Hawthorne Zep rat ?? Which Crankset??

[Walker]

It's not often I post a "completed" bike, I usually get sidetracked or something, but I put this together over the last couple of weeks.

24x3 Thick Bricks on a set of Columbia hoops. Thanks UCB for the hub rebuild directions, the orig grease was as thick as tar.

3 piece cranks keep things moving smooth with NOS/vintage KMC chain.

Pedals were the only 9/16's I had that weren't clipless, maybe I'll turn something better up at Monson like some beat up bmx type.

Neat swoopy bars with glow in the dark grips. might change them....

The stem is prewar aluminum that I rescued from the local junkyard, bought a whole rotten -rusted bike just for that stem. Used a stainless steel bolt for handlebar clamp with an acorn nut. Horn is stuck ONNNNNNN !!!

Dropstand with no fender, no problem....

So just a few things to tend to, the horn, and maybe some kind of light up front would be nice.

 

[Nickinator]

Re: Hawthorne Zep rat w/extra creme

WOW! I love the drop stand holder with the license plate.
I love the bikes that are rat rodded out that aren't modified so much that
you can convert it back. 100% love it great bike

Nick.

 

[Walker]

Re: Hawthorne Zep rat w/extra creme

Thanks buddy.

I didn't feel too bad about welding on the frame, take a look at the chainstay on that side, worn right through from crank rub. This may end up getting severely chopped into a motorized bike, or I have another just like it.

 

[SCHWINNRAY69]

Re: Hawthorne Zep rat w/extra creme

Awesome bike Walker! Like all the patina colors and Thick Bricks!

Is this one going to Monson? :mrgreen:

 

[Walker]

Re: Hawthorne Zep rat w/extra creme

This will be my Monson rider.

 

[SCHWINNRAY69]

Re: Hawthorne Zep rat w/extra creme

Sweet, looking forward to seeing it!

 

[Rockabilly Goat]

Re: Hawthorne Zep rat w/extra creme

I've been a bike guy all my life and have always wanted to get into customizing and building. This bike is an inspiration for sure

 

[Jpromo]

Re: Hawthorne Zep rat w/extra creme

Yep +1 for the dropstand clip. I was trying to come up with something because I want to use a stand I have on an Elgin Moto that I haven't found the correct fenders for quite yet. This definitely inspires new ideas. Nice work!

 

[Walker]

Re: Hawthorne Zep rat w/extra creme

I used a magnetic name tag backer to hold it up, must be rare earth magnets or something.

 

[gcrank1]

Re: Hawthorne Zep rat w/extra creme

Thats one gnarley lookin' bike!

 

[dogdart]

Re: Hawthorne Zep rat w/extra creme

That is a good looking bike . I am gonna draw some inspiration from your dropstand hanger

 

[tdd]

Re: Hawthorne Zep rat w/extra creme

VERY COOL BIKE

 

[Walker]

Re: Hawthorne Zep rat w/extra creme

Made some changes over the summer...I ended up riding this bike quite a bit. Took it through Weirs Beach during motorcycle week, brought it to work regularly and took lunch time cruises around the neighborhood.

Working on fitting some other things. stay tuned

 

[Henry morgan]

Re: Hawthorne Zep rat w/extra creme

This is a nice bike

 

[Walker]

Re: Hawthorne Zep rat w/extra creme

Thanks Henry, I changed out the front end and have been working on adding some fenders so I can sport a pretty cool fender ornament. Unfortunately, since I dont have orig fenders to fit this frame it means making new braces etc.

Custom brass fender spacer for up top

and a spring for down below

Home depot should have some light steel strapping so I can re-make the braces..or maybe aluminum?

 

[Walker]

Re: Hawthorne Zep rat w/extra creme

Just cracked the base on my fender ornament :x . Hopefully JB weld will rescue me...

 

[big kountry]

Re: Hawthorne Zep rat w/extra creme

Killer ride dude I wouldn't change a thing 8)

 

[Walker]

Re: Hawthorne Zep rat w/extra creme

thanks buddy. I've got the JB Weld doing it's thing right now, it's some kind of pot metal. Front fender is on, just need to make some tire clearance for the 24x3's. Rear fender is a bit more involved, I cut off the rear brace and am trying to support it off the steel drop stand/licence plate bracket I welded on.

 

[Walker]

Re: Hawthorne Zep rat w/extra creme

Well, it's off the stand and I'm pretty happy with the results. I will be changing the drivetrain to either a vintage 1/2" pitch or skiptooth (if I can find a bendix skiptooth driver). For now it will have to stand the way it is.

Fixing the blimp

Rear fender spacers, I think the spring will work well

Horn tank with sweet graphics!

The front end

rear fender work

I'll get some out of doors photos soon

 

[dogdart]

Re: Hawthorne Zep rat NEW PHOTOS!!

Lookin good . can't wait for the glamor shots