Graf Zeppelin

[2jakes]

This is a small replica Graf Zeppelin which I bought @ local flea mkt.

It was just an empty shell with insides gone.

This reminded me of Aerocycle which I used to own.
The bottom of the tank had an opening across that would
insert down to the top main tube of the bike.

The top of the Aerocycle tank had a circular opening
where the fork tube & handlebar stem would fit.
When I bought an original Graf Zeppelin, the vendor also had
a spare one, but was in very poor condition. All parts were missing
& was pitted on the bottom. I got both for a good price. And this
is going to be what I will use for the tank on the Graf Zeppelin project.

The above is for demonstration only & will be set down with the fork on top.

With the 1/2 angle grinder I managed to create the opening at the bottom
with no problem since the metal was pitted .
I have this frame that I will be using.

Being of the Graf Zeppelin pre-war German, I might install this
on the handlebars. But not 100 % sure.

I've believe this was a good luck symbol of indian origin. But
this is just a guess.
The weather has turned colder. So I will have to wait for a better time
to continue.
jake

 

[kingfish254]

I love the idea for you Zep tank!!! Can't wait to see it in place.

 

[The Renaissance Man]

This should be interesting. Looking forward to seeing more.

That Aerocycle is very cool too!

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Very cool! Not sure about the bell though, yes it originally was a good luck symbol, but it is now forever identified with the other thing, peoples reactions when they see it might not be good...

Luke.

 

[deven_science]

Member Slick has that exact bell on his beautiful Shelby Airflo, and it just looks cool as can be on it. The symbol was originally Buddhist, BTW.

 

[kingfish254]

On its own that is a cool Buddhist bell, but the moment you combine it with the Graf Zeppelin it becomes a Nazi swastika. That doesn't make it a skinhead bike though.

 

[ozzmonaut]

I'd ride it. I ain't skeered. I also am of German descent , blond hair, blue eyes, and my head is shaved, so I'd definitely get some looks

 

[2jakes]

Along with the Graf tank...I was thinking of using the biggest 26" tires I
could find.

Size 26" 3.45 ". I put them on this wally-bike to see how they look.
I removed all the crappy lettering on the sidewalls for a cleaner tone.
Just have to wait for better days.

 

[LukeTheJoker]

I spy Boa-G's!

Luke.

 

[2jakes]

I spy Boa-G's!

Luke.

You spy right !

I also might slap these Red sidewalls...

This is from an ad...& I removed the lettering...
I think it looks 100 %...this way !!!

 

[ozzmonaut]

100% Egyptian?

 

[2jakes]

100% Egyptian?

"

100% Egyptian?

nicht...nicht...

" einfach wunderbar "

 

[mikeeebikey]

I got "heil Hitler," by a colored guy because my pedals are iron crossed shaped.
Put whatever you want on your bike, tell the nay sayers to kick rocks.
Cool bike theme!

 

[Rockit!]

That zeppelin was a major score!

 

[kingfish254]

I like the idea of big balloon tires for a big balloon tank.
I wasn't busting your chops on the bell. It's your bike. Have fun.

 

[2jakes]

I like the idea of big balloon tires for a big balloon tank.
I wasn't busting your chops on the bell. It's your bike. Have fun.

" You can't please everyone, so you got to please yourself "
Rick Nelson

Besides...life would be boring if we all agreed on the same things.
Thanks for the comments !

 

[NicksGarage]

Along with the Graf tank...I was thinking of using the biggest 26" tires I
could find.

Size 26" 3.45 ". I put them on this wally-bike to see how they look.
I removed all the crappy lettering on the sidewalls for a cleaner tone.
Just have to wait for better days.

So the lettering comes off those tires easily?


Sent from my HTC EVOLTE using Tapatalk 4 Pro.

 

[2jakes]

So the lettering comes off those tires easily?


Sent from my HTC EVOLTE using Tapatalk 4 Pro.

Well...if done a certain way,
it can be.
Sanding was my first attempt
but even with the mildest grade sandpaper or steel
wool pads, there's still a trace of roughness left no
matter how careful you may
be.
I use a combination of acetone, soap & water &
W D oil.
I only do a very small at time. So that the acid will
not penetrate , I apply the soap as soon as the letters
start to peel & lube with oil.
This way the surface remains smooth & there is
no trace left.
It's been almost a year since
I have done this & there' s
no trace of damage of any
kind to the tires.
Takes time & patience.
But take care to have
ventilation when working
with this.
I'm not recommending this
to anyone. But this is what I
use to remove the letters
cleanly with no marks.

 

[2jakes]

Phase 2: Mock-up:

Before I go further, I will call Phase 1..."the miracle"....
Having no instructions to go by just wishful hoping...
I was able to cut the right spots to adapt the zeppelin tank
to the bike frame.

This is a mock-up I put together to check the angle of the
main tube tank in relation to the overall stance of the bike
before I weld it.

On the left are the circular spots where the tube was originally located.
Once I determine the stance of the angle of the main, I will weld to the seat tube.
The original front fork was not wide enough to allow use of the tires size 26 x 3.45
I applied another fork that I was able to open up allowing for ample clearance.
These bigger tires will balance with the big tank.

Messinger Saddle : I cleaned & soften the leather with Huberd's Shoe oil. Next I used
Meltonian leather spray paint to bring out the color . The metal was treated with wd-40.

I need to shave off the head tube (red color) which will bring the couplings/washers/bearings down
into the tank.
I haven't decided if I want to leave the front of the tank as is or either create a small
opening & install either a light with Aero lens or a small metal propeller.

I'm calling this my "Graf Zeppelin" bike...so I will used this aircraft safety device which I kept from
my days in Vietnam ( B-52 bomber mechanic).

I haven't decided on the color scheme yet.

To be continued...

 

[Rockit!]

Whoa. Where did you score that Aerocycle lens?????