Huffy Cranbrook "LocoJoe" chop.

[horsefarmer]

Picked up a China Huffy Cranbrook frame. Put some mismatched vintage wheels and tires on it and peeled off the stickers.

Rode OK. but wanted to try a "LocoJoe" type chop.
Here it is.

Uhh, got a little carried away with the disc grinder!

Memo to self, Next time remove chain guard before tightening strap!

Next step try to weld it back up without burning holes with my stick welder!

 

[LukeTheJoker]

I love a LocoJoe chop!
I wonder if considering the damage to the top tubes, it wouldn't be better to join them at the seat tube and cut the forward parts off? Going to be a lot of work to repair those cuts in the front area...

Luke.

 

[horsefarmer]

I love a LocoJoe chop!
I wonder if considering the damage to the top tubes, it wouldn't be better to join them at the seat tube and cut the forward parts off? Going to be a lot of work to repair those cuts in the front area...

Luke.

I cut the messes up tubes off, was gonna replace with some rod stock but did not like the look. then I swapped the tubes around and now it looks like this.
Gonna try welding it up. Took bike for a test ride last night and rode pretty good. Free Mongoose seat is not good fit for me tho...

 

[franconuevo]

Cool HF. I want to try that LJChop like that.
the chain- stays actually bend 'up' right?.... giving the appearance of the seat moved way down like that.

yesterday I picked up a OP Roller cruiser for chump change, less than the cost of a tire at WallMart
I din't know it's all aluminum frame till I got it home..d my toy welder won't weld aluminum.
back to bolt on if I do it on that one, but, I might just fix and flip.

I have an older Huffy Hermosa beach cruiser with tons o' character., maybe on that one.... hmmmm....ya got me thinking now....

 

[horsefarmer]

Yes, It's really fun to "mess" with a frame design.

Because I ground the heck out of the canti tubes removing the welds to the top tube, I cut 'em off. Was going to use some steel rod to replace the tubes, then I flipped them around and liked the look.

Only have an old ac stick welder and gotta be careful working with the thin stuff.

 

[Richard Coers]

As Clint Eastwood said, "A man has to know his limitations." I suggest you work your design ideas, tack the tubes, then take it to a professional for the final welding.

 

[horsefarmer]

I have done some primer and bondo on the welds.

Changed the seat and post.

Rides a little different, but pretty comfortable.

 

[ADVHOG]

I like it! I have a couple of generic canti frames in the rafters. One of them might get this treatment!

 

[horsefarmer]

Thanks! Most amazing thing is looking for a comfortable seat for the home made lay back seat post. I picked up a used Wilderness trail bikes seat at a swap this spring for $5 and tried it on a Schwinn Collegate and did not like it at all. But on this bike with the pedals forward it's comfy.

 

[horsefarmer]

As Clint Eastwood said, "A man has to know his limitations." I suggest you work your design ideas, tack the tubes, then take it to a professional for the final welding.

Just had to reply about the welds. I know they are ugly but if you notice I placed a thick steel bar ahead of the seat tube and tied the canti tubes going down to the drop outs here.

All welds are under compression and it is not going anywhere. Used short steel rods to join the forward canti rods to the rear ones but they are more decorative than structural. If any of my welds are critical I back them up with a mechanical fastener. Finally I test the finished product on a 5 mile gravel road!

 

[aka_locojoe]

Good idea with the cantilever tubes. Looks good!

 

[horsefarmer]

Thank you Randy! I have to tell you this is a fun project!

 

[horsefarmer]

Added a vintage red/white crashbar seat.

Did some rustification next.

 

[horsefarmer]

Some possible chain guards...

 

[Jaypem]

The third chain guard down is cool !
These are fun to ride for sure !!

 

[us56456712]

I think the 4th one down, flows the best with the bike. You need to post it under Show me your Cranbrook.

 

[horsefarmer]

Yes, that's what I thought too. Will post it there when complete.

 

[horsefarmer]

Found some navy blue matte finish rustoleum to refinish some paint, added beige 2 tone, added more rust.

Found cool old blue seat at swap.

Added Hawthorne chainguard and old JC Higgins pedals.

Welded bolt to kickstand for stability.

Gotta get a better S7 tire for the rear that one is really looking scary.

 

[horsefarmer]

Swapped in some better old tires Schwinn s7 rear, Goodyear Thunderbolt GT front.

Lubed front axle and rear Bendix.

Added swap meet generator headlight...

 

[horsefarmer]

So I'm riding this bike and a weird rattle when peddling. Greased the hubs, still have the noise. Oil the pedals, still rattles! Could not remember if I greased the bottom bracket when I picked up the frame. Because crank spun free and no slop I did not worry about it. Finally bit the bullet and opened it up - NO GREASE AT ALL! With grease the rattle is gone.