Tribute to my dad

[Dr. Tankenstein]

I was thinking about what styles of bikes I eventually want in my collection. I came up with this short list.
1. a bobber-style: simple build, maybe 3 speed coaster. Got that one:
http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=18391&p=260476&hilit=Fatbelly+bobber#p260476
2. an upright diamond framed cruiser: multi-speed commuter/cardio bike. Building it now:
http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=27036&p=281298&hilit=Amsterback#p281298
3. a custom euro-inspired 'American' manufacturer chopper. Working on that one:
http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=49923&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=Phantom+of+the+OCC
4. a resto-custom ballon tired cruiser w/tank: Here's where the inspiration hit me to do a tribute bike to my dad. Working on that one too!
http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=62630&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

He was born in 1945, so I thought it would be cool to build a cruiser of that vintage. I'm not biased toward any particular brand so here's where I need your input.

Give me some ideas, let's see some pics of 1945 model tanker bikes. I've checked out nostalgic.net and thecabe.com, even the schwinnforum.com. But I'd like your input, that's how dad rolled, that' how I roll. I want to hear from my friends.

So, let's see some bikes.

Thanks guys,
Rob

 

[udallcustombikes]

Love the idea! I recreated my dad's first bike for him earlier this summer.

I am no expert nor do I play one on tv. That being said, I am not sure there were any ballooners made in that vintage due to the war. All of the war time bikes I have seen are stripped down lightweights. I hope I am wrong.

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

Cameron,
That's what I'm waiting to see. Do you where I can find a Schwinn or Monark catalog of that vintage to view online? If anyone made a frame that holds a 26 X 2.125 tire they would.

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

OK, I just spent some time surfing around the interwebs and found bicycle ads from 1945 for Schwinn (the Speedy Wheeler ad could make for a cool name), Roadmaster and Columbia. So, they're out there!

Come on folks, someone's got to have some pictures of bikes from 1945!

 

[deorman]

http://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1941 ... c_004.html
http://www.nostalgic.net/

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

doerman,
That's perfect! I'm leaning towards the look of the D97XE-1 Special on page 4.

Not being a true 'Schwinn-guy', is this what's considered a 'DX' frame? In the event I can't find a frame produced in '45, I'll try to replcate one from that era.

Many thanks again,
Dr. T