Compax Traveler

[Dan Hampton]

I'm new to Rat Rod Bikes and old bicycles and was encouraged by a guy I work with to enter the build off. He picked up this frame for me at a swap meet in Tennessee. My first effort will be a Westfield Columbia Compax folding bicycle. I'm in the process of stripping the paint and repairing a few minor battle scars. I'm hoping to find original handle bars and seat to go along with the build. This cool bike will be finished off with black paint and a few rusty spots giving it an aged look.

 

[Bike Bum]

Cool. I've be pondering doing up and old Dahon folding bike that I never ride. You just might give me the motivation to do it. Good luck.

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Welcome to the forum and the build-off!

Luke.

 

[kingfish254]

Welcome to RRB and the Build Off
Those older folders are cool
Have fun

 

[Dan Hampton]

Thanks!
Here's my inspiration. Hopefully mine will be as cool as this one.

 

[Funkme]

Welcome to the rat club.Hope you enjoy building with a great group of builders...Nice starting point.

 

[brett4christ]

Welcome and a nice start!

I've got a Sears breakdown bike ( not really a folder) waiting in the wings....

 

[The Renaissance Man]

Glad you're in! Looking forward to some progress.

 

[gsc]

Cool frame, lots of potential..

 

[Dan Hampton]

Progress is slow so far. I had to repair the frame where apparently something was rubbing against it. My amateur brazing skills worked out for the most part. There are a couple of wormholes and a small portion of the crack still visible. The forks were bent and needed straightening. fortunately, no other brazing was required. Hopefully work can progress a little more steady.
Not much to show so far. I have the paint stripped off and some minor cleaning is needed.

 

[Jake Sensi]

Welcome to the jungle!! Now get ta building. Peace

 

[The Renaissance Man]

Progress! The brazing looks good. Are you going to go back over the rest of that crack?

How's the hunt for those folding handlebars going?

 

[Dan Hampton]

Yes, the crack has to be filled. It would bug me too bad if I didn't. No luck on the handle bars or the chain guard.

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Nice work so far! Looks like maybe the crank arm was hitting there?

Luke.

 

[Dan Hampton]

After a lot of paint stripper and elbow grease I've managed to remove all paint from the frame. Instead of painting I'm going to try gun bluing. I've seen others online and really like the looks of it. I'm still searching for a set of handlebars that came with this type frame. If anyone has any leads please send them my way.

 

[kingfish254]

Great photos. There is an elegant beauty about the simplicity of this design in bare metal.

 

[scrumblero]

Gun Bluing? thats gonna be awesome!

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Bare metal gun blued frames are always awesome! Looking forward to seeing more!

Luke.

 

[highwheelerboy25]

original handlebars were Kelly handlebars.

 

[The Renaissance Man]

original handlebars were Kelly handlebars.

Do you recognize that frame?