Spitfire 5 - The Cal Custom Cruiser Treatment

Robertk · Nov 30, 2023

So BITD, RRS built a Cal Custom Cruiser using a 1979 Schwinn Spitfire 5 as the foundation. The bike was featured in a BMX magazine listing out all of the parts. The article said RRS spent over $1,000 to build the bike. That would be $4,032.45 dollars in 2023!. Some of the parts used on the original build are super hard to find (can you say Phil Wood drum brake?

), so I plan to make this more of a tribute rather than an exact copy. Here are some pictures of what I'm starting with. The color scheme will be black and gold.

Robertk · Nov 30, 2023

26” Tange fork I’ll be using

Robertk · Nov 30, 2023

Frame and fork

Robertk · Nov 30, 2023

Ukai rims with rear Shimano drum brake and front NOS gold Shimano BMX hub.

Robertk · Nov 30, 2023

MattiThundrrr · Dec 1, 2023

Killer plan. Following with much interest

Robertk · Dec 3, 2023

There’s no Phil Wood drum brake in this build, but there are Phil Wood spokes! Hahaha

MattiThundrrr · Dec 3, 2023

Ooh la la!

BartRidesEternal · Dec 4, 2023

Very nice start!

Robertk · Dec 4, 2023

Robertk · Dec 9, 2023

The original bike had the springs on a Mesinger seat, K&N bars, and cable clips brass plated. I could not find a brass player locally, and I suspect the cost would be prohibitive. Instead, I contacted Chip at C4 labs in Delaware. He was able to powder coat the springs, bars and cable clips in gold that mimicked polished brass. I decided to go with a Brooks saddle instead of a Mesinger seat. Here are some before and after pics of the seat springs -