First Rat Build '58 Tornado Frame (noob)

[Tornado57]

Howdy from somewhere between Western NY and the Fingerlakes. I "ended" my first Rat Rod build after 5 years (3 of which the bike sat waiting for me). The frame was 11/26/1958 Schwinn Tornado. I painted it 70s green to match my 78 VW Westy but plan to change it back to a barn red. (pics show the OG paint and details underneath.) The frame came from my grandfather's barn after he passed in 2006. It was my Uncle's bike when he was a kid and he added the Ape Hangers sometime in the late 60's early 70's (I'm guessing). the rest has been a complicated art project but I'm satisfied with the results (it actually rides)! I had taken apart and fixed single-speed cruisers before, but this was different. Enough talk, here are a few pics.
BTW, The only original parts which were on the bike when I got it are the crank and pedals.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

That's hot! Nice job

 

[Rat Pilot]

Love it!

 

[el Diablo Guapo]

Tell me about those rear extensions, and what is that plate by the seat post?

Very cool!

 

[Tornado57]

Tell me about those rear extensions, and what is that plate by the seat post?

Very cool!

The rear extensions are simply 2"x6" metal plates from the Hardwear store, with 4 predrilled holes. They are bolted directly to the dropouts and the hub sets inside the last hole.

The Plate by the seat post was on there when I got the bike from my Grandpa's barn. I'm guessing the frame was loose so he stabilized it by drilling thru the frame and mounting the bracket. I have never had any trouble with it.

 

[horsefarmer]

That green reminds me of a Ford Pinto wagon I had in the 70's.
Was pretty rusted so I patched it up and painted it with a cheesy little spray gun and a tiny airless compressor. Found a deal at a freight salvage place on a dented can of Clark forklift green. The rest is history.