Last summer at a motorcycle swap meet there was a fellow selling some of the worst condition bikes I have ever seen, rusted out rims, broken spokes etc. What was interesting was they where some of the oldest bikes I have ever seen in person.
The old rancher who died was a collector or had a lot of kids since the 1920's. There was about 30 bikes in the pile from a ranch in Edmond Oklahoma.
I saw this poor western flyer girls bike among the collection and I couldn't help myself so I bought it.
Condition;
Spokes rusted and broken
Tires where thread and crusty rubber
Crank bent and rusted tight
Rims has rust holes and bent
Frame slightly bent
No saddle
Chain could be used as a lamp post
The best I can tell it had all of the original bearings and tires on it.
Bottom total rust welded, but still I wanted it, so I bought it for 25 dollars and had to carry it the rest of way lol.
A new chain, bearings and all rubber replaced. The old bike was riding the streets again some 50 years or so later yesterday.
I want to keep the rusty frame and fenders the way they are. This bike rides very well, it's a little too high geared but not bad. It's a keeper.
I call it the ole ..... lol, not really, I used those words a lot while trying to break the rusted parts loose
I have to say, the quality of the metal parts are impressive, this bike will last another 50 years.
Ride Safe...
The old rancher who died was a collector or had a lot of kids since the 1920's. There was about 30 bikes in the pile from a ranch in Edmond Oklahoma.
I saw this poor western flyer girls bike among the collection and I couldn't help myself so I bought it.
Condition;
Spokes rusted and broken
Tires where thread and crusty rubber
Crank bent and rusted tight
Rims has rust holes and bent
Frame slightly bent
No saddle
Chain could be used as a lamp post
The best I can tell it had all of the original bearings and tires on it.
Bottom total rust welded, but still I wanted it, so I bought it for 25 dollars and had to carry it the rest of way lol.
A new chain, bearings and all rubber replaced. The old bike was riding the streets again some 50 years or so later yesterday.
I want to keep the rusty frame and fenders the way they are. This bike rides very well, it's a little too high geared but not bad. It's a keeper.
I call it the ole ..... lol, not really, I used those words a lot while trying to break the rusted parts loose
I have to say, the quality of the metal parts are impressive, this bike will last another 50 years.
Ride Safe...