Healing Skylark New Zealand Built Road Bike - Rebuild

A vid of me bringing a Healing Skylark XII back into service and on the road whilst keeping a bit of smoothed out patina throughout to show its years of service.
The Skylark was built in New Zealand by Healing in the mid 1980’s. One of two main cycle companies in the country at the time (the other being Morrison Industries). New Zealand during this period had tight trade laws meaning most of our bikes had to be up to around 90% NZ made at one point. The late 80’s saw trade laws change and go more international. As consumers we got a wider range of things at great prices, but as a result the New Zealand bicycle industry (and may other industries) folded and died. Healing (and Morrison) went under and became history.
The Skylark, like so many other 10-12 speeders from the 60’s on was not a true racing bike - just a sporty looking heavy roadster with gears. None the less, 12 (and many more 10) speeds like the Skylark propelled a generation of Kiwi’s to school, work and play just before the mountain bike style took over for many of us. Ones that have not made it to landfill seem to have survived reasonably well… but most no doubt have long been buried or melted down as scrap.
Healing sold the Skylark with a lifetime guarantee on the frame. It outlasted the company and looks to have years of function left in it!
Healing Skylark
Original price: ~$369NZD
Gears: 12 (42/52 front x 14-26 rear)
Wheels: 27 x 1 1/4 Inch Steel
Music by: Bensound.com/royalty-free-music
License code:
Love - KNHJPNA5L0E5ARRR
New Dawn - GI6QCRKFJSDOAJLU

[@genelewis2452]

I like the pink gloves! How long did you work on it?

[@MikeHawkey]

I find pink gloves work fastest! On/off over a few months when time allowed. Cheers!

[@sandrolopez8463]

4:37 Which kind of paint did you use and where you got it from?

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi, the paint is Humbrol enamel - made for models really, but a large color selection. Generally available at any model making stores, some toy stores that sell kits and similar.

[@sandrolopez8463]

Thanks, I have the same bike that I am trying to patch the rusty spots, which colour did you pick up @@MikeHawkey

[@MikeHawkey]

@@sandrolopez8463 nice. This one was ‘gloss 19’ - not quite a perfect match, but not bad for the $z

[@sandrolopez8463]

Thanks @@MikeHawkey

[@Saints66]

Just came across this. Great vid of a classic solid performer. Unfortunately they don’t build them like this now.