JC Higgins Ratty Build **1/24 Update and Taste Test**

[Danimal]

Guess I'll start to document a build. Hopefully it will take less time than usual, lol.

This is not going to be a fancy high dollar build, just a traditional Rat Rod...I think. In any case, we will see where it goes. This is how it started out. Picked up the frame from a fellow RRB member. It's the red frame in the middle of this pile.

Yes, the fork is bent badly. After removal, it was also found to be cracked so it hit the trash can. With parts I had at the house, I started mocking it up. Girls fork of unknown orgin, girls Higgins truss rods, Roadmaster wheels, generic seat. All parts pretty beat. Here is a mock up pic.

So first thing to do is shorten that fork steerer tube! Measure twice, cut once, blah blah blah. Cut off disc on a die grinder and a hand file.

After Cutting. Also had to "reshape" the truss rods a bit to match the overall size of the fork. Special tool used=hands. Borrowed Brian's wheel for a test fit.

Ok then, off to sand blaster!

 

[Terry66]

Re: JC Higgins Ratty Build

That is such a classic rat bike frame! Either that one or the 50s CWC frames are by far the best starting point. I am keeping my eye on this project. You should try t find a ratty tank to go along with it!

 

[SCHWINNRAY69]

Re: JC Higgins Ratty Build

Ahhhh...the frame I wanted!! :shock: :shock: :lol: It was to far of a drive for me to pick it up though :roll:


Looks good! Did you grab the whole pile of frames? :shock:

 

[Danimal]

Re: JC Higgins Ratty Build

Thanks Terry. Indeed it is a classic! Best part of the build is I haven't had to buy anything yet. Frame was free, all other parts were already in the parts bin.

However, I do have one very cool part coming in the next few weeks...and it won't be a free one.


Schwinnray, it was a far drive for me too...luckily the gas was free that day...long story.

 

[Danimal]

Re: JC Higgins Ratty Build

Ok, first update. Finished sandblasting the frame and fork parts tonight. Put a light coat of etching primer on.

I like my Higgins...

No, wait, I LOVE my Higgins!

 

[CWC]

Re: JC Higgins Ratty Build **1/24 Update!**

HAHAHA, I see we must know the same person because I got the gray frame from that pile. I was wondering what happened to the red frame. I like how they both have the gray overspray on them

Funny thing is I used a girls fork on mine too but it was from a 60's bike so no cutting had to happen. Here is mine all built up, just finished it today ( finished is a lie )

Cool how they ended up cross country from each other, I will be following this build! Give Fink a pat on the back for me.

 

[scott brownsey]

Re: JC Higgins Ratty Build **1/24 Update!**

its gona be a cool bike can tell already 8)

 

[largek9]

Re: JC Higgins Ratty Build **1/24 Update!**

Looks great so far! I like builds like this look around, find what you have and go at it. 8)

 

[Danimal]

Hey CWC, actually, I got mine from the original poster that offered them up. And mine was grey from the factory. It was painted red at some point in its life...poorly. Then someone started to strip it.

Now it sits in green primer. Final color not yet determined.

 

[stickit]

Yeah only so much lovin you can give a green primer frame

 

[CWC]

Hey CWC, actually, I got mine from the original poster that offered them up. And mine was grey from the factory. It was painted red at some point in its life...poorly. Then someone started to strip it.

Now it sits in green primer. Final color not yet determined.

Ahhhh, well still cool that people on opposite sides of the country ended up with these and that they are gonna be ridden.