Viscount grand prix

jmac, welcome to this forum.

I've been a member for about 8 months and have learned things about my bikes that have helped me to improve and enjoy them so much more.

I don't have a Grand Prix myself, but I'm sure someone who has will be along shortly to give you some answers to your questions.

The feeling on here is that Viscount as a brand has been unfairly overlooked among the "British Classics", due in some part to most Google searches leading you to horror stories about the aluminium "Death Forks", which you seem to be aware of.

Most Viscount frames are well made and can be restored to their former glory very easily and (usually) cheaply, to turn them into very enjoyable regular rides. The fillet-brazed 'Aerospace' models are particularly good.

All I'd say is don't throw anything away, especially if your local bike shop tells you 'we can't get parts for those any more'. Replacement parts are all out there somewhere, half the fun is tracking them down.

The search for parts does throw up another problem, though. You will come across complete bikes that have the part you are looking for, often offered at a price lower than you think the part might be on its own. That's how your Viscount collection starts!

We're planning a relaxed get-together in June/July time, probably somewhere in the (English) Midlands. It's a good opportunity to chat face-to-face and share a beer with people who have done what you are planning. See the 'DFR4' thread.

Great to have you along for the ride - good luck with your restoration. Pictures are always welcome here once you work out how to post them.

Thanks guys for your posts, I will get a few photos up on line soon.

In the meantime to answer a question , yes the bike does have lugs on the frame.

Will get back soon

Thanks.

Hi, yes its quite like yours except for a few things. My derailer is a simplex one. My Wheels arent original either. Colour is exact match and decals match up too.

Have you any idea what year it is?

I will post some pics shortly also will be looking for advice as what to do about restoring it??

Thanks J.

Will sort that out tonight when I get home from work. Will post later, thanks.

This is my grand Prix , anyone know anything about this model?

Looks like both of you have quite nice bikes, that other thread is entertaining.

I will say it again, I think a number of models from Viscount were not all that common here, Aerospaces are seen and Sebrings but I have not seen a Grand Prix.

There's nothing wrong with Left-hand drive bikes! (I've set mine up that way ever since I lived in Canada for a spell).

If you have a look at my restoration thread (imaginatively titled "Restoring my Viscount") it will show you what a respray can do. - I had mine sandblasted and powder-coated.

Viscount produced bikes from 1973/4 until they went bust in 1983, and the styling is from the later part of that era. I have a couple of bikes from nearer the end of production, which are styled differently, so I'd say the latest your bike was made is probably mid-1982.