Have to try this for myself...first Rat

[MojoK]

I went out for a pick to get an old Hercules, but came home with a couple of old balloon tire bikes. At first my plan had been to do a klunker-cruiser, but my time browsing here has turned me in another direction. I believe I can get this done with spares and a single roadside parts donor ( a 70s AMF ). I have a $40 budget. I imagine it will include parts from 7 different decades when its done.


One of my favorite mountain bikes was an On-One Summer Season ( I never should have sold) that had a very cool lacquer over raw steel finish. I want this look, but still want to make it obvious that this is an old bruiser of a bike.


Took a picture with the work lights off to show the lines of the mock up without the harsh shadows.

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Very cool! Loving your direction on this!

 

[toro1978]

Well, doesn't it look like there is a little iron guy holding the bike in the air?

 

[MojoK]

Here's an honest question for you all....

I've sanded the fenders down part way to a dull red ( the pin striping is almost entirely gone). I could rub them down with linseed oil for a good result, or shoot them with a black rust reformer rattle can. I probably prefer the oil treatment for the red, but do not have the oil here. I could also hit them with the same clear lacquer that I did the frame with. I do already have the black paint. A friend suggested that the true "rat rod" way to do things is to always use what you have on hand first before buying something. I come from a competitive mountain biking background and have a history of spending tons of money for the parts I wanted in that pursuit, so this isn't a question about the actual cost of doing things, but more to get a notion of the sensibility used to make these decisions.

How would any of you do it?

 

[dropstep]

I use alot of what I have on hand but buy finishing products as needed. I'm more worried about it matching the picture in my head then anything else.

 

[horsefarmer]

I'm a low / no budget guy so I try to avoid buying stuff if possible.
Pretty much everything cool here has that hand hewn unique look and patina.
How you get to what you want is up to you. Your skills and available time kinda determine that... Good luck with the project and keep us informed!

 

[MojoK]

Got some stitching up to do, but it should sit pretty much the way it's dressed now. The profile of the tires is tall with straight side walls and may not clear the fenders, but I'll try to tweak them before I make a change.

 

[ParkRNDL]

Got some stitching up to do, but it should sit pretty much the way it's dressed now. The profile of the tires is tall with straight side walls and may not clear the fenders, but I'll try to tweak them before I make a change.

Love those bars. What are they from?

 

[MojoK]

Love those bars. What are they from?

Bars are original to the bike, the red 1959 Murray. I really likes how close they mirror the lines of the front rack (from a '66 Hercules 3 speed). The light is off a mid 70s Columbia Tourist, and works like new!

 

[arty dave]

Looks great ... I'm also digging the bars. I really like the front rack with the raw finish. I like the cut back & matt blacked rear fender, but it might look better with no front fender? Cool chainring too.

 

[MojoK]

Looks like this...

There is a lay-back seat post on order....we'll see how it looks.

I always liked the look of the tread pattern on these tires. They've been hanging in the shop for almost 20 years.

 

[Apollo]

Hello.. Everyone.. I'm apollo.. New here.
I just recently found a barn find.. A 1964 Sears Spaceliner Deluxe.. Rat Trap. Unfortunately all the tins are missing.. So what to do..
This is how it ended up looking.. I reverse the springer swing arms. The fater tires would not work with the original design. Ride and handling much better as the rake and trail are increased. I called it "Covid".

 

[MattiThundrrr]

I love those frames. That's a beauty

 

[Couch tater]

Here's an honest question for you all....

I've sanded the fenders down part way to a dull red ( the pin striping is almost entirely gone). I could rub them down with linseed oil for a good result, or shoot them with a black rust reformer rattle can. I probably prefer the oil treatment for the red, but do not have the oil here. I could also hit them with the same clear lacquer that I did the frame with. I do already have the black paint. A friend suggested that the true "rat rod" way to do things is to always use what you have on hand first before buying something. I come from a competitive mountain biking background and have a history of spending tons of money for the parts I wanted in that pursuit, so this isn't a question about the actual cost of doing things, but more to get a notion of the sensibility used to make these decisions.

How would any of you do it?

Boiled linseed oil can bring out the color of faded paint. It doesn't necessarily restore the color as much as it makes it pop. It can be top coated with polyurethane after it's cured. It also darkens rust. If you plan on doing a bunch of bikes and crusty parts it can be worthwhile to have on hand.

 

[Apollo]

I love those frames. That's a beauty

Thanks for the "Like" makes some hard elbow gress all worthwhile!

 

[Short Stuff]

Welcome Apollo from Misery. Be Well, SS.