The Crimson Haybailer!

[handyandy1100]

Guitarl Carl's Build-Off entry, the Thunderbolt Grease Slapper derives it's name from an old Saturday morning cartoon featuring Tom Slick.

In like fashion, this bike also takes its name from a vintage Saturday cartoon, the Crimson Haybailer from the Wacky Racers.

It's a '72 Ross Deluxe. Ross made this same frame from the late '50's to the mid '70's with different accessories like tanks and rack on the older models. I changed out the rear tire from 26 x 1.75 to 26 x 2.125. Originally the rear tire was to be a flame treaded slick, but when I installed it I realized a 3 inch chunk of bead was missing from the tire, so a ratty white wall was chosen to do the honors. Mounted the front fender in the rear and swapped out the goose-neck and bars with some others I had lying around. The fenders and chain guard had been given a spray bomb paint job before I got it. A little paint stripper on some 0000 steel wool brought back most of the graphics on the guard, will probably try it on the fender too to bring back the stripes.

 

[handyandy1100]

I should be working on my build off bike, but this bike has my interest. Had the Spaceliner since April and have yet to ride it, while this one was pretty much ready to ride when I got it. Therefore, it currently is more funner to tinker with! [emoji16]

Picked up a laid back seat post off eBay. Feels real good on the bike. Also played with some 0000 steel wool, a 220 grit sanding sponge and some WD-40 tonight. Fender is revealing more pinstripe. Think I'll leave well enough alone.

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[Klunkruiser]

Love the frame and bars!

I gotta get me one of them seatposts too. And keep an eye peeled for an old Ross.

 

[handyandy1100]

If you're under-tall like me this frame is great. It has a 17" seat tube.

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[wheelbender6]

I like the bobbed rear fender.

 

[handyandy1100]

I like the bobbed rear fender.

It's a Bobbed Ross. [emoji16]

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[handyandy1100]

Trying something new today. I noticed when I changed the back tire the rim was very flakey inside with rust. Figuring the front is just as bad, I pulled the wheels off my black & white Huffy and mounted them on the Haybailer. Now to decide whether to leave the red walls on the red bike or mount the big and little tires I had on it...

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[handyandy1100]

Now that the Build Off is winding down, I can get back to work on the Haybailer. Sure, it's ratty, but now comes the rod part.
Gonna make it a 5 speed, ala 1970's. Don't worry about the white walls, the red walls will be back after getting all the speed goodies in place. Also need to imagineer a new brake system too!

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[handyandy1100]

Labor Day laboring on the Crimson Haybailer. Picked up a cheapy 5/6/7 speed chain at Wally World, got it on, but it seems too short. I even had to go down to a 40 tooth front sprocket as it is the only 3/32 single I could find in the shed. Guess it's the added length between the rear dropouts and the bottom bracket on the old bikes.
Cut a couple of 1/8" aluminum pieces and roughed in a new rear brake mount. Need to put a couple more bolts through it to make it secure.

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[handyandy1100]

Got the brake mount finished and the shifting mostly sorted out. The ol' Ross is turning into a really nice bike.

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[handyandy1100]

Just couple more pictures.

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[handyandy1100]

Saw this two headed gooseneck on eBay and figured it would go better with the motorcycle bars than the BMX stem. Of course, it didn't fit the steer tube so I had to change out the front fork too. Been debating on changing to this fork anyway as it has a hole to mount a front brake. Chrome fork steer tube is a little long. Probably put a spacer under the nut until I decide to cut it.

Now it needs a little chrome in the rear unless I paint the fork.

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[MattiThundrrr]

A slingshot stem has been on my want list for a while now. That's a cool little item.

 

[handyandy1100]

A slingshot stem has been on my want list for a while now. That's a cool little item.

There might still be one available.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/333217274927

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[handyandy1100]

Got the front brake mounted today. The pivot shaft was a bit long, so I used a couple 5/16" nuts as spacers. Need to get some new brake pads though. Took a ride around the subdivision. Really like how it handles.
Then I got to thinking about another little project to experiment on...

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[Klunkruiser]

Saw this two headed gooseneck on eBay and figured it would go better with the motorcycle bars than the BMX stem. Of course, it didn't fit the steer tube so I had to change out the front fork too. Been debating on changing to this fork anyway as it has a hole to mount a front brake. Chrome fork steer tube is a little long. Probably put a spacer under the nut until I decide to cut it.

Now it needs a little chrome in the rear unless I paint the fork.

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Here's an easy way to add a little chrome to the rear

 

[MattiThundrrr]

I am certainly not hating those brakes. That style seems so much easier to get going then cantilevers or vees. They might have go on a future project so I can play with a set

 

[toro1978]

V-brake pad nuts are usually the same size as the caliper axle bolt - it looks better (IMO) than the acorn nuts.

 

[JaxRhapsody]

I have one of those stems on my High Sierra. Came off a Lotus Pegasus I had. Sakae made them I believe. Sakae MS-100 is the name I believe. They take a 21.1 handlbar, like a bmx bike. I used to clip my light in the middle, when I was riding it. Kinda want another for this road frame I have.

Vbrake pads are great. I have a set on my ratrod and the centerpull stops real good by itself. Plus you can toe them in if needed. And you can get longer pads. As far as sidepulls; the ones on walmart bmx bikes are forged aluminum and don't flex. I used to have a bunch for old cheap ashtabula mtbs, to replace those oragami steel ones, all flexy like poorboy ABS.

 

[handyandy1100]

The stem I have is a 22.2. The original stem was 21.1. Part of why had to change forks.

It is a cool piece regardless of the size.

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