Loopy

[Gravelgrinder59]

So then I immediately think I wonder if they make “pizza” imaged bar tape I do a search and YES they do, so I order both. Around this time I was starting to put brass then copper to my Chopper X build. I think a little copper might look good on Loopy. First I cut 1” copper coupling for a stem washer

 

[Gravelgrinder59]

I got a black laid black seat post to match my anticipated black tape with pizza imaged tape. And added a 3/4” copper coupling as an accent

 

[Gravelgrinder59]

I got some 5/8” copper washers to use as axle washers

 

[Gravelgrinder59]

once I started working with copper, I thought of making a tank insert out of copper sheet stock. I had saw a small piece at the hardware store so I knew I could get some, it wasn’t big enough for a full tank insert but I was gonna be using a frame bag ( probably unless I hated pizza bag) and I didn’t want to mimic Metal Chewys beautiful full tank inset. I had another idea anyway. I got the pizza bag now, so I can incorporate the tank insert and bag together. Started drawing shapes on cardboard inset and bag on bike. I also have wrapped bars at this point

 

[Gravelgrinder59]

I made the

insert as big as the piece of copper I had was. Once it was shape I wanted I cut and filed edge of copper insert. I made 2 clamps from 2 3/4” rubber lined clamps. I took rubber off and reformed them for a tight fit on top tube. Drilled 2 holes in the plate frame insert and attached. I need to get some nicer bolts ( but not done with insert). A decal is to be applied when I get it.

 

[Gravelgrinder59]

Here is picture of bar tape, it’s nice padded cloth tape, that has silicone backing. I also added some yellow grips with Gold anodized look rings. I had black grips on originally, I want gold anodized rings because I want to reinstall a nice set of gold anodized SE pedals I had earlier removed (because they didn’t match anything). Now they will match lock rings on grips. The grips are a little bright right now, but once they get dirty the color will tone down and be fine.

 

[Gravelgrinder59]

Here is picture of bike with bag. Reason no posting in awhile I wanted mind certain this is the look, kind of a bold out of the norm look for a clunker.

but this is it.

 

[Gravelgrinder59]

Anyone familiar with Colson bikes, knows they had a badge called a waterfall badge, beautiful curved badge hooked to the trusses. I have no badge and wondered if I could emulate Colsons idea, and make my own. Been puttering around with this for a month and got lettering this week in mail. So I finished just before I started posting. Here’s pics of an original Waterfall badge

 

[Gravelgrinder59]

I’m not going to try to copy, but use the idea. In beginning stages didn’t look too great, but had promise. First I cut a piece of Aluminun to fit trusses, I had made cardboard template first, resized several times before got what I wanted. Then I had a piece of copper left from insert which was almost perfect size for what I planned. It is taped together and taped to trusses.

 

[Gravelgrinder59]

Today I finished the badge. I’m not going to install yet because of I still have to install a new headset.I started with lettering . I ordered a decal that said “Colson “ 1/2” letters in bold caps font. I was gonna use letters going down copper strip, so they had to be cut apart

 

[Gravelgrinder59]

Letters applied to copper stip

 

[Gravelgrinder59]

Want contrast between Copper and Aluminum, so I am going to make an outline on aluminum, outlining the copper (before attaching the name plate) after cutting ends with razor blade I now have my outline for name plate/badge).

 

[Gravelgrinder59]

It’s looks good, but not satisfied, think I can achieve a more Art Deco look by adding a finer pinstripe to each side. This tape wasn’t coming off backing very well today, so this was a pain.

 

[Gravelgrinder59]

Now the good part attaching copper plate inside the outline with monkey grip, dbl backed tape

 

[Gravelgrinder59]

If you noticed I added something I haven’t yet mentioned? Four tiny bronze rivets , one one each corner. I had found these sticky backed rivet heads on Amazon when ordering rivets to use on my Chopper X build. I didn’t use them on it and thought they’d be a nice accent to my badge. And make it look like it was actually mounted with something, since I’m going to use dbl backed tape to mount to the trusses. I never mentioned it( just came to mind) I spent quite a bite of time initially shaping aluminum to fit curve of trusses, then bending copper to fit curve of aluminum.

 

[Gravelgrinder59]

These pics give visual how waterfall badge will look mounted to trusses

 

[Gravelgrinder59]

Now I’m waiting on copper insert decal, finishing it, installing a new black headset then hooking up the front brake. Then I’ll have another build in the book. I earlier had stated ordering Schwalbe Magic Mary’s. I had severe problems getting them, my build changed direction. The yellow lettering on these Maxxis Holy Rollers fits build and the Mary’s are already allocated to a different build. Seems I’ve been posting for hours, I’m done for today. Thanks for looking!

 

[MattiThundrrr]

The badge is an excellent piece. Your details are off the chart this winter!

 

[Gravelgrinder59]

Thanks so much for compliment, I’m pretty proud of that badge. Told wife I thought best thing I’ve done in a while. Like a lot of things thought about bagging idea glad I didn’t. Happy with all the likes, was unsure how Loopy in this form would fair with viewers. I liked, wasn’t sure others would. Thanks again….

 

[hamqqea]

Badge looks official, from my rear view that is. You guys without gears are in trouble against the little red one.

Build's making me hungry