Hawthorne Javelin Wall Art Bike

[MazdaFlyer]

My neighbor has an Italian restaurant. He brought over a child’s well rusted and used convertible Hawthorne Javelin 20” bike. He wants to shine it up and use it as wall art in the restaurant. I was reluctant at first glance but the budget sounded interesting.
He left it and my curiosity got me started on seeing what would come loose. With some WD-40 I was able to get things to loosen while only breaking two replaceable small bolts.
Plan is to media blast and powder coat frame, tank, front fender, fork, chainguard and handle bars. I’ll source a used wheelset as the current rims were for solid rubber tires. Rideable is not a requirement and the crank is not removable as I see it, I’ll cut chain off and add a replacement. The crank and chain ring will probably get painted. Hope to find some tricycle grips and pedals. Deposit up front received.

The saddle is one I’ve been carrying around in my swap meet parts box for years. It will finally get a new home.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

It’s broken down. The tank had a huge wasp nest in it and maybe a mouse nest. The cap on the fork is rusted solid. Any bearings this thing had are long gone. Since it’s to be a static piece it won’t need them.

Original picture pre-destruction. Does have some clean lines.

 

[johnsmith]

Wow, I love that bike. If it wasn't for a customer, this would be an awesome project! Good luck!!

 

[MattiThundrrr]

The dropouts are interesting, looks like a predecessor to some of the muscle bikes.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

The dropouts are interesting, looks like a predecessor to some of the muscle bikes.

Found this photo on the web of an original.

I noticed I had posted the wrong model name as a Falcon, actually a “Javelin”.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Lots to like there, the chain guard, crank sprocket, saddle, unique fender mounts, it's all pretty cool!

 

[Bike from the Dead]

I like the shape of the frame on this one. with the tank in the right position, it already looks like a chopper frame. If it were up to me, I'd add some stretched and raked forks, a dovetail or bobbed rear fender, some low '70s-style chopper handlebars, and give it a vivid metallic paint job. The purple you shared in that one photo would be my first choice.

Either way, this'll be a fun project to follow, rideable or not.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

I like the shape of the frame on this one. with the tank in the right position, it already looks like a chopper frame. If it were up to me, I'd add some stretched and raked forks, a dovetail or bobbed rear fender, some low '70s-style chopper handlebars, and give it a vivid metallic paint job. The purple you shared in that one photo would be my first choice.

Either way, this'll be a fun project to follow, rideable or not.

It being a sidewalk bike it’s construction prevents some of your ideas from being accomplished without big modifications. I do have a rear fender for it. It’s getting a red finish with white accents and new graphics. Nothing over the top, maybe understated, sophisticated Italian.

 

[Bike from the Dead]

It being a sidewalk bike it’s construction prevents some of your ideas from being accomplished without big modifications. I do have a rear fender for it. It’s getting a red finish with white accents and new graphics. Nothing over the top, maybe understated, sophisticated Italian.

Can't say I'm surprised by that. Maybe someone could make a 26" bike based off this one! I think your plan for this bike is just fine. It's a piece of wall art, doesn't need to be anything crazy.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Potential headbadge and chainguard stickers. Have a couple of sizes.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Parts pool...

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Color chips...

 

[Bike from the Dead]

Parts pool...

I really like the shape of that bare seat pan, but the white one might work better for the colors you intend to powder the rest of the bike with. I'd also vote going with the black pedals to maintain that vintage look.

So far, so good!

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Tank reproduction graphics...from Apple Graphix.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Got a wheelset today need to find some bargain tires.

 

[Bike from the Dead]

Any preferences on tire color?

I think either blackwalls or whitewalls will work. Probably best to wait until the rest of the bike is done to know for sure.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

I’ve been collecting parts to finish this bike up over the last three weeks. The powder coating company finally got their part done and I picked up the parts today.
I have it mocked up but with all the nuts and bolts I’ve collected over the years, I don’t have the three bolt sizes I need to replace the old rusty ones I took out. So I need to source 3 fasteners to button things up.
20x2.125 slick tread rear and 20x1.750 brick tread front tires. I cut the grips down to fit the shorter handlebars. The seat was cleaned and bottom pieces repainted.

I’m waiting on a reply from the client on whether to set the tank up as a girls or boys bike. Almost too shiny to just hang on the wall.
Post Edit: tank will be mounted in up position.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

It’s a wrap…finished assembly this morning. To bad it’s not a rider. Should look good in Napoli Italian Eatery though. Client seems to love it…that’s what counts.

I had sourced a fender set for it but decided it looks better fender-less.

 

[Bike from the Dead]

It looks great! Yeah, it sucks that it's not a rider, but at least it'll be sitting pretty in that restaurant.

 

[Captain Awesome]

Looks awesome