Firestone Cruiser Klunker Build

[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

 

[Captain Awesome]

I'll move this thread to the right subcategory for you

 

[Spike Spiegel]

Cool idea, and a great start!

 

[Bike from the Dead]

Looks like you've got a sweet start to your build!

 

[LACABikeGuy.55]

I'll move this thread to the right subcategory for you

Thank you.

 

[Captain Awesome]

Thank you.

No worries

 

[Robertk]

Agreed. Off to a great start! Coaster or gears?

 

[rrtbike]

Looks like a Huffman built frame. Should be a cool build. They will hold a pretty big tire.

 

[LACABikeGuy.55]

Agreed. Off to a great start! Coaster or gears?

I am considering an 8 or 11 speed rear hub.

 

[sdframe]

I'll watch you with great interest since I'm building a Worksman with a Girvin fork. Just like you, I "sprung" for the elastomer replacement spring and can't wait to see how it works (over $60 total for that little spring . . . gasp!) You're off to a near perfect start: the only problem I see is that the Girvin mechanism will hide your very cool head badge. And 55 aint so old; I'm 74 and still playing with bikes. Have fun!

 

[Tallbikeman]

The price and age of frame puts it squarly in Rod Rod territory. I love Girvin forks. I end up walking uphill at times but up you must go to go down. Really looking forward to your build. Good luck.

 

[rrtbike]

Frame may not be as old as you think, but it doesn't effect how cool it is... I like it!

 

[LACABikeGuy.55]

I'll watch you with great interest since I'm building a Worksman with a Girvin fork. Just like you, I "sprung" for the elastomer replacement spring and can't wait to see how it works (over $60 total for that little spring . . . gasp!) You're off to a near perfect start: the only problem I see is that the Girvin mechanism will hide your very cool head badge. And 55 aint so old; I'm 74 and still playing with bikes. Have fun!

I bought the spring replacement and installed it yesterday. I was able to get the Girvin mounted to the frame with a sealed bearings headset. It’s tight and smooth. The wheels are temporary. I did a test ride and the Girvin feels very good but the rear end/drop outs have movement. I’m a bad welder but I definitely will need to do something to strengthen it.

 

[Jude Ephesus]

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

SWEET! Welcome! I look forward to seeing your build!

 

[OddJob]

Welcome to the fun of an RRB build off, @LACABikeGuy.55 ! You've got the right frame and great ideas for the Off-Road category in the Triple Threat.

One hint on posting photos; after your photo uploads by clicking on the 'Attach files' button, click on the word 'Insert' on the thumbnail photo, then select 'Full Image', and your photos will load in full size, like this one:

Keep us posted on all your steps along the way, that's the fun of it! Like, how did your ratty patina red frame get to completely stripped down to the beautiful brazed status it is in that photo ^ with fork mounted into that slick gold headset, and wheels and tires and cranks?

We want to see your tricks and techniques along the way. Again, welcome and .... RaT oN~!

 

[Pondo]

Great bike! Love the frame and Girvin fork. Looking forward to the progress!

 

[LACABikeGuy.55]

Frame may not be as old and you think, but it doesn't effect how cool it is... I like it!

What your do you think it might be? I got my info from the add when I purchased it. I haven’t researched it yet but I will. The rear dropouts have nut and bolts connecting to the frame. This is the #1 weak area on the frame. I appreciate your message.

Thank you

 

[LACABikeGuy.55]

What your do you think it might be? I got my info from the add when I purchased it. I haven’t researched it yet but I will. The rear dropouts have nut and bolts connecting to the frame. This is the #1 weak area on the frame. I appreciate your message.

Thank you

What Year?

 

[rrtbike]

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.

 

[LACABikeGuy.55]

Welcome to the fun of an RRB build off, @LACABikeGuy.55 ! You've got the right frame and great ideas for the Off-Road category in the Triple Threat.

One hint on posting photos; after your photo uploads by clicking on the 'Attach files' button, click on the word 'Insert' on the thumbnail photo, then select 'Full Image', and your photos will load in full size, like this one:


View attachment 217220

Keep us posted on all your steps along the way, that's the fun of it! Like, how did your ratty patina red frame get to completely stripped down to the beautiful brazed status it is in that photo ^ with fork mounted into that slick gold headset, and wheels and tires and cranks?

We want to see your tricks and techniques along the way. Again, welcome and .... RaT oN~!

I appreciate the tip. I had a pro friend sand blast for me. He was surprised at the quality of the work underneath the rotten red paint. The original frame builder definitely took pride in his work. The brazing Is very cool and I thought about clear coating it. Unfortunately I want to smooth out the frame so I started priming and sanding a few days ago. I have made some progress and I’ll post a picture this evening. The wheels are temporary. I do have a set of Araya 7x that’s being restored this is a good wide set. I’m not sure if you saw my Raleigh Elkhorn, but it’s got a few very nice parts. I probably should leave it OG but the components are very good and cost was very low. I was selling it for $225….