Firestone Cruiser Klunker Build

[LACABikeGuy.55]

I am guessing maybe 1948-49.(By the frame design.)
May be a serial number on the bottom.
That may help.
I really like that frame but yes the rear dropout area is maybe not as strong as should be.

Thanks I appreciate the information.

 

[LACABikeGuy.55]

Here is an explanation/update my Girvin installation.

I found the headset last month and knew that I would use it, when I started the install, I had a few to choose from and the gold one was the same size as the original bearing cups. The original cups had rotten old shims to give them a good fit. I was able to reuse the bottom cup shim but needed shim for the top. I found an interesting fix in my motorcycle tool box. I used exhaust wrap with peel and stick application. It was easy to cut with scissors and the adhesive worked well. I attached pics. I also welded the drop outs but I’m not totally confident.

 

[LACABikeGuy.55]

Frame update with more pics. I’ve been sanding and thinking. I’m not sure if I need to do anything else to the rear end but I’ve cut a few templates as samples to help decide if I should add metal for strength.

 

[LACABikeGuy.55]

It’s a tough decision but I finally have a partial build plan. I have a 1930’s Firestone Cruiser (frame cost $37 not including freight) and a front suspension fork acquired from a Raleigh Donor bike. This is the beginning of my Klunker buiId and was inspired by the Triple Threat Build off opportunity. At 55, I’m not into riding UP any mountains but I want to follow the build guidelines and hopefully end up with a cool bike that can handle the off-road abuse. I typically load our cruiser bikes, drive down the mountain and unload on the coast where I ride a local bike path. I will test this bike on some local mountain trails that I’ve only walked. This build will be fun and It’s already begun. Please let me know what you think of my base plan. I appreciate any feedback.

Thank you,

Eric

 

[LACABikeGuy.55]

Frame update with more pics. I’ve been sanding and thinking. I’m not sure if I need to do anything else to the rear end but I’ve cut a few templates as samples to help decide if I should add metal for strength.

It’s a tough decision but I finally have a partial build plan. I have a 1930’s Firestone Cruiser (frame cost $37 not including freight) and a front suspension fork acquired from a Raleigh Donor bike. This is the beginning of my Klunker buiId and was inspired by the Triple Threat Build off opportunity. At 55, I’m not into riding UP any mountains but I want to follow the build guidelines and hopefully end up with a cool bike that can handle the off-road abuse. I typically load our cruiser bikes, drive down the mountain and unload on the coast where I ride a local bike path. I will test this bike on some local mountain trails that I’ve only walked. This build will be fun and It’s already begun. Please let me know what you think of my base plan. I appreciate any feedback.

Thank you,

Eric

Update on Firestone Build. I made an attempt at painting the frame. Im not good…

It’s a tough decision but I finally have a partial build plan. I have a 1930’s Firestone Cruiser (frame cost $37 not including freight) and a front suspension fork acquired from a Raleigh Donor bike. This is the beginning of my Klunker buiId and was inspired by the Triple Threat Build off opportunity. At 55, I’m not into riding UP any mountains but I want to follow the build guidelines and hopefully end up with a cool bike that can handle the off-road abuse. I typically load our cruiser bikes, drive down the mountain and unload on the coast where I ride a local bike path. I will test this bike on some local mountain trails that I’ve only walked. This build will be fun and It’s already begun. Please let me know what you think of my base plan. I appreciate any feedback.

Thank you,

Eric

I have an update on the Firestone. I made an attempt at smoothing and painting the frame. I had a single color planned but ended up with a few. The project was one mistake after another. I’m not too good at prepping or handling the frame, during the whole process. I marked it up or paint was not drying smooth. I can’t remember how many coats there are but I bet it’s added a Lb. I added one picture of parts I’m going to use. Unfortunately I stole most of the parts from a very clean and original 85 Raleigh Elkhorn Mountain Tour. Thank you for looking.

E

 

[twojs.bike]

Paint looks great in the photos !

 

[LACABikeGuy.55]

I have been busy with work but I am still finding time to finish my Firestone Klunker. I am close to completion and I’ve done one ride test. The ride went well until I tried to hold my beer and camera with one hand while going down a hill. I never got going because I immediately went over the bars. Low mph made it a laughable crash. It’s raining today and I’m planning to do a proper test ride. Here is a couple teaser photos. I’ll update again after todays ride.

