Appreciate the advice. Will definitely try that
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I'll bet those could be used as supports like truss rods or struts on springers.
I'm a sucker for dimples. So tonight I decided it's time to use the tools I've had for ages to try and get me some. Dimples, that is... Used my dimple die set for the first time
It marks the line
It drills the holes
And then it gets full of... Dimples
I wanted to use the 3/4" dimple die, but it won't fit in my press with the guard. Maybe next time
Those dimples are to die for!
Can't decide whether this belongs in the Highlights thread, or if I should highlight the jokes.
Like a bolt out of the blue, I had an idea for the license plate rack. I've had a lady Huffy Camaro tank for a while now and couldn't figure it how to convert it into a men's tank. I was watching Vice Grip Garage's budget rat rod build video and realized I had a whole stack of steel license plates just rusting away in the corner of the shop. So I tottled out there, picked the crustiest plate of the lot, and decided to show off my state's plate by hacking it onto the tank, which is now spread eagled.
The victim, pre surgery
Sizing it up. I wanted it to support as much of the plate as possible. I'm going to weld tabs onto the tank so the plate can bolt on using the existing mounting holes
This is the profile I was going for
A Tack attack!
Then I hollowed it out like a pumpkin
I got pretty close to the intended profile. Any lower and the tank will go over the edge of the fender, ruining the profile of the fender
I'm going to see if I can't find some small taillight lenses like a 59 Cadillac DeVille and stuff them in the (now) taillight housing. I finally, actually, mounted the tank, and as an added bonus, installed the National Hyper Siren
The victim, pre surgery
Sizing it up. I wanted it to support as much of the plate as possible. I'm going to weld tabs onto the tank so the plate can bolt on using the existing mounting holes
This is the profile I was going for
A Tack attack!
Then I hollowed it out like a pumpkin
I got pretty close to the intended profile. Any lower and the tank will go over the edge of the fender, ruining the profile of the fender
I'm going to see if I can't find some small taillight lenses like a 59 Cadillac DeVille and stuff them in the (now) taillight housing. I finally, actually, mounted the tank, and as an added bonus, installed the National Hyper Siren
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I changed a bunch of things today, like the fork, rear wheel, and driveline, so I could take the bike out for the first ride with the new extension. For using the absolute worst materials that seemed even remotely in the realm of probably working, it held up surprisingly well. I built this extension from 14 ga. hot rolled, galvanized sheet steel. The extension piece is still completely flat with very little structural integrity, and it was able to support my 210 lb body for almost half an hour, when I rode off a curb and folded the rear end. The Mk.II version will correct several fitment and structural integrity issues I've noticed, and also the design will change slightly, as the bike needs about 1/2" more ground clearance.
Thankfully in this configuration, without even thinking about checking the chain line, the chain clears the frame without rubbing. It's dammit close, but doesn't touch
Well, I managed to fix what I broke last week. On version 1.3 (revised), I welded a piece of round stock onto the inside of the seat stay part of the extension for additional strength. For the minimal amount of effort used on the repair, it has held up with flying colors
I was able to ride for hours around Grand Haven without issue. Which proves that with just a little reinforcement, my flat steel piece will hold up.
I was able to ride for hours around Grand Haven without issue. Which proves that with just a little reinforcement, my flat steel piece will hold up.
Looking good. I'm going to have to get a welder some day so I can try a bolt-on extension like that.
I'm trying to design a total bolt on system, no welding required. This is my first attempt with plate steel that I knew was too thin for the job, but the only thing I had on hand at the time. Either 1/8" or 10 ga. cold rolled steel would be perfect and a lot stronger than the hot rolled, galvanized 14 ga. I used here
If you check out my other builds Full Monty and
El DoRato, you'll see that I usually hack the rear triangle off a tall road bike, flatten the seat stay tubing, then bolt it onto my chosen victim's frame. The mod on Full Monty allowed the use of 29" wheels on a 26" frame without cutting or welding the frame
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Went on a group ride around downtown Grand Rapids tonight and couldn't resist taking some photos.
My bike became a kickstand for a Penny Farthing while parked next to the Paddy Wagon halfway through the ride
My bike became a kickstand for a Penny Farthing while parked next to the Paddy Wagon halfway through the ride
Well, the time has come. I'm finally going to wash the frame and try to clean up some of the crud on it to find the serial number. I haven't done anything cleaning or maintenance wise to it since I bought the bike last year, and in handling it this last month some bright green paint has revealed itself from under the rust and gunk. This genuinely surprised me today, as I thought there was zero paint left on the frame. I thought the bike might have originally been black, but couldn't tell for sure from the amount of patina it has acquired
Forgot to attach the new evidence photos. The bike might have been green and white originally
Me, at a yard sale today.
But it was only $5, so what harm could come from it?
Sizing matters up... Well I'll be a witches Uncle, these fenders will fit over an 80mm rim with a 2.5" tire, and with room to spare!
And for the icing on the cake, the original paint under the terrible black rattle can paint matches the blue on the tank! No freaking way! Well, I guess I ought to, I'm staring right at it with my peepers.
But it was only $5, so what harm could come from it?
And for the icing on the cake, the original paint under the terrible black rattle can paint matches the blue on the tank! No freaking way! Well, I guess I ought to, I'm staring right at it with my peepers.
That went from "Ain't no way!" to "Yeee Haaw!" in 01 seconds!
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