I might have missed it. Is that tank original to the bike?
I have one that looks the same but hasn't fit any frame I've ever had.
'53 Bel Airflow Shelby: The 7th Annual OddJob Awards! Pg 22!
- Thread starter OddJob
- Start date
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I have one that looks the same but hasn't fit any frame I've ever had.
Yep, it's original. Anyway it came with the frame and it fits the spot, so I'm assuming it is what it is.
Haha! I see Yoda now, see him I do.
I used a little effect on this, really stands out now.
I used a little effect on this, really stands out now.
Digging the fenders and the stealthy fire Yoda.
are you going to use 1953 Chevrolet colors ?
Digging that stem/bars setup on there!
Any chance we could get a wider ‘overall’ shot?
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Any chance we could get a wider ‘overall’ shot?
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I hope to get a test ride in on the '53BAFS early this week. Def 'overall' shots coming!
So, my friend Tom aka @KJV , asked about the 'original 1953 colors' for my build. I am going to replicate my dad's '53 Bel Air in that Woodland Green. Found an original GMC color Emerald Green which is very very close. Not sure if this bike will turn out to be completely 'shiny' or maybe a little 'vintage clean' look when I'm all done. It won't be showroom level though, after all this is Rat Rod Bikes. 
RaT oN~!
RaT oN~!
Figured: you wood land that Direction.
I assume, you plan to go secondary color campus cream ?
Well, here a snapshot of 1953 color chart .
From. Book.
Let me know if you need the formula for the original colors.
Your current can-o-paint : look ti be an excellent choice.
I assume, you plan to go secondary color campus cream ?
Well, here a snapshot of 1953 color chart .
From. Book.
Let me know if you need the formula for the original colors.
Your current can-o-paint : look ti be an excellent choice.
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I really like the frame, fenders, old style rims and the history offcourse! That picture of your dad with his car is priceless.
Can't wait to see where you will go with this bike, there's always a surprise with your builds
Can't wait to see where you will go with this bike, there's always a surprise with your builds
Tuesday and Thursday are my best days of the week for making headway on the '53 BAFS. Yesterday I got everything I needed onto the bike for it's first dry run / test ride. No action video yet, but here are some shots from yesterday's outing. Beautiful day in the neighborhood!
My favorite park, Applewood Park, is a former apple orchard and many of the trees are still bearing fruit. It's about 8 acres of woods, rolling hills, and woodland prairie. With a fun 1/4 mile of paved path encircling the play and picnic area. Just across the pond from the BACK40.
When I got back to the bike shed, I just balanced the chain guard on the bike for one photo at Picture Rock. Just to see how it might look.
And then some 'vintage filtered' shots done with my Kindle on my Amazon Photos....
RaT oN~!
My favorite park, Applewood Park, is a former apple orchard and many of the trees are still bearing fruit. It's about 8 acres of woods, rolling hills, and woodland prairie. With a fun 1/4 mile of paved path encircling the play and picnic area. Just across the pond from the BACK40.
When I got back to the bike shed, I just balanced the chain guard on the bike for one photo at Picture Rock. Just to see how it might look.
And then some 'vintage filtered' shots done with my Kindle on my Amazon Photos....
RaT oN~!
Attachments
Everything on this bike ‘fits’, if you know what I mean
I originally had the 'mustache bars' and the drop road stem on there, but one fitting on the bike told me that wasn't going to work. Even for my 6'2" frame and extra long arms, I was way too 'down and low' ; at least for my age and riding comfort.
So I went with a sweeping cruiser bar and a traditional old stem from that period. This bike rides incredibly well, that Shelby frame, the springer design of the fork, that Electra wheel set and 3 spd, and once I get the springs re-done in the saddle I'll have a compliant (and more controllable front and rear suspension!
So I went with a sweeping cruiser bar and a traditional old stem from that period. This bike rides incredibly well, that Shelby frame, the springer design of the fork, that Electra wheel set and 3 spd, and once I get the springs re-done in the saddle I'll have a compliant (and more controllable front and rear suspension!
Thanks, Doc! It's going to be a good rider, if yesterday was any indication. I've got some more design tweeks and tricks planned, if I can pull them off. Stay tuned!
That front end is so cool. Really neat head badge.
SGOH, these Shelby Airflows have a cool look for sure. Keep that head badge in mind for something coming up closer to the end of the build.... 
There's a 53 that comes almost every week to the cruise we have
In the yard every Tuesday..
In the yard every Tuesday..
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Unlike the ‘Tri-5’ BelAirs, the pre-55 have more of a ‘every man’ look to me, maybe it’s because they didn’t have fins or large amounts of chrome molding. They were more ‘pedestrian’.
That’s the social class I grew up in, albeit 10 years later, that’s what’s appealing to me about them.
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That’s the social class I grew up in, albeit 10 years later, that’s what’s appealing to me about them.
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55 is my favorite year. Altho, If it has a bow tie I Like It Anyway regardless of what year.
