Awesome videolog BRE! You have a very peaceful setting to work in, it reminded me of my BACK40. The music in the background made me feel right at home. Thanks for sharing!
I really like your trailer. I say use the original mounting holes and drill the fork legs and bolt it on. It will give clearance to your tire and keep it's nice original shape.
The lumber for hauling idea is a great one as well. Here is a link to my first ever RRB build, Beer Boy Delivery, and the 'aging process' I did to my front wood rack to hold my beer cooler.
https://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/i...read-while-ive-been-waiting-this.91909/page-7
There are a couple videos on this page, one of the rack and one of working on the wheels. On the rack, after each layer of paint, I started sanding before the paint was fully dry, just tacky. That kind of streaked the paint and caused it to look like it 'lifted up' instead of just being sanded smooth.
Your bike is looking great! That chain ring is so ornate and cool, I'd just leave that area alone. A chain ring guard would cover to much of it I think. Love all your nice touches with the wing nuts and brass tension nuts , etc. The whole bike works well together, and that's hard to achieve. Your frame has a nice original look, with some shine left to it. For your stem, and handle bars, consider using a shellac to finish them instead of an oil. It will add an extra bit of shine to them, but still make it look vintage. There are a couple of guys that have used it on their builds here, and the bikes look amazing. I use Zinssers Amber Shellac for finishing repairs on the violins, violas , and cellos that I repair in my instrument repair business.
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I like your tail light idea, that light is so cool! Even if it isn't from the same period or era, the two lights would offer some balance between front and rear too. Have you tried mocking it up in the verticle position? To mimic the front head light? It might even bolt onto that seat stay brace right under the saddle.
Those wood grips are a great touch! You have a look going here that just works so well.
One of the keys I have found in these builds is 'knowing when to quit'. Your eye will tell you when you're near that point.
RaT oN ~!