51 Schwinn Hornet

[blue72beetle]

I've had this for a couple months, but I'll call it a 'fresh find'. I was planning on restoring it back to it's former glory as a Hornet, but it seems straight bar tanks are impossible to find, unless you have $$$$$$$$. So, guess what's going to be my first Rat Rod? I'm thinking about doing the stereotypical Rat, red rims with whitewalls, flat black frame, etc. But I've got to take some time to think of some ways to make it unique.

 

[Markm]

throw on some red tires and some apes and your done!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[TheDuke]

throw on some red tires and some apes and your done!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

I 2nd that idea! :wink:
L8 EM

 

[JoeyMac]

Looks great as it is, just need bars and tires!

my two cents:
If that is original Schwinn paint, you may regret re-painting it. But it's your bike, you're free to do whatever you want to it.

 

[blue72beetle]

It's not original, it's a cheap repaint. I only figured out it was a Hornet after a ton of research. The frame is actually pretty pitted in some spots, which is why I want to repaint it. The fenders are what the bike would have looked like, had someone not repainted it.

 

[JoeyMac]

nevermind then, have at it!

 

[ej599]

I would first try a paint thinner bath to see whats underneath. Nice bike. Looks like a sound basis.

 

[skoda]

If it's that pitted, I'd pull everything off and go over it with a bunch of "filler primer" and wet sand it. Once it's smooth(er) use some sort of satin or lighter color. Since it's not going to ever look really great with glossy paint, work with what's there, it'll end up looking better.

Could always go back to rust...might look even better. :wink: