The Rustoration Build Off

[bairdco]

more devils... i mean details.

late 80's NOS BMX dia compe tech 77 locking levers

kill switch mounted in seat post

heat shrinked fender struts to cut down vibration.

 

[bairdco]

before i pass out, here's how i'm gonna roast some drumsticks:

 

[fasteddy]

Bairdco, your one of the wizards that keep me trying to be better and better.
A true, sweet ride.

Steve.

 

[azbill]

turning the jug/piston does work,,,azvinnie (my son-in-law) did one that spunout (happy time cycles)has on his page to the left (thanks dude !!!)
scroll down to 'the web bike'
Happy-Time Cycles

sorry,,,I didn't mean to thread jack or anything, just confirming what Norm did works

 

[azbill]

you could wrap the pipe in heat wrap
looks like it might gets pretty toasty

 

[silverbear]

Bairdco,
Your bike keeps looking better and better. Thanks for posting the photos of the drum brake. Mine is a little different as you can see in the first photo, but I get the idea and will come up with something simple enough to do the job. In the other photos the front wheel is from my American and is temporary. I made some progress in assembly as you can see. I like the black engine and it is the first build I've just set the engine in place having it fit perfectly as if it were made for that particular bike. I will have to swap the pedal crank with the American in order to clear the engine. The pull start on one side and centrifugal clutch on the other means either raise the engine or shortening the crank (or widening it). The one from the American is 5 1/2". I'll do that this weekend and rig up a pedal chain and then the drive chain. I love the rear wheel adapter from Creative Engineering.
I reversed the seat post to give my self more knee room and put my weight more over the rear wheel. I'm not sure if I'm keeping the handlebar or not. I salvaged it and the goose neck from a found at the dump Schwinn exercise bike and the chrome on both was perfect. I'll leave if for now and if uncomfortable will switch the handlebar to something else later. No scratches from the engine mounts for the first time. I cut thin pieces of elk hide and used contact cement to attach them to the mounts themselves which someone here suggested. Either Bairdco or Barely I think, so thanks for the tip. I'm looking at a chrome front rack from a 60's Schwinn to adapt as a rear rack so that I have someplace to put the V8 gas tank. Will see if that works and looks OK. I guess I'd better get busy on those fenders and guards... if they look good then the bike will, too, as they are pretty neat and pretty well define the bike. Still have the drive chain issue to deal with regarding the left side fender skirt which has me a little worried. So that's where things are here.
SB

 

[bairdco]

that looks great, silverbear! looks really comfy, too.

looks like you'll just need a metal strap around the fork leg to those holes and you're all set with the drum.

and it's cool you don't have to mess with making motor mounts.

and now...

I'M DONE.

i was sitting in the garage messing with my tank, when my roomate came out and said "what's wrong with the regular tank?" so i started explaining my reasons, and he goes and balances it on the bike.

honestly, as much as i hate those tanks, it almost looks like it's supposed to be there. maybe it's the smaller bike, maybe it's the way the top tube slopes down, i dunno, but it's painted and on there now.

i can always change it out later, especially since it's supposed to rain all next week.

so, fueled it up with Opti-2 at 50 to one, pedaled about 2 feet and it fired right up. no choke, no tickler, and i was off and riding.

it idled really high, and the screw did nothing, but i figured it out. the throttle cable was just a little too tight, and it raised the slide just above the screw. re-adjusted it and it was fine (i think there's a ten page thread somewhere trying to figure that one out.)

purrs like a kitten. a really pi$$ed off kitten with marbles in it's mouth. there's a bit more engine noise, but i think that's because the engines on backwards, so it's got different acoustics.

speaking of sound, it sounds awesome. the pipe sounds like, i dunno, like a quiet dirt bike, instead of a plugged up leaf blower.

rode it around the block a few times, and she really hauls. it's super smooth all the way through the powerband, and it'll pull away from stops without pedaling. slowly, but smoothly. i figured it'd be a little tougher with the 30 tooth, but it's not.

