41 Western Flyer

[Ratfink1962]

I have been wanting a skiptooth bike for a while now, dont really know why? maybe its just the fact that skiptooth stuff is just old... and cool!

Well, it just so happened that one of the local bike guys brought a truckload of bikes to sell at the Midwest Bicycle swapmeet, Amongst his load of stuff was this 1941 Western Flyer. I spotted it when he brought it in, but I didnt immediately jump on it.

It was VERY rusty and everything was locked up tight. He was only asking $40 and after thinking about it for a bit, I walked right over and plunked down the cash. So now I own a very rusty and crusty old bike!

I was told it is a 41 model, I havent looked at the serial number or anything, but I dont have any reason to believe its not a 41... on to the pics...

 

[Ratfink1962]

I did go ahead and squirt it down with PB blaster, and have it all taken apart. Didnt run into any major problems till I started taking the stem and fork out. That thing was rusted solid because the stem bolt was long gone (broken off inside I presume) so it filled with water and the rust fused everything together.

Tonight I bit the bullet and cut the stem and finally got the fork off. I think I can save both the fork and the stem. I will probably have to cut the steer tube to get the rest of the stem out. But I do have a donor fork I can use to put it back to useable condition.

As far as saving the stem... If I can get the other half out, Im gonna attempt to weld it back together. Not sure how thats gonna work out, but I have to try.

I was even able to get the chain adjusters out, I figured they would break but they didnt!

Any guesses what color it was originally? I pulled the headbadge and found a patch of color.

I am contemplating jumping in on buildoff #5... havent decided for sure, but I dont have a bin of cool parts like a lot of you guys. But I do have a bunch of local guys that do!!! :lol: :mrgreen:

 

[Rat Rod]

I think your rear wheel might need some Mighty Putty.

 

[udallcustombikes]

I am contemplating jumping in on buildoff #5... havent decided for sure, but I dont have a bin of cool parts like a lot of you guys. But I do have a bunch of local guys that do!!! :lol: :mrgreen:

You are always welcome to raid my garage. You just never know what you might find. I was looking around the garage after the swap yesterday and realized that my parts supply is way too low. Guess I better step up the picking again. I have 3 bikes I can get for sure and still waiting to hear about the ledgendary Cheney pick.

 

[ratina]

The fork is bent anyways so if you cant straighten it I wouldnt worry about it.

 

[Ratfink1962]

Hmmm... mighty putty, good idea because those spokes are kinda loose :lol:

Cameron, not sure what direction Im going with this one, but I do know that Im gonna need some hoops, if you have any left let me know. Mainly looking for the drop center kind. pretty much like the ones I got from you before for my trailer project. I also want to find a New Departure hub to replace my crusty one. I saw a few expensive ones on eBay though. :shock:

Yeah first thing on the agenda is to get that fork straightened out. Then Im gonna try to save the stiff chain by sandblasting and soaking in tranny fluid.

 

[udallcustombikes]

I think I have one ND hub, krusty but not like yours. I have a few rims left after the swap. I will check.

 

[udallcustombikes]

Here is my ND hub. 1/2" pitch, but I think your sprocket will fit on it. The surface rust will clean off and I just found a guy that can re-chrome it for cheap.

I have 4 drop center rims for you to choose from.

 

[Ratfink1962]

cool deal, I will try to get with you this weekend.

I am definetly interested in finding out more about your cheap re-chrome guy. Cheap and chrome usually dont go together.

 

[A.S.BOLTNUT]

nice score ! just use a little duct tape and that wheel will be just fine ! :lol:

 

[Rustinkerer]

That'a a Huffman built WF, it might have a Huffman serial #, then again it might not. I think that rear wheel will clean up! :lol: -Adam

 

[Ratfink1962]

Mighty putty and duct tape will fix ANYTHING!!

as far as the rest of the bike... It'll buff out :lol:

 

[SimpleMan]

My '41 Huffman built Western Flyer.....don't have any new shots but I have most of the parts to put it together now.

 

[A.S.BOLTNUT]

Now their's a springer i've never seen very cool SimpleMan !

 

[Ratfink1962]

My '41 Huffman built Western Flyer.....don't have any new shots but I have most of the parts to put it together now.

SWEET! now I gotta find me that tank!!!!

 

[udallcustombikes]

I talked to a younger guy at the swap who had that same springer on his '38 Dayton Huffman. He came to sell the bike but left it in his car while looking over everything. He decided not to sell it but brought it over to show me. He got swarmed by 8 or 10 guys looking to buy it off of him. He left it sitting behind my booth for a bit while he walked around and I could have sold it 3 or 4 times myself. I really had to fight the urge to just toss it in the truck. I guess he had purchased $400+ parts from Aztec Lowriders and had gotten burned. I really felt bad for the guy.

 

[450redrider]

I have a set of 26" drop centers too lmk, I've about gave up on trying to save the neck on my wings marathon that I got from rose hill (Cameron I'm still letting it soak in everything I have)

 

[udallcustombikes]

I read on here some time ago about useing a mix of 50/50 acetone and ATF. Supposed to be the end all-be all of rust busters. As long as you don't care about the paint.

So what color was it Mitch?

 

[Ratfink1962]

No guess?
Cody, sounds good... I will probably go check out Cameron's stash on Saturday (or whenever is good for him) I know Im snagging his hub, and I will check out what rims he has. If I cant find a pair Ill hit you up.

I will post the pic tomorrow, but I was surprised to see what the original color was. my guess would have been WAY off.

 

[udallcustombikes]

I'll say Seafoam Green.

I got the hub excised from the wheel and did a little clean up on it and oiled the innerds up. It is all loosened up for you.
I should be around all day Saturday. Just let me know.