The PAU OPER - A work bike on vacation

[BLASTER]

It's amazing what expensive tires will do for a bike.


The handle bars are for another project.
They are ok, but I don't like the way they tweak my wrists.
Black apes are supposedly still on the way.


NOT thrilled at the reflective stripe on the Franks, but not upset.....sure wish they were totally black.
They're neat tires, though.
I like them!!!!
Can't wait to roll 'em!

My bike shop guy had his shop broken into last night....more of the storage for repair bikes.
Pissed off customers.
Man, I hate thieves.

[copycat]

a few others are also rolling on fat franks - god they are nice tyres to roll on

nice bike!

[feuer_kampfer]

Nice ride, I keep staring at the dub in the background.

[karfer67]

very cool bike i did not read the intro did you post about what is the story of this frame? it is very interesting. i like what your doing with it and nice bug whats in it that is a purdy serious exhaust your running.

[BLASTER]

Thanks guys!
Trip to Hank's tomorrow.

1915 in the Bug.
Dual Weber 40IDFs and an Engle 120 cam, comp header w/hide-out muffler.
Driven daily.
My precious.



I'll write up about what I know about the history of bike frame soon.
I have a couple more things to find out, if I can.

[feuer_kampfer]

Thanks guys!
Trip to Hank's tomorrow.

1915 in the Bug.
Dual Weber 40IDFs and an Engle 120 cam, comp header w/hide-out muffler.
Driven daily.
My precious.



I'll write up about what I know about the history of bike frame soon.
I have a couple more things to find out, if I can.

NICE!! Just rolled in a 65 sedan, 1300 sp stocker.......gonna make a daily driver. Check out this forum volksrods.com, nice guys, lots of creativity.

[BLASTER]

Yeah, I'm familiar with that site.
Good stuff!
I drove my Bug all over creation today.
It didn't like the heat.

Got my handle bars today.
I like 'em.
The mocking up is done.


It's all back apart now.
I painted and clear-coated the frame.
It may be too shiny.

I stripped and beat (so violent!) the original chainguard back into shape...sorta..
Did not want to mutilate the one from the donor bike.
I got a coat of white on it and I plan to do checkers.

[BLASTER]

I guess I'm pretty much done.
I have a few details to work out yet.
Shinier wheel nuts, valve caps...a light....
I like it without fenders.


I may still do the checker pattern on the chainguard...it looks straight from a distance...heavy pitting.

I really like the springer.


I got word from Bowling Bicycle in Houston that the bike worked at Celanese Chemical (refinery) in Pasadena, Tx.
Still don't know what "PAU OPER" means exactly, or how it made it to a small town 200 miles away from Pasadena.
That's ok.


Fresh bearings in the '62 Bendix.


I also learned that it is a Schwinn.
The ID #LN901190, says it's from November of 1977, but the number was stamped on the bottom of the bottom bracket and not on the head-tube like it seems where it should have been for that year according to various websites.
Can anybody shed some light?


Ready for a headlight.
Electra offers a nice black one...styled classically.
Hank gave me this headbadge.
Didn't think I was going to use it, but it turned out to be a nice splash of color.
No problems with the hillbilly engineering of the fork extension.
Works well.


It's a big-boy-bike.....ergonomically pleasing.


My kid likes it too! (not the coaster past)
He's about 5'11" -ish.

This is a very comfortable bike.
I rode it for a couple miles today...after assembling it.
Completely silent when cruising.
NOT quick to accelerate or stop, though.
I may need to do some upgrades someday....Nexus 3-speed and some disc brakes would be kool.
The Fat Franks are amazing!

As found at Helotes Bicycle, Helotes, Texas.

[copycat]

what a winner. nice.

[hewey]

NOT thrilled at the reflective stripe on the Franks, but not upset.....sure wish they were totally black.

Black Sharpie

Great looking bike, well done

[cashman]

Thats a great looking bike. Good job!!! I have a hunch that your bike has a connection to the FBI somewhere in it's past?

[Joshua85]

awesome bike, yea i love the way those springers move too

i keep seeing more and more of those springers turn up on here.


oh and nice bug im working on restoring mine somewhat, but i doubt my engine will look as pretty as yours

[CCR]

love it !!! frame, forks, bars, tires, post, badge is a nice touch too

[Froggy]

Congrats! Great job on that work bike. Seems to make a nice ride too. Your turn to benefit from well-deserved holidays, enjoy your toy!

[BLASTER]

Thanks fellers!
I'll get some more glamorous shots before it's over.
I really have had fun with this one.
I rode it...scratch that...cruised it to the store again...for a RedBull.

What will I write about now????

Oh yeah...my wifee has given me the ok to build her something kool to cruise...instead of the crappy, walmart bike I cobbled together for her.
I have most of the building blocks...not sure what my budget is though.


You slackers done with your bikes yet?!?!?!?!?