***BRIGHTLINER*** Update 10,0 - Virginia Beach Appearance!!!

[brett4christ]

Here's the dilema:

EDIT: Dilema resolved! Keeping this post for posterity!

I'm really wanting to build a bike around a set of blackwall Thick Bricks. I had this vision, but just like a pin to a balloon, the vision popped Monday when the Bricks were too wide for the frame/forks I had wanted to use.

Here's what I have to work with:

'62 Sears Flightliner


'74 Western Flyer Galaxy Flyer


Wartime step-through Huffman(?)


'80's Huffy "Cool Vibrations"


I also have a Jamis EarthCruiser cantilever style frame.

Again, the Bricks are my first choice, but the Flightliner is cleaning up really nice. And the Wartime ("Rosie Riveter(?)") would be a departure from the traditional "mens" frame.

I'm going to look at a bunch of old cars and parts on Saturday. That trip may change my direction, as the owner may have a couple bikes, too. Plus some potentially cool auto parts and pieces that could make their way to a build-off build!

Maybe a scratch-built dual suspension rat cruiser? Just WAAAY too many ideas floating around...........

[Terry66]

I have a set of black Thickbricks and they are really nice looking tires. I have two ballooner frames and the tires would not fit in my '36 Roadmaster frame without some modifications. They seem to fit fine in the Higgins that I am using in the RRBBO. I guess you just have to measure and try different frames.

[yoothgeye]

I recognize some of those bikes.

Can't wait to see what you pick, I know you do good work, but first you gotta get to work.

I'll be watching every step.

[brett4christ]

The only frame that has a chance of the Bricks fitting, front ans rear, without tweaking is the Wartime. I'm going to measure tonight. The rest won't fit out back without persuasion and MAJOR fork mods would be rewuired as well. The Jamis will fit Bricks, but as it is, is just too plain for a buildoff bike. The Jamis might be a candidate for the aformentioned scratch-built dual suspension setup, using auto parts as the basis for design.

Uggggh! I would much rather be building......

[brett4christ]

I recognize some of those bikes.

Can't wait to see what you pick, I know you do good work, but first you gotta get to work.

I'll be watching every step.

Yeah, I knew you would! You really need to see the 'Liner. The paint saved alot of the "underlying"!

BTW....anyone needing aerosol stripper, I found a "Mar-Hyde" product at Advance Auto for $7 a can that works really well. But you better hurry.....I bought another can yesterday and it said discontinued on the register screen. Hope I can find it elsewhere!

[yoothgeye]

Bend up the Western Flyer and put a triple tree on it. It's a cool Murray built frame, but kind of bland as is.

[brett4christ]

The Jamis is a little beefier and would lend itself better to a tripletree transplant. I've actually got the mini Stingray forks on this one, just to see if I even want to use it.

But, man, the 'liner is lookin' good!

[yoothgeye]

The Jamis is a little beefier and would lend itself better to a tripletree transplant. I've actually got the mini Stingray forks on this one, just to see if I even want to use it.

But, man, the 'liner is lookin' good!

Can't wait to see the 'liner. My build last year had the same frame as your western flyer with a triple tree. I liked it! haha

[Dr. Tankenstein]

Hey brett,

Try using 'bighit's method to spread the rear of whatever frame you like best.


For the front.....if you don't go with a triple tree, try the fork on the ladies Huffman, I'll bet it the widest of the ones you've shown.
If all else fails, you could look for a rigid mountain bike fork, this Worksman worked for me.


Post something in the 'Wanted' section here or....
http://www.niagaracycle.com/product_info.php?products_id=10824
http://www.rinienterprises.com/

[brett4christ]

Thanks, Dr. Yes, I believe the Wartime fork is the widest fork shown, evening measurements will verify.

I have several rigid MTB forks similar to yours, but they just dont seem to fit the build style I have in mind. But I do like what you did with yours!

The 'Liner has "the shiny stuff" underneath, so just any fork painted might not work, and I don't want to destroy the OEM forks just yet.

As for the rears, I need more room up top, not at the dropouts. I could use a scissor jack at my critical point and brace the dropouts, but I might damage "the shiny stuff" at that location (not very forgiving).

I'll figger sumptin out! Thanks for the input!

[whoinphx]

Indecision is always hard...
Check your PM...

Good Luck

[brett4christ]

Thanks Who, I'm going to need it!

[Doon]

You will figure it out. Looking forward to seeing what yo come up with.

[brett4christ]

Consensus has been reached!

EVERYONE, MEET......(tada)....... **BRIGHTLINER**






I'll save the Bricks for another build!

I'm taking advice from MplsCoaster:

Don’t get too crazy with ideas that can’t be self made
Use a classy frame to start
Keep it fresh with new twists on old themes
Wheels make a big difference!
Make something I like and not worry about the contest
Shiny bikes turn heads (expect feedback on this one)

Thanks Steve! Whether you know it or not, you made the decision easy!

I'll try to get some update pics up tonight!!

[brett4christ]

It starts in earnest......

I worked on stripping the frame of all the unwanted overcoats of chrome protector (paint) earlier in the week. Here's the stuff I mentioned earlier....


It takes this.....


....(during).....


.....to this!


Then with a little steel wool, PB Blaster, and elbow grease, you get this.....


I've got the REST of the frame to do, but it DOES look alot better!


Stripped the fork, truss rods and rear rack. Guess this is why they painted the whole bike....


It's a start.......