it gets up to speed in a nice gradual, but not sluggish, sorta way. the weird thing is, it feels like it's broken in already. maybe it's because i smoothed everything out and ported it real nice.

the bike itself is a little squirrely at first, but that's because i'm not used to a 24 incher. but there's no rattles, no chain grinding noise, no clicks, clacks or clunks. the low stance of it is great, it rides really low, but there's plenty of clearance.

the shoe vs. exhaust situation is a little touchy, but that's about it.

here's the pics of the Resurrection of the Colson...

 

[bairdco]

these shoes were made for melting...

 

[weekend-fun]

Well, we've been talkin' it over and we've decided to have ourselves a vintage build off.QUOTE]


Hey sounds AWSOME guys!

Is it to late to join ? I havea 50's-60's Schwinn that I am putting a 48cc Slanthead on. It has a plate for the brakes (its used to be a coaster and now is hand brakes) I guess thats not to heavy of a mod???

Don't have pics, on vacation will get soon though

Cant wait to see the results!!!

 

[weekend-fun]

I'M DONE.

That all I read Wow, Five-Stars!!

 

[bairdco]

of course you can join us. anyone with an old bike is welcome. and modifications are fine, just keep it within reason. this isn't the build-off for custom, hand made fabrications...

 

[silverbear]

that looks great, silverbear! looks really comfy, too.

looks like you'll just need a metal strap around the fork leg to those holes and you're all set with the drum.

and it's cool you don't have to mess with making motor mounts.

and now...

I'M DONE.

i was sitting in the garage messing with my tank, when my roomate came out and said "what's wrong with the regular tank?" so i started explaining my reasons, and he goes and balances it on the bike.

honestly, as much as i hate those tanks, it almost looks like it's supposed to be there. maybe it's the smaller bike, maybe it's the way the top tube slopes down, i dunno, but it's painted and on there now.

i can always change it out later, especially since it's supposed to rain all next week.

so, fueled it up with Opti-2 at 50 to one, pedaled about 2 feet and it fired right up. no choke, no tickler, and i was off and riding.

it idled really high, and the screw did nothing, but i figured it out. the throttle cable was just a little too tight, and it raised the slide just above the screw. re-adjusted it and it was fine (i think there's a ten page thread somewhere trying to figure that one out.)

purrs like a kitten. a really pi$$ed off kitten with marbles in it's mouth. there's a bit more engine noise, but i think that's because the engines on backwards, so it's got different acoustics.

speaking of sound, it sounds awesome. the pipe sounds like, i dunno, like a quiet dirt bike, instead of a plugged up leaf blower.

rode it around the block a few times, and she really hauls. it's super smooth all the way through the powerband, and it'll pull away from stops without pedaling. slowly, but smoothly. i figured it'd be a little tougher with the 30 tooth, but it's not.

it gets up to speed in a nice gradual, but not sluggish, sorta way. the weird thing is, it feels like it's broken in already. maybe it's because i smoothed everything out and ported it real nice.

the bike itself is a little squirrely at first, but that's because i'm not used to a 24 incher. but there's no rattles, no chain grinding noise, no clicks, clacks or clunks. the low stance of it is great, it rides really low, but there's plenty of clearance.

the shoe vs. exhaust situation is a little touchy, but that's about it.

here's the pics of the Resurrection of the Colson...

Bairdco,
I spent a good five minutes looking over the first photo, running my eyes over the details of your bike and realized that I had a big smile on my face like when I'm riding and everything is just right. You have done very well, my friend. I'm generally not a great fan of peanut tanks either, but your room mate is right. On many bikes it just doesn't look right, but on that one... it looks real good, just right. Sometimes it's hard to see what is right in front of us. In spite of being done, I hope you'll continue to advise me and Barely. You are a highly skilled and inventive guy. Congrats on a great build!
SB

 

[bairdco]

thanks silverbear. i'm really satisfied, not to mention proud, of this bike. it's great to know other people dig it, too.

of course i'll still be around. i want to see those hunks of rusted metal looking like fenders again...

