Old Skool Sears Spaceliner

[FreddyS]

Ok Guys,

Here is the deal. I bought an old Sears Spaceliner with some really cool lines that I want to rat out. I also came across an old Huffy 3 Speed Savanna that has new tires, brakes, crank, and chain. I want to take off all this good stuff and put on Spaceliner. I'm sure I will add some more stuff that I get at back swaps or on Ebay. I'm looking for ideas from you guys because you all have som really sic rides. This will be my first ground up build and would very much like some suggestions.

Thanks in advance.

 

[clamdigger]

http://ratrodbikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/show-your-spaceliners.12311/

 

[whitefiretiger]

Looks like a good starting point.
I'm trying to convert my 59 western flyer to 3 speed but I'm just getting separate parts wish I had gotten a full 3 SPD for parts.

Does the 3 speed have a coaster brake? If not you'll have to figure out a way to add hand brakes to the space liner.

Good luck.

 

[FreddyS]

Wow! I didn't know that so many guys on this forum owned Spaceliners. They really do have some cool lines to play with. Mine did not come with the tank or fenders so I may or may not look for them on Ebay. To tell you the truth, I kinda like the look of the bike without them. Can't wait to get started!

 

[whitefiretiger]

Spacelines are cool bikes.
I've got one too that I'm not yet sure what I'm going to do with.

Can't wait to see you start building.

 

[FreddyS]

I have had a chance to look at both bikes side to side and take some measurements from both and I should not have any problems swapping the brakes and tires over. Won't know about the cranks and pedal until I take the original ones off. It is a strange looking contraption for sure. My first concern is taking everything off the bike and seeing how much rust I have. I really don't want to, but I may have to paint the frame. I could have it re-chromed but I bet it'll be pricey and to me defeats the whole purpose of the rat build. We will see.

 

[LukeTheJoker]

You could just clean the rust and clear coat it?

Luke.

 

[FreddyS]

My brother in law said the same thing. Usually works well when there is not a whole lot of rust but I have not stripped it down yet. Hopefully, I have time this weekend. Looking at color combinations as well. Maybe gun metal gray for the body and a rustic red for the chain guard and rear rack. I am going to go ahead and order some ape hangars and nice grips. There is a Frankenbike swap meet this weekend and may browse around for parts that may be a good fit for the look I am shooting for.

 

[whitefiretiger]

I'd hit it with SOS pads (I use dollar store knockoff ones) to do an initial cleaning of the chrome, if the chrome cleans up decent with that I switch to 0000 steel wool.
You could also try the navel jelly trick to get rid of rust too.
Its a pain to get paint (even with self etching primer) or clear coat to stick to chrome.
Also if you do use clear coat use high quality or it will yellow over time and look nasty.
I'm wondering how boiled linseed oil sticks to chrome; I know it leaves a good finish and seals rust (if put over rust it won't rust more).

Kind of sad my spaceliner is painted version but at the same time kind of glad.

 

[whitefiretiger]

Just figured I'd drop in with a bump to see how this was going
And to show you an example of why I use $1 (per 10 pack) knockoff sos pads for initial chrome cleaning before I decide the parts fait.

Exhibit A: support bar for the rack on my spaceliner as I got it.

Exhibit B: the same bar after a quick scrub with the sos.

Sure the rust can come back over time but as long as you don't leave the bike out in bad weather and keep some 0000 steel wool on hand to clean it off from time to time all is well.
Another option is after its clean apply some auto wax to help keep moisture away.

Also an example of why I don't suggest clear coat on chrome.

 

[FreddyS]

You are right my friend. I spent some time looking at removing rust and you have some very handy suggestions. The rust is not excessive so I will be doing what you suggest and coating with linseed oil. I am gonna drop some ape hangars on it as well.

 

[whitefiretiger]

I have yet to try boiled linseed oil on chrome so I don't know how it will stick but its worth a try.
I'd maybe start by testing on old chrome handlebars then if it seems to stick well go to doing the frame. Unless somebody else can chime in that has used it on chrome.

 

[FreddyS]

I just got a quote to have the frame and fork re-chromed. $ 495!!!!! I guess I can live with a little rust after all.

 

[whitefiretiger]

Yea chrome is expansive that probably includes them stripping the old off.

 

[pick]

I love spaceliners! Wish I had a few more.

 

[FreddyS]

I will be working on it the Labor Day weekend. Would love to put a 3 Speed Shurmey Archer Sportshifter on it but the prices on Ebay are outrageous and the new retro ones are even worse!

 

[whitefiretiger]

There's a reason I am making my own shifter for my 3 speed conversion. Old sa thumb shifter on the stem with a metal tube fitted to it gave me my 3-on-the-tree

 

[FreddyS]

That is really cool! My brother in law is pretty good at fabricating things. May head to the pick and pull and scrounge around for a short cool looking shifter that I might be able to modify.

 

[whitefiretiger]

If you do make sure its not too heavy. I havnt tried with the hub and cable all hooked up but when I had a balloon top it would try to shift down on its own.

 

[FreddyS]

A bummer . I am not going to be able to get to this anytime soon so I am offering these two bikes for a trade on CL in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. I am willing to trade them for a bike that is already built up so if anyone in these 3 cities has any interest, hit me up with what you have and let's see if we can make a deal.