Wind, ocean spray, grime, and rental use will win the war against the most diligent of maintenance and upkeep. Replacing your fleet, even if only a percentage, is a large investment to undertake. Customers equate a polished fleet with safety and professionalism, and since the Surrey is the cornerstone of our brand, it’s important to keep these iconic cycles running smoothly and looking great.

So, if the Surreys in your fleet are showing substantial signs of wear and tear, here are the steps you should take to refurbish them back to almost new condition.

Research and Find a Reputable Powder Coating Company

It will take some time to research local powder coating companies. Make sure to inquire if sandblasting (in preparation for the powder coating) is included in the cost. If not, costs will skyrocket if you use separate providers. Ask for an estimate and an opportunity to see samples of their work. Once you find a company you’re happy with, it’s time to get the cycle ready.

Think Ahead

Determine an identification system so you’ll be able to match the frame with its corresponding hardware. Keeping a cycle’s hardware together is essential, since hits, bumps, and general wear and tear will often mean that reassembly will be easier if everything came from the original bike. WFR Central’s mechanics mark the Surrey cup with an identifying mark and then place all parts in a box with the same mark to prevent them from being lost.

Dismantle the Surrey

Start dismantling the cycle. The basket, lacing, top posts, fenders, canopy, webbing, wheels, and all moving parts (gears, pedals, cranks, and cables) need to be removed and placed in the marked box. While you strip the cycle down, take notice of parts that need to be replaced. Replacements can easily be organized by using the refurbishment checklist. Once the Surrey is down to the frame, it’s time to send it to the professionals.

They’ll sandblast the frame first, and once it’s down to the metal, they’ll apply the powder coat. Central has all the specific color codes to ensure the powder coat will be identical. Order any replacement parts at this stage so you will have them when the Surrey returns from powder coating. Central’s head mechanic, Max, highly recommends that you replace all bearings and critical parts to ensure the Surrey is running as smoothly as possible. Replacing the bearings, chains, and cables will be the easiest when the Surrey is completely disassembled and will ensure that your customers have a smooth ride to go with the shiny cycle. Reorder any parts by emailing parts@wheelfunrentals.com.

Reassemble the Surrey
The frame will come back looking practically brand new. You’ll want to inspect for any bare spots or defects, but once you’re satisfied with the workmanship, it’s time to put everything back together. Using the identifying mark on the Surrey, find the corresponding box of hardware and use our Surrey schematic to reassemble the cycle. Things like bearings, brake cables, cranks, steering springs, and seats may need to be replaced before being assembled. If your canopy is worn, now is the time to replace with a bright new one. Nothing will look worse than a bright cycle with a dull top.

With the Surrey almost finished, it’s time to re-weave the basket seat. Rather than pay per hour, Brian recommends paying a fixed amount for each basket and asking the employee or mechanic to take it home. Paying per basket (Brian offers $20 per basket) will make people more likely to work efficiently than paying an hourly fee. Click here for a tutorial on how to re-weave the basket >

All parts are available for purchase through Wheel Fun Central, and as always, we’re here to answer any questions.

Refurbishing your fleet is the perfect off-season project. Not only will you be able to keep your mechanic employed during these slower months, but you’ll reinvest in your fleet by refreshing product for next season. Depending on use and your location(s) environment, refurbishments generally last an extra five to ten seasons. For around $1,000 to refurbish a Surrey, it makes sense to refresh rather than replace. If you don’t have the time or energy to devote to the refurbishment of product and you have people interested in purchasing an old Surrey, sell it off! Maybe you have old Surreys in your fleets that don’t have the features introduced a few years ago. Not only will you get all of the latest features and upgrades such as:

• Sleeveless bottom bracket axle which eliminates the use of the BB axle sleeves
• Cable clamp brake spring washers which prevent the spring from being caught in between cable anchor bolt
• Wheel covers
• Independent pedaling freewheel cranks
• Quick easy turnbuckle wheel alignment

Your staff and your customers will recognize and appreciate brand new cycles! Remember: Wheel Fun Central offers great extended payment terms so you don’t have to wait until you’re making money during the season to get a new bike shipped, assembled, and in place at your location!