Building my own Hikari (Part 2)

次回、この記事の日本語版を投稿します。

Thanks to two vintage Japanese bicycle fans, S-san and W-san we have had a rare opportunity to take a step back in time and view prestine examples of high-end models made by Hikari.

Since I already own a NOS Hikari frame I decided to build my own Hikari.  However, trying to find parts made over 55 years ago is not easy.  Trying to find specific parts by a specific manufacturer for a specific model is nearly impossible.  But, I managed to use genuine parts from the same period, early to mid-1950's, some genuine Hikari and some made by other manufacturers.

Original Hikari Parts:

Frame　Genuine　Hikari High-end Model


Fender ornament (Sorry link is in Japanese only)
Note the Hikari logo (光）not only in the center of the red portion, but also on the bolt heads.

Handlebars
Celluloid grips
Note the Hikari logo.
I received these from a fellow enthusiast who owns an exceptionally well maintanined Hidori.

Leather saddle (Sorry link is in Japanese only)
Has the logo on both sides of the saddle.

Genuine Hikari saddle badge on the rear of the saddle.

Genuine rear internal (expansion-type) drum brake

Non-original Parts
For the non-original parts I used parts from around the same period.  The non-original parts are:  the fenders, chaincase, fender stays, pedals, rear reflector, tires, tubes, rims, mudflap.

A few examples:
Daido Kogyo Roller Chain.

Note how each link bears the company logo.

Ebisu freewheel.(Sorry Ebisu HP is Japanese only)

Chaincase
This is a nice chaincase from the 1950's.
Note the hinge just below the crankwheel cover at 6 o'clock, and, the screw at 12 o'clock.  The design enables the front portion to be opened which comes in handy when attaching the chain to the crankwheel.

Also, note the transparent celluloid crankwheel cover.

BE Rim (Commonly known as Westwood Rim)
This particular one was obviously made for Sekine.

Tires are Japan Riken Rubber Company  

In the next English post we will take a look at the completed project.