SilverVein Lichen - - - 🌪

[MazdaFlyer]

I have a couple of bikes that were found in backyards. They both had lichens when found similar to what you see on trees. One is a JC Higgins frame with Schwinn wheels. One is an ‘55 AMF built frame with parts of various origin, it’s a rider.

I’ve been wanting to give one of these a makeover. Other than the cost of paint or powder coat I have the parts in my stash to redo either one of these. Neither one would take long. I’m a competitor by nature but build efforts don’t seem to be rewarded in the voting. I tend to not do shiny custom bikes.
I guess this post is a placeholder, may participate, might just do one of these in the background.

 

[Funkme]

Glad to see you in. Just roll with it.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Are you doing it for the bike, the process itself, or the votes? No need to be "in it to win it" to enjoy the ride. I'd like to see you join, either one is great, but I think I prefer the curves on the second one with the tank.

 

[billy bob customs]

I would personally do the one with the tank simply because I like tank bicycles. While pretty much everybody loves to win, I think if you're doing it strictly for the fact of wanting to win you probably shouldn't do it. My advice would be to just have fun building what you want, let the people on here see your process, make a few new friends while doing so, stand back when you're done, stare at it, ride it
and enjoy what you accomplished...

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Are you doing it for the bike, the process itself, or the votes? No need to be "in it to win it" to enjoy the ride. I'd like to see you join, either one is great, but I think I prefer the curves on the second one with the tank.

I do it for a creative outlet and mental fitness. I take pride in an attention to detail and effort expended. I’ve made some good riders and some that are more like lookers. I’ve sold a couple, all in all I’ve done 11 build off bikes, I value the votes as approval for what I’ve accomplished. I’m always in it to win, I’ve done other bikes outside the build offs with the same gusto.
The straight bar bike has better geometry for riding.

I would personally do the one with the tank simply because I like tank bicycles. While pretty much everybody loves to win, I think if you're doing it strictly for the fact of wanting to win you probably shouldn't do it. My advice would be to just have fun building what you want, let the people on here see your process, make a few new friends while doing so, stand back when you're done, stare at it, ride it
and enjoy what you accomplished...

I’d agree with you on the tank bike. It also has better riding geometry. Not sure I’d keep the tank though.
In regards to building to win, see my comments above. My builds are a creative thought process with attention to detail while trying to stay true to the roots of rat rods.

 

[Couch tater]

Your build last year was so cool. Though it is verboten to discuss what constitutes a rat rod bike around here, your build ticked all the boxes of what my vision of it is. Regardless of whether you build these bikes in the official Build Off or in the Build threads I'll be keeping an eyeball on it.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

I know your resume, MazFlyer, that's why I was trying to get you in the game! I learn a lot, and am inspired by your stuff

 

[MazdaFlyer]

I started breaking down the straight bar bike, took about 40 minutes so far.

Notice the remaining lichens…

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Original thought was Gold Vein powder coat. Went to check on availability and noticed the Silver Vein. If I retain the tank the Silver might work better.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Man, that patina is so thick, it's ALIVE!!

 

[MazdaFlyer]

I did this bike in Gold Vein previously as a private build 6 years ago and it was then sold. It’s had three owners since that I know of.

 

[sdframe]

I'm lichen both bikes equally, and I know for certain that I'll be lichen whatever you come up with. Please join us.

 

[kingfish254]

Those powder coats both look cool. I would go with the Roadmaster frame. Those tanks are great.

 

[toro1978]

I'm lichen both bikes equally, and I know for certain that I'll be lichen whatever you come up with. Please join us.

I see what you did there.
But now that you said it I can't but think of the Lycans from "Underworld".

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Tore down bike the rest of the way. At least it saves space now.

Beagle inspection service complete.

It’s really humid here…possible rain, maybe I can activate the Lichens one last time…hopefully not the “Lycans” though.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

An experiment with adding photos since my go to Tapatalk method isn’t available any longer. This method takes longer and has more steps, but it is what it is. These are some pre-tear down details.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

I can see four pics: hub, truss, crown, and dropout.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

I can see four pics: hub, truss, crown, and dropout.

At one time RatRod suggested using Tapatalk, that’s what got me hooked. So much simpler from my iPhone. The CABE dropped it also. No advertisements and there were a bunch of selection options in dealing with your privacy, although you had to look for them.
Yep, four pictures, tricky to get em there IMHO.

 

[KJV]

Ed,
Good to see you joining in on the fun again this year.

 

[KRTOPNOTCH]

I have a couple of bikes that were found in backyards. They both had lichens when found similar to what you see on trees. One is a JC Higgins frame with Schwinn wheels. One is an ‘55 AMF built frame with parts of various origin, it’s a rider.

I’ve been wanting to give one of these a makeover. Other than the cost of paint or powder coat I have the parts in my stash to redo either one of these. Neither one would take long. I’m a competitor by nature but build efforts don’t seem to be rewarded in the voting. I tend to not do shiny custom bikes.
I guess this post is a placeholder, may participate, might just do one of these in the background.

Tank bike all the way. That thing is super cool!!