Spitfire that thinks it's a Wasp

[LowpowerD]

Here's the link to Fresh Finds to show what I started with.
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=51013
From some research, it looks like a Spitfire with a Wasp chain guard. I already have a Panther II with S-7s, so I wanted to do something different here. I ditched the S-7s and slipped on some S-2s w/26x2.125 tires.


IMG_0088 by LowpowerD, on Flickr

They fit and I like the look. They're staying. Now I need to find a 1/2" pitch cog for the back.
I'm getting a better seat and might swap out the stem for a forged one.


IMG_0089 by LowpowerD, on Flickr

Looks like the previous owner spent their insurance check on something other than dent repair!

 

[aka_locojoe]

Good find. Looks good with the new wheels/tires. I even like the state farm decal.

 

[LowpowerD]

I'm making some progress here. I successfully got the old stem out.

IMG_0092 by LowpowerD, on Flickr

And replaced the folded sheet metal one with a big fat forged '50's Schwinn stem.

IMG_0094 by LowpowerD, on Flickr

 

[MplsCoaster]

Stem looks much better. I like the frame graphics.

 

[LowpowerD]

Thanks for the compliment. I wish the stem had AS bolts, but those are spendy. So far I'm just bolting on parts that I already had laying around. This is one of the few bikes I have with OG paint, so it's staying how it is.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

I like it just the way it is. The paint looks great.

 

[Section 8]

I like your style.
I'm a 26" S2 rear wheel short of getting this similarly situated:

 

[LowpowerD]

Hey Section 8, I like the green. It looks like it's going to clean up nicely.

Anyhow, on with the show...


IMG_0099 by LowpowerD, on Flickr
A previous owner had painted the back rim with grey primer then flat black. Some acetone and elbow grease took care of that. I also found an old Gulco reflector for the back. I was able to convert the rear hub to 1/2" pitch chain by way of a newer driver. Thanks udallcustombikes!

IMG_0101 by LowpowerD, on Flickr
Added this Messinger three spring saddle the I bought from SimpleMan.

 

[ndaway]

Looks killer 8)

 

[65rat]

Thanks for the compliment. I wish the stem had AS bolts, but those are spendy. So far I'm just bolting on parts that I already had laying around. This is one of the few bikes I have with OG paint, so it's staying how it is.

I love OG paint bikes. Looks great.

 

[LowpowerD]

I gently tapped a few of the major dents out of the back fender with a ball peen. It actually turned out better then I thought it would.
I took it for a short run today. It's a little stiffer than I'd like. I have already worked over the hubs and the chain, so I can rule them out. Looks like I'm going to have to blow apart the bottom bracket.

 

[LowpowerD]

Finally got around to knocking the bottom bracket apart. Does this look like a problem to any of you?

IMG_0108 by LowpowerD, on Flickr
Luckily I happen to have some new bearings and retainers in the parts stash.