50's Schwinn Rat-Rod Boardtracker

[RollinLow]

Started the build about 6 months ago. But I'm getting close to finished so I figured it was time to do a build blog. It's gonna be an on going project.

The frame was a "gift" from a buddy. It was sitting outside behind a house he had moved in to.

And this is where it's sitting as of now. The motor is a early Clinton four stroke. With a custom kick start and jack shaft set up.

 

[deven_science]

Re: 50's Schwinn Rat-Rod Boardtracker

Awesome looking bike!

 

[wheelbender6]

Re: 50's Schwinn Rat-Rod Boardtracker

is that a Briggs? I like the vertical, flathead motors best in a boardtracker.

 

[dogdart]

Re: 50's Schwinn Rat-Rod Boardtracker

Very nice , I like everything about it , great stance . I'd like to see more front suspension pics

 

[RollinLow]

Re: 50's Schwinn Rat-Rod Boardtracker

The motor is a old Clinton 3.5-4.5 hp. I'm gonna tackle the rebuild/build after the bikes done. As for the suspension it's 100% custom.

 

[RollinLow]

Re: 50's Schwinn Rat-Rod Boardtracker

Here is a few photos of the jackshaft,clutch,kickstart set up.

 

[Beau]

Re: 50's Schwinn Rat-Rod Boardtracker

Looks like my design!

I LOVE it!

Keep it up!

 

[RollinLow]

Re: 50's Schwinn Rat-Rod Boardtracker

Thanks beau!! I wish I had come across your build a long time ago!! Would have saved all those hours figuring out the jack shaft setup! What did your drive ratio end up at? From the crank to the rear wheel I ended up at 8:1 over all. It worked out "if my math it rite" to about 65-70 at 5000+ Rpms. Should be fun!

 

[Houndog]

Re: 50's Schwinn Rat-Rod Boardtracker

Wow!!! This is the coolest homebuilt bicycle I've seen yet...,Those Hookworms look great on those wide rims..

 

[Beau]

Re: 50's Schwinn Rat-Rod Boardtracker

I don't remember what mine was. I ran 24" wheels, with a belt on a 24" rim. I'd have to look through my build thread. It's been a while. Mine tops out at about 32mph depending on the weather. But it has enough torque to pull me (200 pounds) up a steep hill.

I started to build a full scale motorcycle with 23" wheels and a Suuki 400cc single street bike engine. I want to go faster!

 

[RollinLow]

Re: 50's Schwinn Rat-Rod Boardtracker

Thanks hound! I try! Lol

Beau what kinda rims did you find in 23" I haven't looked much yet but once I finish this bike I'm gonna start on a full size version as well. I was hoping to run some 24" or larger rims

 

[Beau]

Re: 50's Schwinn Rat-Rod Boardtracker

The 79 and 80 Honda Xl250's had 23" wheels out front. I'm going to run them on the front and rear.

Here a picture next to the stock 18" wheel. Sorry for the hijack.

 

[RollinLow]

Re: 50's Schwinn Rat-Rod Boardtracker

No worries! I'm always down for absorbing more info!

 

[RollinLow]

Re: 50's Schwinn Rat-Rod Boardtracker

Got a little more done tonight. Front brake caliper mounted

Line is cut and shortened and the rear triangle braces are tacked in

And here is a shot of the tank made by my buddy at http://www.atomicfabrications.com

 

[harry76]

Re: 50's Schwinn Rat-Rod Boardtracker

Beau, ive currently found 3 x 23" XL wheels with the intention of building up a set of wheels. The only problem is tyre selection. I went with Bridgestone TW9 tyres although they arent cheap, but havent gone any further to build the wheels.

Since buying them id really like to find a more "boardtrack" style tyre, if you see or hear of any id appreciate hearing about them. I did see quite a nice looking "speedway" 23" tyre, however i havent checked the price yet and am worried a speedway tyre would be a little too soft?

 

[harry76]

Re: 50's Schwinn Rat-Rod Boardtracker

Hey Rollin, where have all the pics gone????

 

[RollinLow]

Re: 50's Schwinn Rat-Rod Boardtracker

They should still be up?

 

[harry76]

Re: 50's Schwinn Rat-Rod Boardtracker

They arent showing up on my end

 

[RollinLow]

Re: 50's Schwinn Rat-Rod Boardtracker

Found me a cool 12v horn it's time to start sourcing all fun parts.

here the big ... flashlight housing in gonna use as a head light

Here it is mounted up. It seems sorta big maybe it's the location. Maybe moving it forward will help.

. And here is the 12v 20amp alternator that will power everything I'm gonna drive it off of the primary drive line. There is enough space between the front primary gear and the crankcase .

 

[murraymadman]

Re: 50's Schwinn Rat-Rod Boardtracker

where did you come up with that alternator? that is awesome.