Ratty FSC ( 47 Firestone )

[metalchewy]

That red tire was growing on me but the new treads looks terrific! The bike is coming along great!

Put that tire on the old typhoon . ToRed on MBBO 4 has had a couple transformations over the last few years.
https://ratrodbikes.com/threads/class-1-mbbo-4-torred-68-typhoon-finished.94272/

The broke nosed velour seat on it never had as good of Velour as the blue one.

The new bike fits in with the three of the bikes I ride often.

 

[Pondo]

That is a nice stable of rides! It would be hard to choose which one to take out for a cruise.

 

[metalchewy]

That is a nice stable of rides! It would be hard to choose which one to take out for a cruise.

The plan is to continue to cycle through them on my afternoon rides. Have a couple other non-muscle styled pre-war bikes in the mix as well.

 

[metalchewy]

So, I have a qualifying bike, currently with 2 outta 3 requirements. BanaNana Seat and Apes. But am eyeing a change.

A banana seat was never an option. If for no other reason, my plan would predate the polo seat which came a few years later historically.
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I knew this and originally wanted it to be Bobbed vs Nanner'd. But that Blue velvet banana skin re-appeared in my saddle storage.

Blue Banana Looks good on there but want to fill in the vision with a refinished original seat and then make the decision.

Sooooo.....

Started a mini project to restore the seat back to something usable.

Disassembled, now to remove the Hydrated Iron Oxide from all of these parts.

 

[metalchewy]

Updated tire size from the back tire I ordered on Friday.
Back tire.

Front tire.

As of right now I have 3 of 3.

After the seat is done may go back to 2 of 3.

 

[metalchewy]

That blue seat does look good on there.

 

[metalchewy]

I have to say, I love riding this bike! It rides smooth, with the slightly taller rear tire, it's geared perfect for the hilly las vegas streets and sidewalks

I live on the north end of town and rode three hours or so down through El Dorado and up through Aliante and then headed back home.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

I have to say, I love riding this bike!

 

[metalchewy]

View attachment 217627

Fully agree, Every time I add a bike to the stable it's a win.

 

[metalchewy]

Picked up a cheap 2" reflector and sanded squared the edges of the base.

Chose some chrome metalli k and flat clear.

Painted the base.

The 2" one is 1/4 larger than the 1-7/8 Original.

Looks at home.

 

[Cyclist]

I really like the low step over area on the older bikes. Much easier to get on than the modern ones that barely lower that area from how the boys bikes are done. I hope you make something really nice.

 

[metalchewy]

I really like the low step over area on the older bikes. Much easier to get on than the modern ones that barely lower that area from how the boys bikes are done. I hope you make something really nice.

At some point after the stem breaks loose, an oxalic bath and a buff job will be in order. Some of the rattiness will be gone at that point and the restored seat will be back on it.

For now it is close to done unless I add some cut down fenders and make a ducktail or two. Will dig some out this weekend, and see if if I want to cut them.

 

[Bike from the Dead]

That '47 Firestone's looking good! Love the blue paint, and the changes you've made to it look great too!

Also, how are you able to record your videos while riding with only one hand on the bars?! If I tried doing that, I'd probably fall over!

 

[metalchewy]

That '47 Firestone's looking good! Love the blue paint, and the changes you've made to it look great too!

Thank You! I am glad you like it. I've been enjoying it almost daily. Even when I came back from our Thanksgiving trip to Utah it was there waiting for me.

Also, how are you able to record your videos while riding with only one hand on the bars?! If I tried doing that, I'd probably fall over!

Hmmmm... Lots of years of practice riding with a 12 pack under one arm on the trip back from the discount beer store around the big block I guess.

I seem to be able to keep it in line as long as I don't try to look up the street behind me. Then it veers towards whichever shoulder I am looking over.

 

[Slow-Rider]

I have to say, I love riding this bike! It rides smooth, with the slightly taller rear tire, it's geared perfect for the hilly las vegas streets and sidewalks
View attachment 217616
I live on the north end of town and rode three hours or so down through El Dorado and up through Aliante and then headed back home.
View attachment 217617View attachment 217618View attachment 217619

nice choice on ape bars. they flow with the frame lines.

 

[metalchewy]

nice choice on ape bars. they flow with the frame lines.

Thanks, i'm glad you agree with my thinking on this.

I tried to change them out for some shorter bars, but the shorter ones, like the 1" ones didn't look quite right.

 

[metalchewy]

Found an old pic of the mirror I dug out of storage. Built for MBB03's Valiant.

I used it on an aluminum framed denim build at some point and polished off the stamping.

Made from a 60s Mopar sport mirror shell. One of the spares I picked up for the Dart. Polished stainless instead of a glass mirror

Cleaned up nicely with some chrome polish. Next i need to cut a leather strap to mount it.