THE BUDDHA BUILD

Riverbend Bicycles · Dec 11, 2009

I've decided to try a new design on an old method. I'm calling it the buddha because of it's fat, belly like shape.
This is the basic design using my proprietary CAD ( cardboard aided drawing) software.

These are the rolled and formed 20 gauge sheetmetal pieces welded together.

I'll hopefully have more to post tomorrow. This bike will be more rat rod looking than my others. I've got some whitewall Thick Bricks and a few other ideas.

necessaryevil · Dec 11, 2009

There's a bike at the Bicycle Museum of America that uses a spoke frame like that. I wish I could find a pic of it, may give you some ideas. I'll post it if I ever find it.

user 135 · Dec 11, 2009

Nice job on the sheet metal work.

karfer67 · Dec 11, 2009

the line about CAD is great. very nice design and i like the idea of using that squared off metal. thinking outside the ol' box i like it

Riverbend Bicycles · Dec 12, 2009

I decided that I wanted louvers somewhere on the bike. The problem is that nobody in my town does this. After watching some youtube videos I chose to try and make my own. I now realize that if there's somebody close by that can do it, let them. I spent close to a day making 10 louvers. That time includes making the louver die for my press and then making a mess out of a lot of sheet metal. The problem is the materials I used for the die. The first five went perfect, but then the die started to dull and the second five took four tries to get it right.

Here's a picture of the louver die.

Here's the finished side panels.

I also was able to get my wheels laced up and the tires mounted.

Buddha · Dec 12, 2009

<--------------- Subscribed to this Build...... Awesome!!

Rat Rod · Dec 12, 2009

Sweet wheels and sweet frame design!

stretch · Dec 12, 2009

amazing! love the homebrew louver press, its pretty sweet. i bet if you hardened the cutting side, itd probably stay sharp longer. you know where you heat it to red cherry hot, then let it cool completely in used motor oil, id say 12 hours?

karfer67 · Dec 13, 2009

looking good and yet another tool i need a press. one day

Skipton · Dec 13, 2009

Very cool :!:

Graylock · Dec 13, 2009

Great build you have going. I will be watching it's progress because of how you go about tooling up in a well done thread tying it all together. Thanks for sharing 8)

Graylock

Ace · Dec 13, 2009

Looking good, awesome frame, respect for your diy stemina 8) perhaps Hillsmith can help you tell you more on the louver process

viewtopic.php?f=38&t=22222

He makes it look so easy :shock:

Dr. Sizzle · Dec 14, 2009

This is gonna be a really cool bike.

thesuicideride · Dec 15, 2009

yes yes yes

pvwacko · Dec 15, 2009

Riverbend Bicycles said:
The problem is the materials I used for the die. The first five went perfect, but then the die started to dull and the second five took four tries to get it right.

Riverbend Bicycles said:

Did you cut the straight edges before stamping? if you drill the corners of the louver opening then cut between them you shouldn't need a sharp die and it will prevent stress cracks in the corners as well. I've seen this method used with only a lower die and a nice hammer.

Click to expand...

Riverbend Bicycles · Dec 15, 2009

That's an excellent tip pvwacko. I'll try that next time.

Riverbend Bicycles · Dec 15, 2009

I was able to get some work done yesterday and today. I got the back end pieced together. I also got my least favorite job of aligning everything and tacking it all in place. The headtube, bottom bracket shell and back end are spotted and ready to be welded. No matter how many times I measure, level, remeasure, and relevel, there's always one little thing that I'll overlook. But it turned out pretty good and I'll leave it alone. I'm hoping to get the side panels on before the end of the week and I'll post some pictures of that.

The start of the back end pieces.

Here's some pictures after everything was aligned and tacked in place.

Buddha · Dec 15, 2009

Why was I given the gift of Culinary Arts... When all I ever wanted to do was make cool stuff like this!!!!!!
I am glued to this thread. You really have inspired me to try and put some of my crazy ideas in my head into metal...

Von Stans · Dec 15, 2009

that is going to be one sexy looking bike.......great job...

theVULTURE · Dec 15, 2009

i'm diggin' your style 8)

i like the uni-strut frame jig too :wink: super sweet!!

THE BUDDHA BUILD

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