LONE RANGER

[sdframe]

OK, so my gear ratio will be lower than 2.5 to 1. I found a 38 T chain ring that fits my crank set properly. Combined with my 16T cog ,
I'll have a very low gear ratio of 2.375 to 1. But that could be fine; I live in a hilly area, so I'll be able to get up the hills fairly easily, and I'll just coast downhill.
Here's how it will look:

I did pick up a 40T Campy chain ring today, in case this setup is just too low.

I did a very rough mockup of the complete bike, and I'm pleased with its overall look. I especially like my handlebar stem, the wheels and the small chainwheel. I'm happy with the blend of vintage and modern.

 

[sdframe]

Now I have to decide how to finish the frame. It has plenty of dents, and I read that light colors, or pastels, hide unevenness better than darks. I also read that flat or matte finishes hide the blemishes better than glossy, so I'll be looking for a light matte spray paint that will go with my brown saddle and grips, and my brass colored trim pieces that I'm planning on. Off to Ace. It's the place. Color choice is real important for my build, so I better think.

 

[kingfish254]

It would be perfect for this buildoff, but I'm as committed as Tonto to my kemosabe, the Lone Ranger.

One of my favorite lines from a song involve Tonto and Kemosabe

 

[sdframe]

I found a light, ultra matte yellow-gold paint at Ace, for the frame and fork, and I had a fresh can of a kind of aged brass, for some of the trim pieces. Oh, yeah, and some slightly contrasting Vinyl striping tape for the top bars. The pic isn't color true, it looks much better in daylight.

The bike was already black, and it would be SO easy to prep it and give it a fresh coat of matte black, but nooo . . . I have to change the color instead of going back to black.

 

[OddJob]

SD, Rustoleum has some nice matte colors I have used. Maybe a desert tan, or limerock ivory, or cactus green?

This is looking really good so far! I really like your change to a simple single speed. Our bikes will have the same gear ratio, 40t x 16t. Also quite hilly here in our neighborhood, and I want to use it for bike shop commutes, grocery runs, and fun rides.

sKinNy oN~!

EDIT: Haha! Looks like you grabbed a nice color. Your Ace must be as close by as mine...about 2 miles.

 

[sdframe]

SD, Rustoleum has some nice matte colors I have used. Maybe a desert tan, or limerock ivory, or cactus green?

This is looking really good so far! I really like your change to a simple single speed. Our bikes will have the same gear ratio, 40t x 16t. Also quite hilly here in our neighborhood, and I want to use it for bike shop commutes, grocery runs, and fun rides.

sKinNy oN~!

EDIT: Haha! Looks like you grabbed a nice color. Your Ace must be as close by as mine...about 2 miles.

They know me by name, and they are locally owned. And they've never tried to run me over with a forklift.

 

[sdframe]

I disassembled my mock up this morning, and prepped the small parts for painting. I used self-etching primer on the bare metal and plated parts for better adherence. I did a bunch of trim pieces in an antique looking brass metallic that I really like, and the chain ring is now gloss yellow.

Truss rods and caliper pieces hangin' from the ol' paintin' tree:

Bits and bobs:

Hopefully, I'll prep, sand, primer and paint the frame and fork tomorrow and it should be ready for final assembly by the weekend or early next week.

 

[OddJob]

Ahhh...the old 'Painted Palo Verde', a rarer hybrid found only on the property of rat rod bike builders in the Southwest. I like the brass hardware!

The great thing about the desert is, watching paint dry isn't boring; it's fast!

 

[sdframe]

One of my favorite lines from a song involve Tonto and Kemosabe

That's a perfect little song. Thanks for sharing.

 

[sdframe]

This morning I cleaned, sanded and masked the frame and fork, then out to the ol' paintin' tree we went. I gave it all about two coats of white primer:

After an hour or so, I was ready for the final color, "Golden Leaf," according to Rustoleum:

Golden Leaf, shmolden leaf, this color is Worksman Yeller, if it's anything. I like it! And I like how it contrasts with my brassy-coppery trim pieces. I'm gonna let the paint cure for a coupla days. I have an ebike build and a gas motor build that I need to tend to. And I'm already formulating a plan for an unlikely off-road build, so I'm looking around for bits and pieces. But I will be watching you guys!

 

[OddJob]

Looks like the color of our Poplar family trees here in the North country right now! Should look great with your brass fixings.

 

[Sparky Sharky]

I forgot to show you my current favorite skinny wheel ride. It's an all chrome Sears from the '70s maybe. All original except for tires and Brooks saddle.
View attachment 211278

Is that a Fleetwood with a stickshift?

 

[Ravenshurst]

This is gonna be REALLY sweet!

 

[Karate Chicken Industries]

That yellow is Grey Poupon-ish, noted for an upcoming yellow build in mind.

 

[sdframe]

Is that a Fleetwood with a stickshift?

It is! It was 100% original, but I had to switch out the saddle for comfort. I did, however, keep the original black and white saddle.

 

[sdframe]

I stated final assembly the day after I painted the frame. I learned the hard way not to clamp a freshly painted frame to a bike stand, so I turned it upside down and clamped onto the stubby little seat post.

 

[sdframe]

Assembly went fairly easily, with a couple of minor glitches along the way.

I love my skinny wheel set; not sure about my yellow chain ring.
Here's a closer look:

The best I can say is . . meh.

I do like how most of the parts look--

My "matte" yellow paint did nothing to hide the proliferation of dents on this old frame, in fact, the paint seems to bring the imperfections out!

This chain stay is the worst, but I have an idea for that later.

It's starting to look like a real bike!

Even better!

I will have to go with brassy pedals and chain wheels, but first I need to address an off-center rear wheel.

I'll just switch some nuts around on the axle. You know the routine.

 

[Captain Awesome]

Is that chainring steel or aluminum? I'd strip the paint and brass it

 

[OddJob]

Yep ^ dig out your brass for the chain ring.

 

[sdframe]

I took care of the off center wheel and prepped, primered and painted the chain wheel and pedals. I'm happy with the results.