80s Wilson BMX Help / Info

[ultra_aeroburnernev]

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

[snav69]

PM Matt, he may be able to help ya' 

http://www.radbmx.co.uk/forum/index.php'topic=86037.0

 

[jp-rebel]

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.

[bmxmatt1974]

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. 

[jp-rebel]

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
 

[splodge]

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. 

[daz bmx it!]

Easy to spot as they had a 5" headtube

[bmxmatt1974]

Not  all of them had 5" head tube

[LucyLastic]

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.

[LucyLastic]

Got these pics to hand but won't really help you with restoration...




My brother is on a Wilson (2nd from left, no. 11)

[monkian]

Sounds like your mate's got an interesting piece of British BMX history
Great pics. It'll be good watching this thread develop.

[jp-rebel]

Some more Bitd pics I have found:




ultra_aeroburnernev lets see some pics of your mates Wilson .

[monkian]

That shot by the Cortina / Granada is quality

[jp-rebel]

That shot by the Cortina / Granada is quality

I know check the Pringle Jumper and 4 Stripe Trainers.

[bmxmatt1974]

That shot by the Cortina / Granada is quality

thats steve wilson leanin on the car

[bmxmatt1974]

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!!

[lmmrst]

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!

[cheese2222001]

POsted a few pics already, but here she is!



Sorry for the pants pic, its of the moby!

Rides sweet as tho!!!!!

Cheese

[monkian]

Nice looking frames, the pair of em
What are the welds like?

[lmmrst]

POsted a few pics already, but here she is!



Sorry for the pants pic, its of the moby!

Rides sweet as tho!!!!!

Cheese

omg that takes me back ummmm 25 years ish!!! cheers for pic 

[bmxmatt1974]

here is the test taken from bmx news paper, july 1981







 

[cheese2222001]

Nice looking frames, the pair of em
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

[monkian]

Nice looking frames, the pair of em
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
So will we be seeing a resto thread from you soon? What's the plan?

[cheese2222001]

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!

[jp-rebel]

Lovin this thread true British quality.I need one.