Yard Ornament -7/31 AS GOOD AS IT'S GONNA GET!

[z-bikes]

I picked up this 35 - 37 long frame Colson for $5 from a woman who was using it for a lawn ornament. Never built a RatRod before but once I got it home I saw another one that a friend had converted to a custom so I got inspired to do the same. Don't have a complete plan yet but I mostly plan on using parts I already have with the exception of the tires I bought. Pictures show the "as found" condition in full white paint and the front fender on backwards.

These pictures show a set of Elgin wheels with the Finned Air Cooled hubs. Tires are 26 x 2.4 & 26 x 1.25.

Fenders removed and new wheels installed.

 

[KickBackCycles]

Re: Yard Ornament

That's an awesome frame you got there, I'll defiantly have to watch this build. :shock:
Its seems likes we're in the same boat because I was kinda late to start my build and I never (really) made a rat rodder. And when I got my Colson its front fender was on backwards too (not my buildoff bike), but no white house paint.So, are you re-painting it or are you going to preserve the yard art look?

 

[pick]

Re: Yard Ornament

Great Start! Awesome frame style! 8)

 

[herr_rudolf]

Re: Yard Ornament

Instant hotrod!
I love de whitelined red rims. In fact, I love tho whole wheelrim/tire combo!

Good luck and have fun.

 

[z-bikes]

Yard Ornament added Guard

Added a chainguard. Not sure if I'm going to keep in on or not.

 

[scott brownsey]

Re: Yard Ornament

looks cool chainguard looks sweet to me needs a long spring seat b awsome nice build goodluck

 

[Shufflin]

Re: Yard Ornament

Great lookin bike...congrats.

 

[Rodderz]

Re: Yard Ornament

Nice looking bike already ! Will be watching this one

 

[Jake Sensi]

Re: Yard Ornament

5 bucks!! You're looking good. Get Ratty with it. Keep that chainguard unless you find a better one that fits you. Ya almost there. Good luck and...GET TA BUILDIN'!! PEACE

 

[slowerisbetter]

Re: Yard Ornament

Dude, looks done! I love those wheels. :mrgreen:

 

[Critter1]

Re: Yard Ornament

I guess the stem, forks, and frame are ONE!! Welded headset nut to the stem... now thats ratty! Hope theres some old grease left in them bearings. Its looking very cool BTW!

 

[yoothgeye]

Re: Yard Ornament

I'm excited to see this transformation. Sad to see a nice bike used as a yard ornament, but hey, maybe there's some money to be made in selling yard ornaments since I can't seem to sell bikes around here! haha Glad you liberated this one.

 

[z-bikes]

Re: Yard Ornament

I've decided to add a spring fork. Here's a picture of the style I'm going to use except the one I'm using is from a girls bike. I forgot to take a picture before I disassembled it but it's very similar. Going to do some mods to make it fit and so the wheel/tire sits further up into the fork because of the lack of fenders.

 

[imagearchy]

Re: Yard Ornament

I've decided to add a spring fork.

you up for selling your truss fork since you are changing it out? if so i will buy it to help fund your build.

 

[slow rider]

Re: Yard Ornament

I realy like the yard art pantina. bike looks grate with that chain gaurd.

 

[Gdcast]

Re: Yard Ornament

Great bike!
Looks like the original paint is still there under the house paint.

 

[ratina]

Re: Yard Ornament

carefully grind that weld off, then hope its not too rusty to come apart

 

[z-bikes]

Re: Yard Ornament - Fork mock up

Got the fork mocked up on the bike. Still need to drill the axle holes in the new front dropouts. Decided to go with a double spring arrangement for something different. Lots of details to work out Crappy picture, should have moved it for a plain background so details could be seen.

 

[z-bikes]

Re: Yard Ornament

Drilled holes and mounted the wheel for a quick look. I likes it! Lot's of finishing to do but you get the idea.

 

[scott brownsey]

Re: Yard Ornament

awsum bike so far :mrgreen: