BLACKBIRD (Skylark Convertible)

[Chad T]

Oh good...was wondering about the front fender being deeper than the rear in the last pic of the bike. Makes sense.

 

[The Renaissance Man]

I made both fenders (front and rear) deeper than the original Bluebird/Skylark fenders for a couple of reasons.

First because they need a little extra material to allow for imperfections when they're removed from the mold. But I also added even more than that just for the option of keeping them a little beefier than stock for custom applications other than the Elgins. That's the same logic for making the duck tail into a mullet! For this bike I'm going to try to strike a balance somewhere in between stock and custom.

These can actually fit over 29ers tires too!

 

[OddJob]

Versatility, thy name is TRM.

 

[The Renaissance Man]

To get a nice smooth radius along the trimmed edge, I first took the bulk of it off with a belt sander and then hand sanded it with a curved sanding block.

Here it is sanded and in the first coat of black primer.

 

[kingfish254]

Looks a little like Billy Ray Cyrus with sideburns.

Nah, looks great with that fork!!!!!

 

[The Renaissance Man]

I'd say more like Joe Dirt.

 

[kingfish254]

I'd say more like Joe Dirt.

NAILED IT!!!!

 

[The Renaissance Man]

Some of the rusty parts had already been media blasted early on. If I had left them alone I would probably be more inclined to run with the tried and true rusty rat routine but they couldn't be left like they were.

To paint the hubs and the crank I broke out the triangle painting jig again. Turns out it is pretty versitile with a little creative bailing wire lacing!

The gloss black was planned from the start so no need to change at this point.

Now that I'm seeing some paint going on I'm reinspired to try to get as much of my original paint scheme finished in the next three weeks as I can. Who knows, maybe it will go quicker and easier than I'm thinking it will.

 

[The Renaissance Man]

Didn't have much time at all today but even the smallest amount of progress is still progress.

The original 1936 Skylark dogleg crank and chainring is done.

The threads were taped over so that no paint interfered with the assembly.

 

[The Renaissance Man]

Did a quick mock up with the black primer fenders just before dark this evening.

Kinda liking the black. I may keep heading down that path for now. It all has to be stripped and primed at some point anyway.

 

[sandman]

Golly gee willikers !

 

[OddJob]

I like the black, with the natural patina parts the way it is. Kind of a 'dark side' Bluebird.

Speaking of birds....

 

[MazdaFlyer]

I like the black, with the natural patina parts the way it is. Kind of a 'dark side' Bluebird.

Speaking of birds....

With Halloween around the corner maybe you could adopt a little blackbird buddy to compliment the primer going on. Bird is the word...Build is looking great as usual.


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[OddJob]

With Halloween around the corner maybe you could adopt a little blackbird buddy to compliment the primer going on. Bird is the word...Build is looking great as usual.


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Oh, I 'flipped' him a bird awhile back. Waiting to see if it makes the cut.

 

[kingfish254]

Looking great. Been watching the fender process so long that i forgot what the build plan was . It all flows very well.

 

[bikewhorder]

Did a quick mock up with the black primer fenders just before dark this evening.

View attachment 101878

Kinda liking the black. I may keep heading down that path for now. It all has to be stripped and primed at some point anyway.

It's sexy...

 

[Duchess]

More a raven than a lark now! I think that will look better than chrome.

 

[The Renaissance Man]

Golly gee willikers !

Gee, thanks

I like the black, with the natural patina parts the way it is. Kind of a 'dark side' Bluebird.

Speaking of birds....

With Halloween around the corner maybe you could adopt a little blackbird buddy to compliment the primer going on. Bird is the word...Build is looking great as usual.

SkyDarkLark

Oh, I 'flipped' him a bird awhile back. Waiting to see if it makes the cut.

Shhhh

Looking great. Been watching the fender process so long that i forgot what the build plan was . It all flows very well.

Yeah, me too! Finally starting to have fun building again.

It's sexy...

This makes me a little queasy.

More a raven than a lark now! I think that will look better than chrome.

If the chrome had been good I would've kept it. But I'm liking the black too!

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

I like the black, with the natural patina parts the way it is. Kind of a 'dark side' Bluebird.

Speaking of birds....

Code name: Blackbird


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[Dr. Tankenstein]

Or.....”Quoth the Raven “Nevermore.””



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