X-53: Dirt Machine

[kingplinker]

Man, you folks have some GREAT builds going! I lost my camera, but found it, and have so many other projects (+ work) that I was thinking about skipping this build, but after seeing all your cool builds, I feel inspired to play.

I got thsi frame a a yard sale about 2 years ago, it has hung on the wall in my shop. I was saving it for my wife but she said "what do I need a bike for" - so off the wall & on the floor with it :mrgreen:

From searching, I think it's a 1953 Western Flyer X-53. Frame is super solid, small bend on one of the top tubes, but no holes or breaks anywhere. At this point I have no clue WHAT it'll be yet... need to start hunting parts. I used the forks for the crodhopper in last build, so need to find other forks, or take them back.

Not sure if I'll finish, but maybe by starting this thread it'll get me going. Cheers!

 

[BLASTER]

Wow!
That's a crazy, neat frame!
Go at it!

I'm not much further along...we have until August, ya know!

 

[OUTLAW]

man youre done, throw some wheels stuf an leave it as is. thats one sweet rat frame.

Outlaw :mrgreen:

 

[sensor]

that frame is amazing! do you have the forks that went to it also?!?

 

[kingplinker]

I do have the forks on the RRBBO #2 bike I did, I might put the frame & the right forks back together, but not sure yet. What do you guys think? I wanted some stronger springer forks for crodhopper any ways.... just not sure...

You can see the forks that go to this frame the crodhopper build thread. THANKS.

http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=3410&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

 

[user 135]

Should be a cool and nicely detailed build.

 

[OUTLAW]

put the original forks back on

Outlaw :mrgreen:

 

[CCR]

i loved (voted for) The Crodhopper !! but the forks fit that WF frame soooo nice :!: DO IT !!!

 

[kingplinker]

Hey cool, thanks. I think I will then! I am hoping those tires you traded me work CCR - Cheers, T.

 

[kingplinker]

Did some work yesterday evening - started cleaning up & sanding frame a little, found a giant globby weld under the back rack thing - it was nasty. Grinded it off, and straightened the one bent bar...

THE GLOB:

Now for the forks...

I still may use the original forks, but I am worried the FAT tires I have won't fit, they might, and I might still use them, BUT I wanted to try to make something a little different, and a little wider. They springs are placed on the forks where they are so they do not hit the tire, or the spokes. Fun stuff..

THE (solstice) FORKS:

 

[user 135]

This is a cool buildoff with so many custom forks. Nice job on the Franken Fork.

 

[fast eddie]

that fork is entirely too cool for me to even look at for too long! good work man!
fast eddie outty

 

[KOTA]

That frame is soooooooo cool!.........That fork, oh that fork. You have come up with the "best" and most simple one yet!......Did I say BEST?.... I meant....BEST!

 

[KOTA]

THE GLOB:

[/img]

I forgot. This does NOT look like a weld, :roll: I'm sorry!...........We know what it is. :wink: What makes it worse is you had to "grind" it off!

 

[sensor]

forks look great! never seen anything even close to them before :mrgreen:
as for the 'glob' on the fender brace in back.........i dunno :?

 

[ej599]

Those look awesome. Very clean.

 

[OUTLAW]

this bike is going to be too kool. luv those forks. nice job

Outlaw :mrgreen:

 

[kingplinker]

thanks for feedback so far guys - i think I came up with a "plan" last night so at least I have direction - - if I finish all my yard work I will try to post more pics this eve. _T.

 

[kingplinker]

looking for the right parts - ended up cleaning my shop more than working on my bike last night... will catch up soon _T.

 

[kingplinker]

OK, some progress... - been putting on parts, taking off parts, you know how it is... anyways, I think I settled on a few parts... so far - decided not to use the back part of the frame that bolts on - doing something different :mrgreen: - Cheers, T.