CWC '54 Rescue Bike (Roadmaster Trojan)

[MazdaFlyer]

This is a continuation of a fresh finds thread. The parts on the bike were seized up from sitting in a backyard stash. The tires were rotted, everything rusted and covered with lichens and vines. Everything seemed to be there except the front fender and half a handelbar. The chainguard, chain, frame and fork caught my attention. So I took a chance and drug it home from an estate sale.

After numerous soakings I was able to get the stem out so I started breaking it down. I had a girls JC Higgins that was destined to donate some parts. It provided a wheelset, drivetrain and stem. It also provided a chainguard for my RRB BO11 Elgin.

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[MazdaFlyer]

I have done a mockup to see how things look after finishing the tear down of both bikes.

A few details...rust and lichens included.

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[MazdaFlyer]

I am undecided as to where this goes. It may just get cleaned up some, with bearings serviced and lubed. The bars aren't necessarily keepers. Need to add grips, chain link and connector on the way. Eventually I'll change out tires if it rides OK. I have a Cloud 9 saddle on it. I might put a Roadmaster headbadge on it.

I added a set of $5 truss rods to it, army green color. And I test fit a Pletscher rack.

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[MazdaFlyer]

I have decided to call it a 1954 frame after input from fellow RatRodBikes forum members and research of postings on the CABE.

Bottom Bracket Serial Number...note the 54Cw, seems to be the clue. It's also interesting that some red has survived on bottom surfaces and those covered by another part.


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[Fv2]

Just gotta keep it under the trees.
#Savethelichens

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Patina King!

Luke.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Is this "The Lichen Bike"? I did a search and only found one occurrence for "lichens".
On a little different search type I did find one other bike with lichen.
Thinking that mine will retain and nourish them.

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[sludgeguy]

Is looking good!
Some creme tires would bring out the greenish in the lichens!

 

[Psycho Sammi]

There is some patina I can't create in the deserts of Arizona. Love the lichen look.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

I got the chain link and connector today, lengthened the chain. Actually took it for a shakedown ride. Seemed to work OK. Now that I know it's going to ride I'll service the bearings, do a little cleaning of drive train and wheelset.

I have a pair of clay colored tires that may find their way on the bike. The rack is temporary.


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[MazdaFlyer]

Added a headbadge I guess it's prewar but also a Roadmaster model.

Anyone have ideas as to where these truss-rods started? I think I'll clean up the rear hub.

The stem came from a '55 JC Higgins.

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[MazdaFlyer]

I changed out the tires and tweaked the rack supports. Smooth roller.

Cleaned up some parts

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[horsefarmer]

Rack supports look cool!

 

[honestherman]

The change to the rack rods appears to reduce the load capacity of the rack. Is that my imagination ?

 

[MazdaFlyer]

The change to the rack rods appears to reduce the load capacity of the rack. Is that my imagination ?

As hard as it was to bend them, I doubt it. The supports are probably more stable with the bend, they are solid rod. The rack will never carry much weight anyway. Thanks for the concern though.


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[horsefarmer]

The modified rack kinda reminds me of a Western Flyer X-53.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

With tank...from another inventory bike.

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[Fv2]

I need to get a tank like that for my wifes bike.

 

[pholTmonx]

Well thats done and wrapped up... whats the next prodject... looks great

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Well thats done and wrapped up... whats the next prodject... looks great

Not necessarily done, it's still a mockup awaiting evolution or stagnation. Thanks.
I'm going to deal with a few modifications to extend the seat post a few inches. Found some parts today.

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