 

[Jude Ephesus]

I have been busy with work but I am still finding time to finish my Firestone Klunker. I am close to completion and I’ve done one ride test. The ride went well until I tried to hold my beer and camera with one hand while going down a hill. I never got going because I immediately went over the bars. Low mph made it a laughable crash. It’s raining today and I’m planning to do a proper test ride. Here is a couple teaser photos. I’ll update again after todays ride.

LOVE the paint!!!! I’ve been wanting to do A red, white and blue paint scheme like that!

 

[LACABikeGuy.55]

LOVE the paint!!!! I’ve been wanting to do A red, white and blue paint scheme like that!

I copied the 1989 Klein Top Gun Paint job. I do like the way it looks. I used Home Depot Enamel with gloss. I finished with enamel with clear matt. It definitely looked better with the clear. I just went for test ride #2. It was a great test and only one small problem. I took video but the 41 seconds is too big to upload. You can hear clicking as I go down the hill. The sound was my front brake lever bottoming out after the cable slipped. One loose nut. Old faithful Coaster brake handled it. The bike handled a bottom turn with ease and it was a first attempt. I gotta try to shorten the video.

 

[Tallbikeman]

Great looking bike. I really like Girvin forks and the combo of your good paint job, and a great looking frame make for a sharp looking bike

 

[LACABikeGuy.55]

I have a few things to finish the bike but here are a few photos from todays test ride. One photo of my loose nut….

Most of the parts were from a 1985 Raleigh Elkhorn. I have a couple more items to add for function.

1. Rear Rack
2. Swap 85 Shimano front Brake lever with 90’s Paul
3 add Leather Cary Strap to the frame.
4. Maybe add padding to the handle bar.
5. Replace Spring with Original type of Elastomer.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

I copied the 1989 Klein Top Gun Paint job

Cool, I thought you were doing a Ritchey tribute. It is fitting for the theme of the bike

shortly after 89, Klein had to change the name from Top Gun to Rascal. Paramount wasn't happy with the original

 

[Palepainter]

It isn’t official until ya go over the bars. Cool build.

 

[LACABikeGuy.55]

Cool, I thought you were doing a Ritchey tribute. It is fitting for the theme of the bike View attachment 218935shortly after 89, Klein had to change the name from Top Gun to Rascal. Paramount wasn't happy with the original

I was considering a Klein Too Gun Frame for this build but was unable to get a good price. They are one of the Klein bikes that has rear dropouts. It’s a great frame and I’m a patriot. I love the colors.

 

[Brian macumber]

I copied the 1989 Klein Top Gun Paint job. I do like the way it looks. I used Home Depot Enamel with gloss. I finished with enamel with clear matt. It definitely looked better with the clear. I just went for test ride #2. It was a great test and only one small problem. I took video but the 41 seconds is too big to upload. You can hear clicking as I go down the hill. The sound was my front brake lever bottoming out after the cable slipped. One loose nut. Old faithful Coaster brake handled it. The bike handled a bottom turn with ease and it was a first attempt. I gotta try to shorten the video.

You need to download to YouTube then copy and paste the link only way I can get it to work.

 

[LACABikeGuy.55]

I have a video of my test ride. At the beginning of the video, my plan was a controlled ride with one hand on a phone camera. You can hear clicks when I applied the front brake and that’s when I needed two hands to avoid a crash. I was able to use one hand again at the end. The ride was actually pretty smooth but the video didn’t look to smooth. It’s a fun bike.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Yeah that is a "two hands" trail, for sure!

For maximum control

 

[Palepainter]

I have a video of my test ride. At the beginning of the video, my plan was a controlled ride with one hand on a phone camera. You can hear clicks when I applied the front brake and that’s when I needed two hands to avoid a crash. I was able to use one hand again at the end. The ride was actually pretty smooth but the video didn’t look to smooth. It’s a fun bike.

The Girvin forks make for a great ride. I like them, despite their shortcomings you hear about.

 

[Wildcat]

Nice build!
I don't see a number on the dropout, so it's probably pre-1954. Is there a number on the BB? Maybe on the seat post binder clamp? There's a bunch of different serials for Huffman and Firestone branded Huffmans. Post the number and I'll try to decipher it.

 

[LACABikeGuy.55]

Nice build!
I don't see a number on the dropout, so it's probably pre-1954. Is there a number on the BB? Maybe on the seat post binder clamp? There's a bunch of different serials for Huffman and Firestone branded Huffmans. Post the number and I'll try to decipher it.

I’ll check. There might have been one on the BB but I sprayed too many coats of paint. Here is the head badge and seat it came with.