Done DONE!!!! Capt. America's Zenith Fastback!!

[deorman]

The tire size discrepancy could be due to the aspect ratio, maybe they're a little taller. On the other hand, over the past couple of decades, I've noticed a tendency towards narrowing of newer tires compared to what they're replacing, and not just on bicycles.

 

[Big Ape]

The tire size discrepancy could be due to the aspect ratio, maybe they're a little taller. On the other hand, over the past couple of decades, I've noticed a tendency towards narrowing of newer tires compared to what they're replacing, and not just on bicycles.

Yeah, I talked with someone who had these tires in a 26 x 2.125 and he said they are more like a 1.95. I think this tire just runs narrow. I am anxious to try a pair on a middleweight to see if I have fender clearance.

 

[Big Ape]

My last update for the weekend. Probably going to slow down a bit, but I still plan to be finished before the build off. I installed the new jeweled pedals.

And a cheap universal kickstand.

Then I installed the front wheel and got it standing as a roller. Just loving it at this point, I have to keep the rest of the build on par with what I have so far!!

More updates will be coming, I have a lot to do around the house, but I just can't stop tinkering with this thing.

 

[Fv2]

Just curious about the springer. Is there supposed to be play in the rockers on the shoulder bolts? I'm having issues with mine.

 

[Big Ape]

Just curious about the springer. Is there supposed to be play in the rockers on the shoulder bolts? I'm having issues with mine.

There shouldn't be much play at all in the diameter of the bolt compared to the diameter of the hole in the fork. The depth of the shoulder area compared to thickness of the fork and rocker assembly is where the trouble usually is. This fork was in really good condition, with the nut bottomed out on the bolt, there is probably 5 to 10 thousands of clearance, I added a little grease in the joint and it articulates nicely with very little slop. Sometimes the shoulder bolts have been replaced or there is slop due to wear. Nylon washers are a good option to tighten up the clearance and still get proper movement in the joint. I have made incorrect shoulder bolts work by trying different combinations of washers and hardware store jamb nuts. The jamb nuts are normally about half of the thickness of a standard nut, so you can lock 2 of them together when you have your clearance set as you want it.

 

[Fv2]

My issue is the space between the fork and the bolt, the rockers slide off the shoulder.

 

[Big Ape]

The nut should tighten up against the shoulder prohibiting the rocker from sliding off of the shoulder area. If it doesn't you may be able to use a washer that is the size of the thread area (5/16 I believe) to block the rocker from sliding off of the shoulder and then tighten the nut up against the washer.

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Looking great!

Luke.

 

[Bike Bum]

I'm liking this bike!! I really like the discs. Maybe I need to get me a set.

 

[Big Ape]

Well, I took an old seat post and some 5/8" rod and welded up a laidback seatpost for this bike.

And, I purchased a Lepper Primus saddle from Germany. If you have never had one of these saddles, they are very comfortable, similar to many of the old long spring saddles. I have $105 in this new one because shipping was fairly high. You can rarely ever find a nice one for sale in the states.

 

[Big Ape]

It looks like I guessed pretty well on the angle and length of the seat post. Although I may have to paint it again after all of the adjusting.

And an overall view of the bike with the seat installed.

 

[kingfish254]

WOW!!!! Just catching up after you were able to post pics again.
Paint turned out great. Love the darts and the unique dropout darts too.
Deko Discs go well with it all too and don't overpower anything.
Good choice on the solid blue chain.
You can't go wrong with those Primus saddles. I have a black one and a tan one and love them.
I'm excited to see the next installment!!!!

 

[Big Ape]

Thanks brother, I can't wait to ride this thing! If things go as planned, I plan to haul this bike on my trailer when I go to the street machine nationals here in May. I think it will be cool to see what comments I get from the rat rod truck towing this Zenith, Flexy, and Super Sonic!

 

[Jsparks]

Outstanding Work cant wait to see more of this.

 

[blwnmny]

!!

 

[Big Ape]

Thanks for all of the compliments! It shouldn't be long before I get it all finished up.
I bought these torpedo grips from ebay (rustyjunkybikes) he had them listed for $9.99 and free shipping. But then he raised the price after I bought 2 pairs.

So, the next pictures should be with the bars, stem, and grips on.

 

[blwnmny]

Man, your almost done. We'll have to see what bars you gonna go with.

 

[Big Ape]

Man, your almost done. We'll have to see what bars you gonna go with.

These! from the first page.

 

[blwnmny]

That's right! These are one of the first things you posted, I wasn't thinking. LOL! Looking good Ted!

 

[kingfish254]

Get an extra deko disc and you can have a Capt America shield fairing up front. Complete with a hole in the middle for shooting .