Shelby No Holes

[Georgeediii]

Last week I picked up this ugly 30's Shelby wishbone frame. This particular frame has no holes in the headtube for a badge. This is a tell tale sign that it was a Supreme with the big wrap around tank. The frame has two issues and since I dont have the skills to fix them properly, I decided that I will not be addressing at all. And since finding a tank is next to impossible, a restoration would be cost prohibitive.

So what is the plan?

MAKE A RAT!!!!!!!!!!!

I will be trying to keep it as Shelby as possible but its going to be a hot mess. Trying to use what I have laying around in order to keep the costs minimal. Hoping to get it together quickly as we have a ride next month I would like to take it on.

 

[ratcycle]

What's wrong with the frame?

 

[Georgeediii]

What's wrong with the frame?

The lower top tube has been very poorly welded at the seat post. Additionally that same tube has a dent in it. Couldnt get the dent to show up in a pic but the bubblegum and bird poop did.


Just for reference, here is a pic of what this frame looked like when it was purchased new.

 

[Georgeediii]

Going to use these deep fenders and rack from a later model Shelby. The fork is temporary while I tread and cut down a more appropriate one.

 

[Scribble]

Sweetness !!, I'll be watching along your builds are really nice

 

[Georgeediii]

Dug up some 24" wheels and slapped on some TBs. I'm positive they are going to look good as long as I can squeeze them in the frame and under the deep fenders.

 

[ratcycle]

Well if u wanna do a trade for the fender ornament for some welding I could help

 

[Georgeediii]

The rear wheel is going to need to be extremely honest but I think I can make it work. The even bigger chalange will be getting the tire centered under the fender. With any luck the chain will fit perfectly when I have the wheel where I want it, but I'm not holding my breath.

 

[Scribble]

Looks good

 

[Georgeediii]

I parted out a lady's Huffman with a broken frame a while back and since most people cant tell the difference between a Huffman and a Shelby fork I am going to use it. I will have to have the treads chased and the tube cut down but I think we have a winner.


Not sure if I will leave it green or try to match what I've got going on with the frame??? Definately going to use this guard though.

 

[Scribble]

That's the same guard on my 41 Colson. This has an awesome stance so far, I never even considered putting 24 inch wheels with fat tires in a 26 inch frame looks fantastic.

 

[The Renaissance Man]

Looks great!

I like the fan also.

 

[gowjobs]

The radius on the front fender looks pretty close to fitting. You can close the radius of the rear fender up a little by carefully spreading the edges of the rear fender by hand, which will also make it just that much wider. It won't take much - maybe just work your way down the fender, spreading it about an 1/8 all through the length, or at least where you want to tighten the curve up to match the tire.

 

[Georgeediii]

I am going to try to get it as close as possible by adjusting the chain length first and then will go the Gowjobs route of messing with the stays and hopefully I can get it close. A buddy is hooking me up with this chain ring off a 41 Shelby.

 

[Georgeediii]

Looks great!

I like the fan also.

I am pretty fond of the fan myself. My Grandmother taught French at the local High School her entire career. The fan was in her classroom for decades.

 

[Georgeediii]

Managed to get the rear wheel pretty close. I also mocked up a Delta wedge but it needs acomplete overhaul.



I tried the bars that belonged to the same bike as the fork first...



And since I don't have a set of Elkhorn bars, I mocked up a set of Wald Wacky Bars instead. They are not even close to the same bends but they kind of have the same vibe.



I am leaning hard toward keeping the Wacky bars with a different stem.