Search results

It's great to see you doing a "step-through" build!

I am leaning towards using these 24"x3" cream tires on vintage cream wheels for this build. This will lend to the long and low appearance this frame craves. What surprises me is that these fat tires actually fit in the frame and the stock forks.

I have been doing some measuring to compare certain dimensions of other period-type frames. When I compared a Monark Silver King Wingbar to a postwar Schwinn frame, the Wingbar was surprisingly 2.5" longer than the Schwinn! But this Twin 20 frame is actually an inch longer than the Wingbar...

I would prefer to use the correct style teardrop pedals if I can find an original set. They are cool but I cannot justify the cost (and I don't like the reproductions). So, I will probably use a nice set of original period-correct standard-style pedals. I like to use he smaller pedals from...

I have already installed the smaller chainring to make it easier to "cruise". It is a correct '39-'40 Elgin chainring but this is the smaller sized version from a girls bike. I have retained the longer cranks which also makes it easier to pedal. Increased pedaling torque and lower gearing all...

My biggest stumbling block last year was mounting a seat and making it functional and cool all at the same time. I was trying to use the original seat because I like to use as many original parts as possible (when I have them). When I was going through my stash of parts, I found a seat that I...

I usually only make 2 styles of rat rod builds. The first is a cruiser-style bike using original vintage bikes that I design for pleasure riding. The other is what I call my "FREAK" bikes. They are the wildly designed, almost un-ride-able bikes for which I have become known. While I did try...

Okay, time to get started. Last year I attempted to build this project in the build-off, but ran in to problems making decisions about which direction to go with the build. I am starting with a complete, all original prewar Elgin Twin 20. I was very fortunate to find this cool bike. I have...

My goal is to build something cool out of this old Elgin.

I don't know if this is the best place to post this, but I wanted to touch base with everyone here and thank you all for your support and kind words last year. I do feel that I am in a better place this year. Since nice weather is almost here in Ohio, I have actually been wanting to build...

I regret not finishing a bike this year (again). It seems that I have just completely lost interest in building bikes. Probably because the ideas just aren't coming to me like they used to. Also dealing with my own psychological issues which seem to be getting worse and worse as time goes on...

Since I am far from finished with this build, and I really have no extra time available for the rest of this summer, I will probably just continue this build in next year's build-off. But I did have a little time to do some seat mounting mock-ups the other day. I believe that I have figured...

I am still looking for a pair of original prewar teardrop pedals, usable original fenders, a Torrington stem, and original white Elgin grips to complete this build. It's looking like I'm not going to find this stuff easily or quickly. I might just have to continue this build in next year's...

Let's see some pictures of your mock-ups.

Does anyone have a set of correct fenders for this bike in usable condition? I want to see if shorty fenders look good on this bike, and I don't want to cut up the nice original fenders that I have.

I had an old '48 Schwinn that had the most beautifully patina'd white grips that I had ever seen. They were almost a caramel color with all of the "deep" areas being much darker. And they were kind of shiny on the "high" spots (but still dark) where hands would have been rubbing them for many...

Since I was unable to find an original set of white Elgin grips, I just ordered a set of reproductions. What is the best way to make them match the patina of the bike?

I have no intention of utilizing a rear suspension system on this bike. It's just an idea that I have considered on a few previous builds. The only reason I referenced it was because it looked like toro's seat mounting idea. I feel that seat springs will be enough rear suspension, but I am...

That's so much better! No more kickstand hanging down being ugly. Now the lines flow beautifully.

Great idea, toro! But that would be way too complicated for me to build. And my ultimate goal is to have the seat laying down on the frame cleanly. But I have always wanted to build a rear suspension system (using springer fork parts) that resembles your idea.