Basket-Case 🛒

[MazdaFlyer]

I like the stance with the stem reversed like that. It seems more 'normal' ? How is the steering, improved?

Thanks. Steering is still gimpy, but seemingly stable and rigid. I’ll try some street on Monday or Tuesday. Still need to open up bottom bracket and rear hub. Brake tends to lock up.

 

[Indyjps]

Fun build to watch the iterations. Really has a cool stance.

If the no welding for class 1 is the constraint....... I vote to allow welding to modify head tube angle to make a safe / functional ride. It's not chopping frame for appearance, but for functionality and safety.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Down and dirty today. I took the crank and bottom bracket apart today. I degreased the old muck from the parts, scraped and wiped them clean. I regreased it all and put it back together, turns smooth now.
Then I took the New Departure hub apart and cleaned all its parts up. I greased bearings, clutch and races. I oiled the brake plates and spacers. I managed to get the brake components back into hub on second try. I got it all back together and the wheel back in the bike. The drivetrain is a lot smoother now.
I wiped the bike frame down with my soiled oily cleaning rag. Sorta like the effect of boiled linseed oil. Since this is a RatRod, so in staying true with RatRod heritage I don’t think it’s getting any paint.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Timeout for another interruption. My neighbor picked up a 20” step through bike at a garage sale. It was purchased at a Schwinn dealer when new.
He asked if I’d get it rideable for them. They wanted ape hangers, I had an old set. They provided a new seat so I installed it. The bearings in the bottom bracket were falling out of the retainer. I cleaned up the bottom bracket and installed a new bearing set. Then I adjusted the back hub cog side cone to removed the side play. The brake works in the shimano hub. They were going to come up with grips and streamers. Do I work for free or how much do I charge them?

 

[Couch tater]

That's at least a sammich and beverage worth of work.

 

[OddJob]

I charge $20 an hour for home repairs. Full tune up of adjustments is $30, about 1/3 of the going shop rate. My friends and neighbors have never balked at the cost, and usually include a tip.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

This is an old Shop wall hanger from member @Machine Age Victim.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

After some staring and consternation at and on the pivot point I spent the 97 degree afternoon blowing BasketCase apart again.
I decided to relocate the axle pivot bracket one more time to get to 180X and 90Y. That involved notching my holddown strap to mesh with the basket.
then to get the fork bracket to clear the fork legs I cut bevels on the vertical flange and beveled the horizontal flange to allow it turn without interference with the basket structure.
I got it all put back together…this may actually work this time. I need to eliminate the basket rubbing on the bike frame though.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

A little brainstorming this morning on how to eliminate friction between bike frame and basket.

I took it for a street ride, OK on level ground. A little spooky in the sloped gutter. The steering is the best it’s been but still need to deal with rubbing.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

In looking around though my parts junkyard I ran across a PVC 2” to 1-1/2” transition. So it ended up over the top of headset.

This allows a bit of swivel in the steering motion. Basket-Case probably won’t be a long distance rider…but it is rideable, think swing bike or some other non traditional concept.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

106 degrees this afternoon…no bike work, no test rides at my age.

 

[Karate Chicken Industries]

106 degrees this afternoon…no bike work, no test rides.

The place I use as a test track for dirt machines is best when it's obnoxiously hot because there is nobody there. After each run back up the hill, I douse my noggin with cool water, take a drink, and then get back at it. IMO, it's really never too hot for a shakedown and sometimes it's even better than a temperate day.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

106 here again…staying cool. High was 107.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Not mine but I ran across this museum piece…a familiar look.

PLUS more heat…

 

[kingfish254]

That is super cool

 

[us56456712]

Not mine but I ran across this museum piece…a familiar look.View attachment 201159
PLUS more heat…
View attachment 201160

Its the hottest yet here for the summer. Two days ago 85, yesterday 96 today 84 tomorrow 72. So far it’s cooled down into the 60s at night but that doesn't always happen here, occasionally it stays hot at night.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

No progress still HOT…driveway, garage, shade tree. Bike work not allowed in house.

I did source a rear BMX caliper brake set.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

We had rain and a high of 83 today. It was 68 in early morning. So I did a few things forward today. I drilled a hole for the brake mount, fit the caliper and brake lever. I want to include the fender so I cut a couple of clearance notches in the fender. The fender is loosely mounted at the this point and there isn’t much brake pad surface on a drop center wheel rim. Maybe unsafe at any speed, Nader would be on it.

 

[kingfish254]

Nice work.

 

[SwissGuy]