 

[bairdco]

there's a matching Colson tricycle on the bay right now...

 

[silverbear]

there's a matching Colson tricycle on the bay right now...

Pretty tight fit for a motor, but you'd be the only kid on your block with one like it. Actually it's a pretty cool trike. When I was a kid they didn't have little bicycles. I had a heavy duty maroon tricycle that was chain drive and somebody else could stand on the back of it and hitch a ride. They didn't have little bicycles for kids then. The first bicycle I rode was an adult boys fat tire bike and I was maybe seven years old. My sister helped me and taped chunks of 2X4 on the pedals so that by shifting my whole body from side to side I could pedal it. Her method of teaching me was to give a push downhill and then help me get up again after I crashed. Got tired of crashing and learned to ride. Ha! I have a picture of her helping me on that old bike. Sometime I'll scan it to see if you know what it was. Probably something from Wards... Hawthorne I'd guess. Wonder where that bike is now. Hmmm... put a motor in it and some new heavy duty wheels... tap out the fenders from where I dented them in crashes...
SB

 

[bairdco]

i knew i'd need that chain tensioner someday. at least, i needed the bracket...

 

[BarelyAWake]

...Gawdangit you guys lol I've not even finished gettin' alla my parts yet, thank jeebus weekend-fun wants in else it's looks as I'd be all alone in this thread here pretty soon!

weekend-fun - Obviously yer more than welcome to join in, as is anyone meeting the "strict" criteria. It's supposed to be '50s and older bikes, but naturally there's some wiggle room if yer Schwinn happens to be from the 60s. "No major frame modifications" is just what it sounds like, while awesome - this isn't about boardtrack replicas, choppers, or scratch built frames is all. Other mods are fine... which is good as I'm gettin' all sortsa goodies and doin' lil stuff to mine...


bairdco - yer bike came out lookin' just about perfect! Tho you say it's "done" ya know full well that's never true heh, I expect there may be a burn-guard somewhere in yer future, perhaps some accessories sprinkled here and there? Whatever the case I hope ya keep us posted as the ol' girl evolves, your straightforward, logical, "no nonsense" view on problem solving is an inspiration and I for one value yer input and always look forward to seein' how you hammer out a solution.

Well done man, well done!


silverbear - I was kinda hopin' you'd be tap-tap-tapin' a while longer, but nooooo - ya had to go and put alla bits ya had together and get yer bike a rollin' project didn't ya? lol That blue is bang-on, it goes so well with the black engine and seat! Jim's awesome adapter is no surprise heh, but TBH I forgot you had fender skirts for the thing, I cant wait to see those! I'm not 100% sure about the handlebars... you mentioned you might be switchin' them if they prove uncomfortable... I unno if it's just cause the goose-neck is so high or what - but they seem a lil... off. It's the only thing that I can think of to critique, I hope ya don't mind I did so. The rest is elegant, it's gonna be a real looker all dressed out w/yer fenders and rack tank!


meh... I got nothing, NOTHING accomplished the past coupla days. Well, I did some daydreaming and a lil research, I am developing a deep seated loathing for these stock carburetors and I've been pickin' through the forum tryin' to find a viable alternate. While I'm not gonna go crazy with performance mods (just the standard light port & polish like bairdco described) the Schwinn has taught (and continues to teach) me well and I'm convinced the stock carb is one of the greatest limiting factors regarding engine performance, equaled only by the stock exhaust. It isn't even performance so much as the poor quality of the carb, after the first on on my Schwinn developed a fracture (casting flaw) I swapped it out for the newer Grubee style, while it does work better than the first did, I'm still havin' some minor issues with it... I kinda want to chuck it in the ocean... I kinda really wanna see how far I can throw it o.o

