Spitfire BMX Strand

[jakedog]

Hello RatRodders! Well, after my initial post seven years ago about how I've been lurking so long I have finally decided to dive in on a build thread. I don't have any huge stash of parts and want this to be a daily rider so will be slowly buying parts as I go. I hope some of you can give me some hints and tricks to make everything come together.

I'm starting with what I believe to be a December of '53 build, 1954 model year straight bar Spitfire frame. Seems like the Spitfire badge was slapped on several different frame styles, but the '54 catalog is the only one I've see that shows a straight bar Spitfire.

The paint looks pretty good and I would like to preserve it. Any tips? I know an oxalic acid bath will mitigate the rust, but have also heard it can kill red paint. I found a thread saying higher water temperature and lower ph greatly reduces the time needed to clean the rust up. Problem is, the water here is literally rock hard. We have an artesian aquifer and the ph is something like 7.5 - 8, where the recommendation is a ph of 2.0.

 

[jakedog]

I have a set of chrome Landing Gear BMX forks and an unfinished set of handlebars. I believe the handlebars came from PorkChop several years back. I'll probably peal the stickers off the fork though. The handlebars I'm thinking of powder coating but haven't decided on a color.

I want to do red rims and was leaning toward red high flange hubs, but I'm not sure about brakes. I was thinking cantilever and have seen similar builds using them, but I'm not sure with the BMX forks. Now I'm thinking drum brakes with some big levers. I'll definitely do a 3 piece crankset. Still deciding on exactly how I want it geared. I ride a cheapo cruiser right now and for the most part the gearing works for me so I'll probably copy that. Stay tuned!

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Drum brakes would be super cool. With the raw MX bars, you'd have a rat bomberish thing going on

 

[Chuy]

Nice!! I’m in for the build.

 

[Karate Chicken Industries]

I also feel that the Landing Gear stickers are obnoxious and have peeled them as well.

 

[Captain Awesome]

I also feel that the Landing Gear stickers are obnoxious and have peeled them as well.

Blasphemer

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Landing Gear stickers are obnoxious

You say "obnoxious" like it's a bad thing.

However, I agree that they might not mesh with the frame's patina

 

[Karate Chicken Industries]

I'm not big on branding, especially overwhelming branding. Think gary fisher's name on a frame in 17 places.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

I'm not big on branding, especially overwhelming branding. Think gary fisher's name on a frame in 17 places.

Lol I get it. I have a few Specializeds in the fleet. A couple of matching bottle cages, grips, pedals, gloves, bottle, tires... They put the big S on everything! Nice branding on that "Schwinn" of yours

 

[Captain Awesome]

Think gary fisher's name on a frame in 17 places.

You will respect the double diamond or else you run the risk of receiving negative trail karma

 

[Karate Chicken Industries]

Nice branding on that "Schwinn" of yours

Yup, overwhelming for a reason. Pump Track shakedown planned for it today.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Yup, overwhelming for a reason. Pump Track shakedown planned for it today.

Riding the wheels of confusion
Running thru valleys of tears
Eyes full of angry delusion
Hiding in everyday fears

 

[jakedog]

I'm not sure if it's appropriate to mention but I found a great deal on the Sturmey Archer X-FD. Ride On Bike Shop out of Canada has them on clearance. They normally don't ship but are working to get me one in the mail. Now if I can only find the X-RD with a single freewheel. They seem to be almost nonexistent with all the parts shortages.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Lol jakedog it's your thread., Of course it's appropriate, we're the ones being sidetrack-ey. And thanks for the lead on hubs, especially since it's Canadian.
https://www.rideonbikeshop.ca/sturmey-archer-hub.htmlIt's an unbelievable deal, wish I could build a wheel!

 

[jakedog]

Lol jakedog it's your thread., Of course it's appropriate, we're the ones being sidetrack-ey. And thanks for the lead on hubs, especially since it's Canadian.
https://www.rideonbikeshop.ca/sturmey-archer-hub.htmlIt's an unbelievable deal, wish I could build a wheel!

Wasn't sure about the advertising part. It is a crazy good deal and the guy said they have more...

 

[jakedog]

Well I thought I found a rear Sturmey Archer single speed freewheel but I got too excited and didn't pay attention. It's the model that takes a 7 speed cog. I wish they would distinguish it in the name and not just as a sub model number. No matter though. I'm building up my inventory and will make use of it. I also have a pre WWII DX frame I've been thinking of using for a true, derailleur geared klunker.

 

[Slow-Rider]

Blasphemer

nope I pealed them off my PK ripper forks. then a year later. ditched the forks for way better ones.