-\
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Easy to spot as they had a 5" headtube :daumenhoch:
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Not all of them had 5" head tube :)
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In 1980, my brother got his Steve Wilson bmx with suspension forks I think, like a motocross bikes forks. I got my Wilson bike about 6mths later. They were complete bikes but he would put any parts on we wanted, for example, I remember having a yellow Elina seat with a red lightening streak on it. I have some old pics of the bike which I will dig out. I loved my Wilson.
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Got these pics to hand but won't really help you with restoration...
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/g116/annadapter/Group.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/g116/annadapter/IMG_2862.jpg)
My brother is on a Wilson (2nd from left, no. 11)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/g116/annadapter/IMG_0409.jpg)
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Sounds like your mate's got an interesting piece of British BMX history :daumenhoch:
Great pics. It'll be good watching this thread develop.
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Some more Bitd pics I have found:
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ee43/jp_rebel/img112.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ee43/jp_rebel/img113.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ee43/jp_rebel/img114.jpg)
ultra_aeroburnernev lets see some pics of your mates Wilson .
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That shot by the Cortina / Granada is quality ;D :daumenhoch:
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That shot by the Cortina / Granada is quality ;D :daumenhoch:
I know ;D check the Pringle Jumper and 4 Stripe Trainers.
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That shot by the Cortina / Granada is quality ;D :daumenhoch:
thats steve wilson leanin on the car :daumenhoch:
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just found the test and its from july 1981. will try and get it scanned over weekend. There is also a small add for wilson bikes in the issue and a complete is £120!!
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Hi guys still have my wilson but would lurveeeeeeee a wilson freestyler like i had back in the day!
Cant find any old pics of it either :'( :'( i remember she had skyways and thats about all!
(http://)(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/t248/lmmrst/DSCF0874.jpg)
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POsted a few pics already, but here she is!
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/p288/Cheese2222001/26022010153-1.jpg)
Sorry for the pants pic, its of the moby!
Rides sweet as tho!!!!!
Cheese
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Nice looking frames, the pair of em :daumenhoch:
What are the welds like?
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POsted a few pics already, but here she is!
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/p288/Cheese2222001/26022010153-1.jpg)
Sorry for the pants pic, its of the moby!
Rides sweet as tho!!!!!
Cheese
:smitten: :smitten: omg that takes me back ummmm 25 years ish!!! cheers for pic :daumenhoch: :daumenhoch:
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here is the test taken from bmx news paper, july 1981
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/y43/bmxmatt1974/20100227070441573_0001.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/y43/bmxmatt1974/20100227070441573_0002.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/y43/bmxmatt1974/20100227070441573_0003.jpg)
:daumenhoch:
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Nice looking frames, the pair of em :daumenhoch:
What are the welds like?
Fairly clean tbh, mines the freestyler and they look tidy for a cheapish bike!
Certainly lasted the test of time!
Cheese
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Nice looking frames, the pair of em :daumenhoch:
What are the welds like?
Fairly clean tbh, mines the freestyler and they look tidy for a cheapish bike!
Certainly lasted the test of time!
Cheese
That's true. Good to see British workmanship still going strong :daumenhoch:
So will we be seeing a resto thread from you soon? What's the plan?
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I'm not sure to be honest mate, in two minds at the minute. The chrome is pretty pitted in places, luckily the hidden places. Will either get a full re-chrome (I have no idea what this costs but expect it not to be cheap) or will go powder coated customised route.
As this bike was originally only available as a frame/forks/bars set not a complete bike i'm sure I wont upset to many by customising her.
Tough choice and a decision I will not rush, what do you think?
Cheese
P.S. If anyone can advise on chroming costs or even does chroming please get in touch!
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Lovin this thread 8) true British quality.I need one.
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here's a couple of wilson's i have in my british race frame collection,just looking for a 20" for a full set :daumenhoch:
20" mini
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/y77/sawzall717/IMG_1248.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/y77/sawzall717/IMG_1249.jpg)
24" cruiser
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/y77/sawzall717/IMG_0838.jpg)
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sawzall: Man those welds almost look like Race-Inc loveliness :shocked:
Don't you need both 20" & 20" Freestyler ;)
cheese: Please save up for a re-chrome. It deserves it :daumenhoch:
So are they Wilson Bars on your Freestyler?
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Yep Wilson Bars!
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/p288/Cheese2222001/27022010163.jpg)
Sorry pic taken from Moby!
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contact jon aka buttsbikeshop on here or Burnerworld via PM about the chroming and he might give you an estimated price
i wouldn't read anything into these been referred to as cheap in the mag review, affordable or good value for money would probably have been a better description
from the pics certainly doesn't look like quality was an issue, reynolds tubing and the welds look spot on
:daumenhoch:
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Just checked out your garage: http://www.radbmx.co.uk/forum/index.php'topic=104483
Man that's a really nice score and a freebie just to rub it in ;D
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Cheers!
