52 BF Goodrich Panther

[Pedal_junky]

Local Craigslist bike. Had some stuff going on with it, got it a lot cheaper than I expected, and because I haven't seen too many Panthers badged BF GOODRICH, I decided to do my first restoration ( err I mean re-furbish;^) I have access to a painter, bead blaster, and a parts tumbler (which I think looks better for this project, and a lot cheaper than plating.) I'll show some pics from when I got it, and a few before and after shots. Here is the Craigslist

photo. Yes, blue house paint, my arch enemy. (And a little rust)

 

[Pedal_junky]

Got it apart and started removing the blue to reveal the original colors. Unfortunately, it was in very poor shape when they applied the blue, so to the bead blaster it went.

And all the parts that needed to be shiny again went into the tumbler overnight.

 

[Pedal_junky]

Some before and after shots.

 

[Pedal_junky]

Got it in primer, mocked it up with some new pieces.

Found a leather vest at Goodwill for $4.00. Recovered the seat with it, but eventually going back to a more correct material.

Found a cheap doner guard sine the bike didn't come with one.

Few minutes in the blaster.

There are a few problem areas that will get filled and only one tiny spot that had rusted through so this should turn out well.

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Great stuff! The changes between the before and after is awesome!

Luke.

 

[Pedal_junky]

The paint job cost me a gift certificate to On The Border, $70. Paint was free because it was such a small amount.

Pinstripes will go on in the morning.

 

[Pedal_junky]

If I can't find a crusty old tank that I can fix, it will remain as is.

 

[Pedal_junky]

And last but not least (probably my favorite) was the badge project.

I like to use vinyl tape because it is very pliable and thin but still tough enough to protect the stuff from my heavy hands I use tiny pieces of 240 grit sand paper to knock the paint off and then aluminum polish to make the brass pop.

And I would normally put the badge on last when the bike is complete, but I was pretty happy with this one so I jumped the gun a little. Chainguard project should be done Thursday, so I guess that will be the cherry on the sundae.

 

[Pedal_junky]

This has been a project with a lot of hurdles and setbacks, so I'm glad it is almost complete. Still looking for some small cap AS pedals and a Rocket Ray. The BF Goodrich bikes came with a fore brake as welk, so if one comes along at a decent price, I may add that. Here she is for now.

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Looks really nice Pedal_junky!

Luke.

 

[Pedal_junky]

Looks really nice Pedal_junky!

Luke.

Thanks Luke!

 

[Shackleford]

Looks great. Guess I need a parts tumbler now.

 

[Pedal_junky]

Looks great. Guess I need a parts tumbler now.

Or at least a place near you who has one. High performance engine or gear shop should depending on location. Your fingers will thank you and aluminum foil sales will plummet.

 

[Pedal_junky]

Got the chainguard painted, striped, and decals applied. Still some detailing on the wheels and cog to be done. May get a Rocket Ray project to work on for it, along with the other stuff mentioned before, but done for now.

Jeff Styles from Coast Airbrush in Socal laying the stripes down.

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

wow!!

 

[honestherman]

Nice work there on that Bike.

 

[Pedal_junky]

Nice work there on that Bike.

Thank you.