The General

[stik70]

I am 48 and haven't bought a vintage bike since I was in my early 20's. However, during that phase, I bought 4 Monarks, an Elgin, Hiawatha, and a wooden rim bicycle. Also acquired pieces and parts along the way. I started work in a hardware store that had a Schwinn franchise when i was 13 and have always enjoyed bicycles.
Fast forward to the present, I pulled out the basket case Monark General and figured it was time. Its missing the tanks, rear fender, a few incorrect parts, and is a repaint. The original paint is not under the house paint. Since I'm into hotrods and custom and vintage motorcycles, I have decided to build a stripped down fun rider. The rims were chrome and was poorly sand blasted off when I got it. I carefully disassembled the wheels and put the spokes in storage. I painted the rims ivory and laced them up with spokes from Husky. The crank was bent and twisted. I heated it up with a rose bud tip and straightened it up. The frame will be burgundy and ivory. Having fun! More progress on the horizon.

Stik

 

[stik70]

I got the wheels laced and the fork painted

 

[stik70]

I had a nice Royal Chain tire I cleaned up for the front and put an Innova on the rear
Stik

 

[stik70]

I played hooky from sanding on the frame yesterday and worked on building a bike stand frame. Last week, I got a Parktool clamp bought on ebay. I then made the locking device on lathe. Yesterday, I rounded up some steel and made the stand. It will get cleaned and painted after I use it a while. I'm pretty happy as I always wanted a decent stand.

 

[Chad T]

That stand is nice!

 

[NoControl]

nice stand

 

[deorman]

Some pinstripes on those rims wouldn't be out of place.
Welcome to the forums.

 

[stik70]

I finished up the sanding and primed and sprayed the ivory this weekend. Tomorrow I'm going to attempt to tape it off for the burgundy.
Stik

 

[stik70]

I just finished spraying the clear. Not happy with the two-tone on the fork and am going to change it. One step closer.

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

Nice tight tape lines.
Digging the color combo!


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[stik70]

Thanks! I finished up the fork today and am glad I took the time to change it. Happy with it now.

 

[stik70]

 

[stik70]

Today I got to go for a ride! I finished making the truss rods yesterday and put the bike together last night and this morning. Like most projects, not completely finished, yet was able to take it out for a few miles. I am really having fun. Waiting for a different seat and need to find some vintage pedals. The gear ratio is a bit high. I wish I could find a 21t rear for the New Departure so I can retain the classic Monark front. Probably just live with it. Life is Good!

 

[deorman]

Neat.

 

[RustyGold]

Excellent

This is only the second General badged bike I've seen, here is the other...

http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/1952-general-monark.106114/

...I know where there is a tank for it, but there is so little left of the graphics (and the price is up there) that I haven't convinced myself to pull the trigger on it.

Jason

 

[arty dave]

Nice! Love that shade of red

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

May I ask what the brand and color of the that ivory is?


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[stik70]

May I ask what the brand and color of the that ivory is?


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It is Krylon Ivory and Krylon Burgundy with automotive clear sprayed over the top with an HVLP gun

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

Thanks bud! It looks great!


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[stik70]

I had to go look at a motorcycle in my storage unit and in an old cardboard box, i found some goodies. The missing fender and tanks for the General! I now have rounded up both fenders, tanks, chain guard, and rack. Since I like the bike stripped down, I think I will just use the tanks, two tone them and get a horn. The switch is on the tank, but horn is gone. Could be a cool look for now.