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POsted a few pics already, but here she is!
Sorry for the pants pic, its of the moby!
Rides sweet as tho!!!!!
Cheese
That brings back memories! I always thought it was similar to a gen1 Master but looking at it now its more like a DP freestler with a bottom gusset, kind of a mix between the two. Which surely isnt a bad thing 8)
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I will dig the digital camera out and take some better pictures to post, overall she has cleaned up really nice. Could do with one or two new bits (decals, seatpost, chain and stem locking nut) but for a first ride in 20+ years i'm delighted. Can wait to get out on her in the summer with Nev and bringing her to MK10!
I was wondering if anyone could tell what model the calipers are? Deff MK Dia-Compes with quick release, dial adjuster and self centering. Again will grab a better pic.
Cheese
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sawzall: Man those welds almost look like Race-Inc loveliness :shocked:
Don't you need both 20" & 20" Freestyler ;)
cheese: Please save up for a re-chrome. It deserves it :daumenhoch:
So are they Wilson Bars on your Freestyler?
Steve used to braze, not weld on the original frames. He reckoned they flexed better and so didn't crack.
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:-X 8) :daumenhoch:
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Hi to all, just found this site and it's really cool. i know a little bit about these bikes i used to make the frames.
The welds are the best ever TIG welded frames-Renolds 531 tubing was the best made in Britain. delivered in 5m lenghts to telford shropshire, and cut to lenght in a small work shop in Gower Street St Georges. Rebel BMX made the Wilson range for halfords. they were only made in chrome.
It's Fantastic to see them again, i've got 2 frames 1 freesyle with the twin tube and a very rare stunt frame, also got the laid back handle bars and the stunt bars which have a dual cross member for standing on. the original stickers were of the American confederate flag, Blue skywag magII's.
I'm hoping to dig it all out this summer for my 8year old son.
Nice to know some like minded guys and galls are still out there.
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Hi,Bikebuilder,when you say the confed flag I take it you talking about the Rebel's, and when you say rare stunt bike do you meen like this old one of mine below that I sold last year?,post up some pics if you can, and if you ever want to sell a twin top tube Rebel or Wilson please let me know. :)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ee43/jp_rebel/PIC_0005-2.jpg)
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Can anyone help I am trying to contact Steve Wilson the Halfords BMX team manager in the 80's who was involved in the original Redditch BMX Track. Does anyone know of his whereabouts, all it is that I would like to send him a special guest invite for the new Redditch BMX Track opening on July 10th.
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BMXMATT1974 if thats still his id was pretty clued up on Wilson stuff might be worth dropping him a pm , unsure if a few people have tried to track Mr Wilson down before, if you mange to let us know as i sure there's a few people would like to get info on the frame sets, myself included, good look and keep us informed :daumenhoch:
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New Redditch BMX Track :coolsmiley: :coolsmiley: :coolsmiley: tell me more, what is the address? do you have any pics?.
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New Redditch BMX Track :coolsmiley: :coolsmiley: :coolsmiley: tell me more, what is the address? do you have any pics?.
look in the new school race section :daumenhoch: :daumenhoch:
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Steve wilson was a Frame builder based in Redditch West Midlands in the early 80's, I believe he made motocross frames before he tried his hand at BMX, My cousin had an extra long custom BMX f+f made by him BITD, if I remember correctly he manufactured an off the peg range as well as Frames, Forks ,Bars and Seat-posts to customers requirements and did not sell complete Bikes so your mate cant go wrong with any era correct parts, he also made the Frames for the Halfords race team. Hope my jaded memories are of some help.
errrrrrrrrrrrrrrr excuse me redditch is in worcestershire not west midlands.lol
lived in redditch 36 years and did not know they were made here
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errrrrrrrrrrrrrrr excuse me redditch is in worcestershire not west midlands.lol
lived in redditch 36 years and did not know they were made here
Steve was (at least from when I met him, mid 70s) in a workshop on the site of the police station but was still repairing motocross bike frames mainly. As BMX took off he moved to a bigger unit in the old Enfield(?) works at Batchley. At the time he lived in Winyates.
He first made frames and forks then went in for whole bikes. The frames were mild steel and brazed, made by himself on a jig of his own crafting, then chromed in Redditch. I know this because while still at school I worked for him on and off assembling bikes and drilling bits of frame etc. He let me design my own custom frame which he made and we used chro-moly for the forks, which was the first time he'd used it! This must have been the late 70s or perhaps early 80s. Last time I saw him was a few years later, he was making cruisers too by then and encouraging cruiser racing for older riders while managing the Halfords team.
Takes me back.