RRBBO13 1939-40 Elgin Sports Model No (1)3 - (Refurbished Eyes for Elgins)

[OddJob]

Has a solid look to it. I really like how the rims and the frame / fork are nearly a perfect match in color. I might have missed it, did you paint these?

The rat-ina in the fenders and guard are a great match as well.

You are on to something good here Ed, as usual. RaT oN~!

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Has a solid look to it. I really like how the rims and the frame / fork are nearly a perfect match in color. I might have missed it, did you paint these?

The rat-ina in the fenders and guard are a great match as well.

You are on to something good here Ed, as usual. RaT oN~!

No painting going on. All the paint is as found. Someone years ago had done body shop quality repaint. There are scuffs, scraps and bare metal spots. The color has a green hue to it, the donor fenders and chainguard have a contrasting green hue also.
I think it has “your” look as it sits...ehh?


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[MazdaFlyer]

An so it begins...

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[MazdaFlyer]

I couldn’t believe how easy this came apart. Nothing rusted solid. Previous owner even replaced all the fender mounting screws when the fenders were removed.
I removed the braces from the original fenders in order to test fit the better ones with a lot of “patina”. On the rear fender someone had welded the lower brace to the fender. I got out my Dremel and cut through the welds to get it loose. Then when I found my fender bolts I found that I had 2 sizes and not enough of either. So I temporarily used some China Phillips head bolts to complete the fitting session. Hopefully my bike shop has some. Last ones came from eBay.

Cleaning comes next...starting to like the “rat rod look” of the patina, scuffs, and scrapes.


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[MazdaFlyer]

Degreased and cleaned parts this morning while it was cool. Wheelset is next, then frame, fork and fenders. Rear rack on the way.
Gardening this afternoon.


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[Dr. Tankenstein]

Sooo good so far, no paint mods, perfect!
That’s a true rat.


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[MazdaFlyer]

Sooo good so far, no paint mods, perfect!
That’s a true rat.
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Thanks Dr T, and it will have its tank back in place.
I know we aren’t suppose to debate what makes a Rat Rod, RestoMod, Custom, Kustom or Freak Bike. I think this one might actually be my first “Rat Rod” build though.

 

[Uncle Shish]

Great starting point! I love these bikes. My one and only prior build-off entry was this '41 Elgin during Build-Off #11

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Great starting point! I love these bikes. My one and only prior build-off entry was this '41 Elgin during Build-Off #11

NICE Elgin, I remember it well, got one of my votes. I also had an Elgin in BO#11.


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[MazdaFlyer]

Fender bolts and a new lock arrived today.

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[Uncle Shish]

NICE Elgin, I remember it well, got one of my votes. I also had an Elgin in BO#11.


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I remember that build quite well! Beautiful bike and pretty amazing from point A to B.

 

[KJV]

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Well I jumped in the fray again, took the wheels off and unmounted the tires. Michelin tubes inside, look good. I went about degreasing the hubs and spokes. Lots of gunk built up. The chrome on the rear hub is pretty good for its age. The front one is pretty caked or corroded, ie. ratty. I took the rear sprocket off to get to the back side. Assuming I don’t mess with the paint on the frame I think the hub appearance will be fine.

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[kingfish254]

Those fenders match up very well with the bike.
Super patina

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Those fenders match up very well with the bike.
Super patina

I’ll probably test the back side with some wool and WD to see how they might pop. Looked pretty decent as it sat a couple of days ago. I like the effect you see on old original paint cars an trucks that have faded, rusted and left over shiny areas, a mottled finish only natural aging can provide. After all this bike is thought to be 78 or so years old.
On another note when I took the tank off it had evidence of black paint on the inside. The paint offerings for the ‘40 Elgin were black/blue or red, both with white trim.


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[MazdaFlyer]

I rubbed down the fenders, frame, fork and chainguard with #0000 steel wool and WD40. After this cleanup the fenders have more of a blue hue than green at least when wet. I added new fender bolts to front fender, they have the appearance of stock rivets. I was in a hurry to see what it would look like with new tires. I think the old ones looked better but they were pretty cracked and checked.

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[MazdaFlyer]

Not one to let grass grow under my feet I put the Elgin partway back together. I test fit the tires on hand. Goodyear 36”x2.125 measure out at just over 2” and look skinny in the fenders. The Fat Franks are a better fit but look too contemporary with all the graphics. They are 26”x2.350.

The rear wheel has a little runout so the rim needs truing. I may try to get the Sunlite Sandy Beach tires I used in BO#12 if I can get the wheel to run straight.
Need to figure out a clean way to mount the chainguard.


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[Brian macumber]

It's looking good.do you use the denatured alcohol before or after the steel wool and wd40?

 

[MazdaFlyer]

It's looking good.do you use the denatured alcohol before or after the steel wool and wd40?

Thanks...
I haven’t used denatured alcohol before or after. I’ve used boiled linseed oil after on a couple of other projects? What does the alcohol do for it?

 

[Brian macumber]

Just seen it in one of your pics next to the frame.