Anyone who has followed my builds on RRB knows that I like them rusty and crusty. The challenge for me this time around was to build a 'shiny' muscle bike, while still making it my own by customizing parts, mixing old and new, and keeping with my motto...RaT oN!
Hence, the word play in the name. Ratty and rusty would be the forgone conclusion that you would expect from me. Shiny is what you get this time around. And, it was my first 'geared' build, with the use of the Shimano Nexus 4 spd hub rear wheel. I will let the pictures do the talking, with a brief description preceding each one. Here is my final photo:
What I started with, my POP....
Found this red faux leather at the fabric store and that was the basis for my color. Able to get a decent match with the Rustoleum paint.
Had to grind out the drop out a bit to fit the Thick slick and 4 spd rear wheel in this Columbia frame.
And then spread the rear enough to get the hub to fit. Vintage frame spreading tool, and yes, I'm still trying to locate some for those of you on the 'list'....
Used a down tube shifter from a girl's 5 spd donor bike (along with the front fender and stem). Modified the shift lever with parts of my dad's old aluminum cane and grip.
Seat pan got new foam pad (dense foam sleeping pad) and the leather cover.
Front fender from girl's donor bike got chopped and shaped for that moto-x look....
Columbia period correct head badge and seat tube decal, and custom chain guard logo added....
And a few more pics to take it home.....This bike rides great. Has a range of gears for the hills and the flats. Tight turns with the Schwinn 24" wheel in the front and small light weight micro tire. Definitely the sports car bike in my stable. And, it's red....
Hence, the word play in the name. Ratty and rusty would be the forgone conclusion that you would expect from me. Shiny is what you get this time around. And, it was my first 'geared' build, with the use of the Shimano Nexus 4 spd hub rear wheel. I will let the pictures do the talking, with a brief description preceding each one. Here is my final photo:
What I started with, my POP....
Found this red faux leather at the fabric store and that was the basis for my color. Able to get a decent match with the Rustoleum paint.
Had to grind out the drop out a bit to fit the Thick slick and 4 spd rear wheel in this Columbia frame.
And then spread the rear enough to get the hub to fit. Vintage frame spreading tool, and yes, I'm still trying to locate some for those of you on the 'list'....
Used a down tube shifter from a girl's 5 spd donor bike (along with the front fender and stem). Modified the shift lever with parts of my dad's old aluminum cane and grip.
Seat pan got new foam pad (dense foam sleeping pad) and the leather cover.
Front fender from girl's donor bike got chopped and shaped for that moto-x look....
Columbia period correct head badge and seat tube decal, and custom chain guard logo added....
And a few more pics to take it home.....This bike rides great. Has a range of gears for the hills and the flats. Tight turns with the Schwinn 24" wheel in the front and small light weight micro tire. Definitely the sports car bike in my stable. And, it's red....
