ELGIN TWIN 9

[Captain Awesome]

I'd say X53, but they didn't have a base model. Maybe it's a Spaceliner.

I'd like to see a @Reallybigtim spin on a Spaceliner!!

 

[Reallybigtim]

I'd like to see a @Reallybigtim spin on a Spaceliner!!

I have had a few of them, but never "ruined" one.

 

[Reallybigtim]

I'd say X53, but they didn't have a base model. Maybe it's a Spaceliner.

There were like 5 different model levels. And it's prewar.

 

[Captain Awesome]

I have had a few of them, but never "ruined" one.

I think our definition of "ruined" are far apart. I'm no purist and all for some experimentation

 

[Reallybigtim]

In the year of '39

 

[OddJob]

No guess from me, I'm not that 'vintage bike savvy'.

But I do like the direction you are going. Like "what if Shelby / Higgins / Hawthorne made a bike like this" mode.

 

[Reallybigtim]

No guess from me, I'm not that 'vintage bike savvy'.

But I do like the direction you are going. Like "what if Shelby / Higgins / Hawthorne made a bike like this" mode.

or Elgin?

 

[ParkRNDL]

But I do like the direction you are going. Like "what if Shelby / Higgins / Hawthorne made a bike like this" mode.

I'm also a huge fan of the concept of creating a "phantom" model of a bike or car (no, not THAT Phantom). A couple years ago for the MBBO I did a "what if" of a Schwinn Manta Ray II. And I've always wanted to create a 1965 Chevy Caprice coupe with the formal roofline AND the 6 round jet-exhaust taillights (they were only 4-door sedans in '65, the coupe didn't come out till '66). Looking forward to seeing the direction this takes.

 

[Reallybigtim]

Here it is: My "Perfect 10" build-off project. A '39 Elgin Twin 20. I do have the complete original bike (with beautiful patina). My initial idea is to make the first Elgin Twin 10 (by omitting some of the luxury items like the fenders, the headlight, and the chrome wheels). But I have many crazy ideas for this rat. I was sooooooo afraid to buy one of these Twins sight unseen, because most of them are bent up. But this one is absolutely arrow straight. And such a cool design!

 

[kingfish254]

Here it is: My "Perfect 10" build-off project. A '39 Elgin Twin 20. I do have the complete original bike (with beautiful patina). My initial idea is to make the first Elgin Twin 10 (by omitting some of the luxury items like the fenders, the headlight, and the chrome wheels). But I have many crazy ideas for this rat. I was sooooooo afraid to buy one of these Twins sight unseen, because most of them are bent up. But this one is absolutely arrow straight. And such a cool design!View attachment 162859View attachment 162861View attachment 162862

You can't go wrong with a Twin Bar. They are super versatile to whatever style you come up with. Don't believe what you hear about them being fragile either. These are excellent frames to play with and to ride. Have run man.

 

[Reallybigtim]

You can't go wrong with a Twin Bar. They are super versatile to whatever style you come up with. Don't believe what you hear about them being fragile either. These are excellent frames to play with and to ride. Have run man.

I'm happy to hear that they're not fragile. I'm not small being 6'2" and 250. But no ramp jumping for me anymore, just cruising. My head is spinning with so many ideas for this bike! And you know I like to experiment.

 

[kingfish254]

I'm about 250 as well and still enjoy riding my two Twins.

 

[Reallybigtim]

I am still not completely set on the name being "A Perfect 10". That was just the first idea that came to mind. There are so many other possibilities, especially with the original color being green (my favorite color). Anyway, I had to do a lot of minor adjustments to get the shrouds to fit perfectly. It seems amazing that all of the correct nuts and bolts are still with the bike. Many of the original bolts are the slightly rounded nickel-plated straight-edge type and most of the nuts are the old square type. I cannot believe that this bike hasn't been restored with it being so original and complete.

 

[Reallybigtim]

Forks and seat post installed.

 

[Reallybigtim]

The forks still have the unique nickel-plated top nut. Here are some close-ups of the 82 year-old patina.

 

[kingfish254]

Glad to see that you have the BB and HT shrouds and they look to be in great shape.
If there is one weak spot on these bikes, it is the seat clamping system. Don't count on using the flipped seatpost as a laidback post without some additional support. With our weight, it will bend the clamping piece (trust me ). Luckily there is a stout flat plate that joins the fender stays together that works great to mount supports from.

 

[Kevin B]

That is definitely one of the most beautiful designs I have ever seen.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

The shrouds are amazing. Art deco masterpiece! I'm so excited to see where you take this one

 

[Reallybigtim]

Installed the original stem and took a few more close-up shots. Speaking of shots, it's time for a beverage. It's always happy hour when you're retired!

 

[Palepainter]

I just love coming to this forum and seeing things I have never seen before. This is awesome.