Ever hate that nice original paint look? '41 Westfield Rustoration

[American Vintage Bicycle Supply]

Well I picked up this beautiful 41 Westfield about a month ago now....The nice original paint wasn't really doing it for me, so I let it sent out in the rain with a daily salt water bath...

Before!

After!! Isn't that much better!



Cool Right?

 

[American Vintage Bicycle Supply]

Okay okay...all jokes aside. "panelman" shipped this baby to me last week. After a thorough cleaning and clear coating..I've now got a nice rat version of my nice Westfield. Considering this one came out of the Tropic state of Florida the rust was nice and juicy!

Before...

After...

 

[user 135]

I like the color changing tires.

 

[American Vintage Bicycle Supply]

I like the color changing tires.

oh come on! Play along!

 

[Rockit!]

Aw man, I didn't know you got that bike! I knew when I saw it what could be done with it. But, I already have more bikes than I want.

Looks great!

 

[Mark Davo]

What a great patina! I love the way that one "cleaned up". Also, I never noticed the ports on those tanks, VERY COOL!

 

[American Vintage Bicycle Supply]

Thanks everyone! I'm really starting to like these '41 Westfields. Maybe I can find a few more!

 

[kingfish254]

You had me a few seconds there. I was trying to think of a polite way to say FTW!!!

 

[CCR]

My first thought was NOOOOOOOO !!!

Then I saw the badge and it set in

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

yup, for 3-1/2 seconds, maybe 4, my brain was struggling with what to reply. I do like the rusty one better.

 

[Rat Rod]

Looks sweet alrighty...did you go over it with a wire brush first?

 

[American Vintage Bicycle Supply]

Looks sweet alrighty...did you go over it with a wire brush first?

No! I use a really thick clear coat mixture that seals the flaky rust too. Makes for a thick patina crust.

 

[American Vintage Bicycle Supply]

When I just read the initial paragraph I was thinking "What has this dumb kid done to my old bike?"
I have to say I almost like the patina version more! Did you break it down and service all of the bearings or does it ride like your old Hiawatha?

No this one has a very nice roll to it now. Clean bearings and races with new grease. I'll have it at Cleveland so you can give it a go.

You should have seen the bearing in the Speed Chief

 

[SCHWINNRAY69]

Whoa, talk about perfect patina!! Looks real nice, Tyler. You definitely know what your doing when it comes to preserving history!

 

[Bicycle808]

So cool to have the pristine version and the patina version of essentially the same bike. Can you post a side-by-side pic?

 

[American Vintage Bicycle Supply]

So cool to have the pristine version and the patina version of essentially the same bike. Can you post a side-by-side pic?

Sure! The weather has turned off bad today. I'll have to do it later this week!

 

[American Vintage Bicycle Supply]

Whoa, talk about perfect patina!! Looks real nice, Tyler. You definitely know what your doing when it comes to preserving history!

Wow! Thanks! Much Appreciation!

 

[deorman]

Thank goodness. I was afraid I'd have to hunt you down.

 

[The Renaissance Man]

Looks good.

 

[RainierBeer]

You had me going for a few as well! Looks great! What did you do/use to clean and clear it?