1963 Columbia Firebolt

[Jsparks]

Just wanted to start build thread on my Firebolt project. I first saw a picture of one of these bikes years ago, and said to myself that one day i would like to have one of those. Seemed like out of all the bike that pop up on this site and the bay never a Firebolt. Then one one came up on this site. I may have overpaid for it not sure, but that is OK, now I can probably overspend on building it up. Plans are to keep for the most part stock with modern wheels and tires. Frame itself is very straight and solid. Original forks had bent steer tube so bad I not use. Replacement forks from Rafael and Chainguard from Ebay ready to take to powder coater this week. Going to have either a decal or stencil made for logo on Chainguard. Going to be sending some 1980 Schwinn rims to IND-Chuck to be relaced. Not sure on tires just yet 26x2.125 might be the biggest tire I could fit in rear triangle without issues. if any has any suggestion for some White Letter tires please chime in. Thick Slicks are the really only thing that come to mind and easy to get. Just a thought will probably throw some Whitewalls on it. Going to find something close to stock style handlebars and of course some of Ian's Coke bottle grips.

Enough yakking on to the pictures. Hope you enjoy following the build.

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Love those frames!

 

[Fv2]

One of my favorite frames.

If you want tire lettering, treadwear can custom make whatever you want. But it's not cheap at all.

 

[Jsparks]

That would be a problem.

 

[FreddyS]

Gonna look killer! Frame and chainguard really pop!


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[RustyGold]

Off to a great start!

Jason

 

[Jsparks]

Got a new decal for chainguard being made at local sign shop, frame and forks dropped off at powder coater yesterday. Will post pictures early next week.

 

[Scribble]

FIREBOLT !!! SWEETNESS

 

[DeuceWheeler]

2.125 is the biggest you will fit and your wheels better be true. If not, you will have rubbing.
There is a columbia newsboy that has the same frame but takes 3'' tires. Harder to find.

 

[A.S.BOLTNUT]

Got a new decal for chainguard being made at local sign shop, frame and forks dropped off at powder coater yesterday. Will post pictures early next week.

Ok man , gotta ask what color you goin with on this ?

Rafael

 

[Jsparks]

Ok man , gotta ask what color you goin with on this ?

Rafael

Going with Red like on the Chainguard and that is what was under the gray spray bomb.

 

[Jsparks]

2.125 is the biggest you will fit and your wheels better be true. If not, you will have rubbing.
There is a columbia newsboy that has the same frame but takes 3'' tires. Harder to find.

Yes had pretty much come to that conclusion on tire size, toying with the idea of a set of Thick Slick seeing that they are 26x2.0

 

[DeuceWheeler]

I need to get my frame fixed, I built it all up and then the brazing broke where the stays meet the dropouts. Boo!

 

[RustyGold]

2.125 is the biggest you will fit and your wheels better be true. If not, you will have rubbing.
There is a columbia newsboy that has the same frame but takes 3'' tires. Harder to find.

The first one of this style of frame I saw was on a local CL, and was the Columbia Newsboy version. I dismissed it at first as odd...then kept going back to it as it grew on me more and more. By the time I'd fallen for it completely, and gave a call...it was sold. Now I can kick myself twice as much for a) missing out for $125 complete bike -and now- b) that it would take a 3" tire...



Great info though...thanks!
Jason

 

[idiotboy]

Here's what mine looks like with thick slicks

 

[Jsparks]

Just ordered a set of Tioga Powerblocks 26x2.10 have use them on my youngest son's Stormtrooper bike.

meets the White Letter requirement

 

[Jsparks]

Update time got back from powder this afternoon, buffed and polished headset cups and replaced little plastic pieces that fill holes in front and rear of rack. Got them a Lowes for a buck a piece also installed chainguard decal. Will install headset and bottom bracket over the next day or so. Here are some more pictures.

 

[RustyGold]

!

Jason

 

[RustySprockets]

I SO want a Firebolt frame! Too many projects; not enough time.

 

[FreddyS]

Bike is gonna look sic!


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