Flightliner rebuild

[idiotboy]

Guess I should start a build thread on this one, it's mostly complete so I'm just gonna clean and grease it mostly, wheels are gonna be an issue and I'll have to change some small things just because, but here goes.....

the "before" picture, got it in July or August at a flea market, petty good shape except the front wheel is bent and missing some spokes,and the chrome is shot on both rims. Disassembly was straightforward and boring, cleaned the frame and degreased the bearing cups

the crank and sprocket cleaned up nicely

and I got the dyno pedals from the for sale section here

got the fork and front fender cleaned up and bearings greased

love the rat trap

and the stem is in great shape

that's all for tonight, gonna pick at it slowly, stay tuned...

 

[sludgeguy]

Looking good.

 

[Jsparks]

Love the way the old sprockets and cranks clean up with just a little work.

 

[alistair clark]

These are good looking bikes. I have an all chrome one with the springer front fork, like yours. I call mine "Frightliner" had for more then a year and it still not road worthy.

 

[Jsparks]

Same here have a Chrome Flightliner and a Chrome Spaceliner with a Rat trap Springer. Gave the Flightliner to oldest son. Will start build on Spaceliner after Twinbar Typhoon which will get primer today.

 

[idiotboy]

Time to address the rear fender, stays are pretty beat but I don't really want to drill the rivet out...

a little while with a vice a dolly and a hammer and they're not perfect but way better than when I started

then install the rack

the graphics on this are in great shape

the tail light lens is missing , anyone have a pic of what it's supposed to look like so I can search for one?

for now this trailer light lens is the perfect size, I'll stick it on with double sided tape

the seat is something I put together using the cover, padding and base of a middleweight messenger seat and the frame of an old rusty woman's long spring seat ...

I had this on another bike but it looks better on this one

now comes the part where I ask for assistance.... Apes

or cruiser bars?

final decision will hafta wait til test ride time but opinions, especially from you guys, are always welcome

 

[Fv2]

I don't know how tall you are, but I'm 6'. With all of my Murray's the cruiser bars tend to feel a bit low and awkward, I liked the apes I had on my first liner when I got it. Not to tall so I didn't feel stretched out.

I guess it all just depends on personal comfort.

 

[idiotboy]

Thanks, I'm about 6' tall too, hafta try them both and figure it out. Either way I'm gonna re use the stock western flyer grips, they're in good shape and look cool

I wish I had taken a before pic of the hubs, they were covered in grease and dirt, but it did a great job of protecting the chrome cuz they cleaned up great...

I bought black spokes and painted the rusty rims white, add some thick slicks and I've got a set of hot rod wheels

I should be able to ride this thing soon!

 

[Jsparks]

Great looking Wheel and Tire combination. Did mine the opposite way painted rusty rims black and white tires.

 

[late for dinner]

+1 on the wheel/tire combo.
It ups the amount of Brute to the bike nicely.Kinda like a gentleman's hot rod.

 

[Fv2]

Agreed, wheels look great.

 

[ZygoteLittle]

Thanks, I'm about 6' tall too, hafta try them both and figure it out. Either way I'm gonna re use the stock western flyer grips, they're in good shape and look cool

I wish I had taken a before pic of the hubs, they were covered in grease and dirt, but it did a great job of protecting the chrome cuz they cleaned up great...

I bought black spokes and painted the rusty rims white, add some thick slicks and I've got a set of hot rod wheels

I should be able to ride this thing soon!

Simsbury?

Nice job there, Joel; well done buddy!

 

[Scribble]

how do the thick slicks fit in the bike, I have a SpaceLiner those would look awesome on.

 

[idiotboy]

how do the thick slicks fit in the bike, I have a SpaceLiner those would look awesome on.

They're 26x2, they fit with room to spare even with fenders. I've tried 26x2.125 on another flightliner with fenders and chain length has to be perfect and wheels totally true and I still had to deflate the tire to install the wheel. These fit with no problems

 

[SCHWINNRAY69]

Run those ape hangars!

 

[idiotboy]

Run those ape hangars!

I'm gonna put them on for a test ride, if they're more comfortable I'll use them

 

[late for dinner]

Monkey See, Monkey Do...well kinda....I'm picking up a Flightliner tomorrow night!
Your bike is on a whole other level though. Please add yours to the 'All things Flightliner' thread in the Show Me Yours section.
I've told myself many times 'no more middle weights, no more middleweights' Then a frame style comes along that I haven't had and boom! I totally disregard the sensible angel on my shoulder and totally go the other way.
This one has No springer, no rack, no guard, no tank, no masking on the last turquoise rattle can job, a big ugly saddle, flat over-sprayed tires and painted bars.
No problem! They're even including the leftover paint in the deal! YES!

 

[horsefarmer]

 

[late for dinner]

That's close, but I opted out on the basket that was offered though.(lol)
and....I'll post it in my own darn thread after I pick it up.

 

[idiotboy]

Tried the apes tonight, I think I like it this way...