new guy here

[chagovatoloco]

So I have been reeding for a while and want some help with my rat. I found this 1960's firestone bike that I just had to have, the owner didn't want to sell so I problable paid to much 100$. But I love this bike and have a few questions. A few of the pureists say that you should never paint a bike, but I don't think this one is one of the high dollar collectors so painting it should be ok.... right? I woulden't want to devalue it but dose it have any real value? It has and aftermarket springer fork, is there any way to get rid of the squeek? I have a bendix two speed kick back hub I was planning on puting on it but i need new rims(mine have a flat spot) ... black preffered, power coated not painted. Dose any one know where to get a good deal on that. I have plans of powder coating the flame and custom painting flames and such on it. I have changed the grips to black and gone though all the bearings to make sure every thing is well. Any and all help would be appreicated.

Santiago

 

[blacksheep]

Well, it's your bike so do whatever you'd like to it. However, if you want opinions I'll throw mine in. I'd keep it as is. It's got a nice aged look and patina to it, it still has the sweet headbadge, and the chainguard logo/lettering is still good. That's hard to beat if you ask me. Lots of folks on RRB go to great lengths to give their bike that "old" look. Your's has it and looks great. Nice bike! 8)

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

Santiago,
I have to agree with blacksheep. Your bike is such great original shape, that it should stay that way. A toothbrush, some dish washing soap and Simple Green will go a long way in bringing it back to life. You can 'rat out' the next one.. :wink:

Cheers!
Dr. T

 

[chagovatoloco]

Point taken, this is the way it looked when I fell in love with it and it dose look good like that. As for the rims, I would keep mine but they have flat spots so I was thinking black in contrast. And is the bendix kick back 2 speed hub a good up grade? I have it just not installed yet. If I may was the price 100$ too much or was that a good price for it. I bought it from my brother in law and didn't want to cheat him.

Thanks for the replys
Santiago

 

[g-ratter]

With the right amount of cash any one can have a bike that looks like that.
I say make it your own. Brake out the hacksaw and welder and...CHOP, CHOP, CHOP!!!!!!

 

[deorman]

That's an okay price, not great, not horrible. Personally, I like the stock paint too. Over easy with a Brillo pad and some wax is about all I'd do to the finish. I ran one of those springers for a while, it seemed to work well and quietly if you keep the hardware snugged up and tighten the spring enough so that it doesn't move when pedaling across a smooth flat surface. I had enough room to put an acorn nut on the end of the spring bolt.

 

[chagovatoloco]

I was thinking about an acorn nut, sounds like a good idea. So I tighten it up so when I sit on it it dose not immediately compress? I will give that a try.