I've done a bit of hunting around and while I do not wish to start a debate about aftermarket carburetors here in the Rustoration thread, there is some... inconclusiveness regarding which is more suitable and minor vagueness in jetting and whatnot. I greatly value people's expertise and would love some advice - if you know through first-hand experience which carb/jetting is preferable for the 66cc Grubee please do throw in yer wisdom (as in specific part numbers, not brand preference alone), I'd appreciate it no end! If you've just opinions or second-hand rumors I'd rather you kept it outa this particular thread (but as is always the case - feel free to PM me anytime)

The tip of the iceburg;

http://motorbicycling.com/f13/18mm-mikuni-upgrade-1895.html
http://motorbicycling.com/f13/high-performance-dellorto-carb-found-2314.html

 

[silverbear]

Bairdco,
Speedo looks good.
Barely,
Fear not, as I'll be a good while at doing the rest of it. The fenders aren't even close and guards aren't quite done stripping. I don't mind at all any criticism or suggestions as I have pretty thick skin and will go my own way if I don't agree. Criticism helps a person see things from another perspective. I change my mind anyway. As for the handlebars, I kept them in the first place because the chrome was so perfect. This summer I bought a new handlebar from Wald for the American and the chrome is so inferior to the old stuff. So there was that. I have high rise bars on my Americans and like them, but the ends turn inwards, unlike the one in the photo. I was thinking something with a nice curved sweep would compliment the many curves elsewhere in the design of the bike (skirts in particular), but something more like what was original would be nice, too. So I just don't know and will worry about it later. I'm guessing it will get swapped out, but if I ride it and think, "Dang, those feel good!", then they may stay put. Looks matters and so does comfort, so we'll see. Please don't hesitate to make suggestions, though.
I think you guys are more into performance than I am. I've had that engine up to 37 mph on the American (according to the old Schwinn mechanical speedometer)and that is faster than it has any business going if I want it to live a long life and if I want to keep the bike's rubber side to the pavement. I'll continue to cruise at 20 to 25 with occasional goose its to 30, that's about right for an old guy. Next motor I think I will try the porting treatment however.
Don't know what I can accomplish this weekend as grandchildren are coming for a little visit and snow is forecast. I did finish up the headlight and will mount that to see what it looks like. Nice and bright with the 18 6v micro LED lights in there. Also got the center stand cleaned up and painted, so that will go on it for sure so that I can stop leaning it. I have to swap out the crank arm for the short one and I'd like to find a pedal chain in my stuff box so that I can try pedaling it, see how the seat and handlebar feel... adjust the height of the seat post and goose neck. Next in line is to figure out if I can make the Schwinn front rack into a rear rack so I have a place for the gas tank to mount, the solder up the V8 tank. That should get it far enough along to ride it as a motorbicycle. Fenders and guards will be a long ways off I imagine. It has been a fun build so far and I am hoping it is proves to be a good ride. Maybe it will and maybe it won't. Some bikes just don't feel good.
Weekend Fun,
Welcome to the build off. What is the bike? Photos, my man!
SB

 

[bairdco]

yer right, BA. this bike will never be done. there's corners to grind, heat to sheild, bolts to change, tires to get...

but now, i can ride it to get the parts i need. it's not just sitting in the garage mocking me, because it wasn't rideable.

funny thing. since finishing it yesterday, last night i slept like a baby. didn't wake up at 4 am thinking "yeah!, i'll just reroute the plug wire here, and the kill wire...."

i'll definitely keep everyone posted.

 

[Humsuckler]

can i be in on this? my bike is probley the newest, but its still old.

70's CCM! all original and complete. ill put some pics up soon to be decided on old enough or not

i would like to go with drum front brake, and have the rear wheel respoked.

the bike is a 12 speed, and will have a shift kit.

probley go with a poo poo muffler....

anyway all the bikes look great, i love the exhaust on the colson!