> SE Hawthorne < --> New Name >> Grape Ape

[jiminyshiznit]

OK, I gotta get in on the fun... middleweight contender? Not likely, but this middleweight will certainly get a second chance at life. I'm starting with this twin top bar Hawthorne middleweight cruiser I paid $5 at a yard sale last Summer. I've almost ditched this bike a few times, but now I finally have a vision for it. The 'SE' is a sorta double meaning kinda deal... SE Hawthorne is a cool neighborhood that butts up to my neighborhood, and I ride through there on a regular basis. And, since I'll be using some Schwinn parts on this Hawthorne, I was also thinking of it as the 'Schwinn Equipped' Hawthorne... kinda dumb, but I'm rollin' with it for now. :lol:

OK, so here's $5 worth..

I'm also re-jiggerin' my garage into a better workshop, so my slow start may continue to drag a bit.

 

[icyuod2]

Re: > SE Hawthorne <

nice frame to start with. i really dig the chain guard clamp (string) it screams ratty!
build well or die try'n!

 

[jiminyshiznit]

Re: > SE Hawthorne <

Yeah, the galvanized strapping and the twine are my favorite parts of the original bike, so I'll keep those charms in place while I fine-tune the general lines of the bike.

Well, I'm pretty happy with last night's progress. So far I've added a Schwinn style springer and a front wheel (S5, I think), stem and bars (will definitely explore bars later) from a 50's Schwinn Racer. The rear wheel looks the same as the wheels on my '57 Schwinn Hornet, but I'm not positive this is a Schwinn wheel, but I'll find one if it's not.. it has a Felt Circuit on it now, but I'll likely end up with a Quick Brick on the rear.

 

[icyuod2]

Re: > SE Hawthorne <

looking good

 

[No Talent Clown]

Re: > SE Hawthorne <

Aha, I knew you'd do something. I like that frame, I used to have one as well.

I like the direction yours is going, hmm... maybe I should have kept mine.

 

[jiminyshiznit]

Re: > SE Hawthorne <

Hey, thanks for posting that up.. it's cool to see another one of these frames built up. I'm really glad i kept this around... now I just gotta put these other bikes away and make some progress on this thing!

 

[No Talent Clown]

Re: > SE Hawthorne <

HEY!, get to work. Let's see something...

 

[jiminyshiznit]

Re: > SE Hawthorne <

I know! I've been side-tracked! I should resume progress this weekend.. I think I found a seat I want to use, and maybe bars. Just gotta get off this other one!

 

[jiminyshiznit]

>>> Grape Ape!!

I was never very happy with the lack of concept behind this, but I finally have a solid idea for the build... the new project title is GRAPE APE. One of my favorite cartoon characters as a kid, and it just feels right for this bike. I'm definitely happy with the new direction!

I have another set pf apes that are a bit cooler looking @ 18" instead of these 14" ones, but i think I'm going to stick with these, only because they'll be more comfortable to ride. I just need to find the right seat, then it's going to get a "Plum Crazy" paint job with green accents. Now I gotta get back on track, or I won't finish up in time!

 

[Markm]

.....grape ape, grape ape... :mrgreen: