1949 Huffman Airflyte update of Restoration

[1918 Ranger]

This 49 Huffman belonged to Robert Trent of Jefferson City TN. It was his childhood bike and had it 62 years until I bought it from him last year. I don't think I ever posted it to Fresh Finds so here it is:

He told me stories of traveling 20 mile round trips to visit his sick sister over a two month span. Super nice gentlemen. Was very sad to see it leave but encouraged that I would restore it


Here's before and after. I researched the paint schemes and had NBHAA confirm this paint scheme as an original to this bike model.

Finally got around to restore it.

Nearly complete. Still have my H shield stenciling and head badge to do to complete. Springer is smooth as silk. Can't wait to ride.

1918 Ranger

 

[Rockit!]

Normally I don't like the look of restored bikes, but I have to admit, you just made me eat those words. This bike is gorgeous. The paint scheme you chose is phenomenal. I remember seeing this bike before, so maybe you did post it when you found it? He's going to be very happy his bike found a good home.

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

I REALLY like the maroon/red/gold paint scheme on this beauty.

What A great restoration job.

Cheers to ya!
Dr. T

 

[dogdart]

Love it , someday I'll find me a Huffman

 

[texasbigjon]

looks really sweet! :mrgreen: you did a really great job on a classic.

 

[Spokeshave]

You did it proud. Great color scheme.

 

[B607]

Nicest resto job I've seen on this forum lately. Hang on tight to that one, there'll be a line trying to pry it away from you! Gary

 

[Walker]

Stunning. I've always liked the styling of the Huffmans and the color scheme is really nice on yours too. enjoy

 

[Gold Street Customs]

Man ,that's nice, great colors, I am trying to do a Stingray right now that I purchased from the original owner myself, thanks for the inspiration.

 

[kingfish254]

Super looking bike!!! Nice work!

 

[aganms]

Gorgeous!!!!

 

[Uncle Stretch]

Hard to tell when they are old and grungie what the colors really looked like.
Super job on yours. Maybe someday I will do mine.

 

[1918 Ranger]

Well I had promised Robert the original owner pics of the Airflyte and I emailed them Saturday. Late that night I get a secret email from his wife asking me if I'd consider selling it back to them and that Robert did not know she was asking.

He's 78 and this was his childhood bike.

I invested a lot and held nothing back in this restore. I restored it with all intentions of keeping in my collection. What a dilemma!! What would you guys do??


1918 Ranger

 

[sleepy]

Personally, I would sell it back to him. I can only imagine if I were ever to be presented with a restoration of my actual childhood bike in the twilight of my life...it would probably be the thrill of the century. And you never know, he may pass it back to you in his will. :wink:

 

[B607]

Not a good problem to have. Add up every nickel you put into the bike and shoot the wife a price. I'm sure that will scare her off...unless they're RICH! Gary