1950 Western Flyer Super

[outskirtscustoms]

So I am finally getting started on my Western Flyer Super skiptooth cruiser restoration after finding the right color paints to go back original. I am going to try to get it as close to original as I can. Anyway here's what I'm starting with.

I have never had a single bike come apart so easy. Every bolt came apart like butter nothing is rusted, nothing is stuck, nothing really fought me at all. It's like it's as excited as I am about restoring it.

Everything stripped down and ready to sand.

These are the colors I'm going with. As close as I could get to the original colors. The darker green was pretty easy to match now the lighter yellowish green was a difficult one to find but I finally found it at my local farm store.

I will also get some red paint and replicate the pinstripe. I need to find some better photos of the tank and chain guard so I can see where exactly the pinstripes are.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

this paint rocks! Great coverage and a nice fan pattern. Stuff is thick too. I'll get better pictures later when it fully dries.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

More pictures

 

[rgrrbt]

Off to a great start. Such a cool bike.

 

[Wildcat]

It looks great! Here's a 51:

 

[outskirtscustoms]

Reassembled the spring fork and I decided not to go overboard polishing the chrome as it's not perfect but very nice and I don't plan on rechroming anything because I'm poor and that's expensive. I decided rather I'm going to do an aged restoration and refurbish. Keep some character but make it look nice. It's going to be a keeper and I will ride and enjoy it for many many years to come.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

It looks great! Here's a 51:
View attachment 219038

Awesome! Big thanks. Do you happen to know where one can aquire the turn signal switch and all the inner workings of the tank, horn, and taillights? Such an amazing bike for it's time.

 

[Wildcat]

I have no idea where to get the old parts, but they will be expensive.

Here's another pic, from Dave's Vintage Bicycles:

http://www.nostalgic.net/1951-western-flyer-super

 

[outskirtscustoms]

More painting done. Everything masked and sprayed. Few spots to touch up when I do my pinstripes and my decals cracked and fell apart soon as they touched water. Might have had the water too warm? I'm going to take some scans of the new ones just in case they do the same and I'll have some made in vinyl if they don't work. I also took a sharpie to the chain guard and touched on the letters so it mimics the look of chrome from a distance.

 

[rgrrbt]

This is looking great! Awesome ride.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

My new headlight came in today and it looks the part. Debating on painting it to match but might just leave it black.

Home safe with the other bikes. Still have to install the other pedal and put the chain back on but it looks so good.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

Any advice on doing waterslide decals? My first batch disintegrated as soon as they touched water. I may have had the water too warm. What can I do to ensure the next set goes smoothly?

 

[outskirtscustoms]

Finally got around to painting the pinstripe on the tank and guard a small detail but makes a big difference.

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

Any advice on doing waterslide decals? My first batch disintegrated as soon as they touched water. I may have had the water too warm. What can I do to ensure the next set goes if you are making your own water slide decals, make sure you shoot a couple of coats of clear enamel on them to prevent issues.

If you are making your own water slide decals, make sure you spray a couple coats of clear enamel on them to keep the integrity of the print.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

If you are making your own water slide decals, make sure you spray a couple coats of clear enamel on them to keep the integrity of the print.

I bought a set off of eBay and the first set disintegrated when I put them in water. I got a replacement set but have not put them on yet because I'm going to take some scans and try to have them done in vinyl so I can just stick them on and be done. Just wondering if there's some trick to the waterslide decals. I think I had the water too hot last time they just started cracking and fell apart.

 

[Jude Ephesus]

Great bike! Great build!