Old Guys Simplex moto-peddle bike

[indian22]

Guys I've said it before but I doubt I've ever had an original idea, even if I truly believed it was, but I like the copper bars idea no matter; though I promise not to use it on this build!

Langolier are you a Stephen King fan?

Copper & other ancient materials not just inspire me at various times to create objects other than ones with wheels. Photos show a knife and sheath I made a few years back while mixing old media (materials) with modern ones to create a historic tribute knife. Red Stag, naval brass, nickle and a very good ATS 34 stainless blade steel were the raw materials. I shaped and carved the blade into a "flint stone" finish as if it had been hand napped. The stag was hand carved with an eagle head in the butt end & an eagle feather in the brow tine. Nickle was used to "bolt up" the full length metal shank to stag. The bolster is naval brass hand shaped. Leather only was used in making the simple sheath.

I just like things that are old or resemble old although I still admire a handsome young lady, older ones are much more practical. Rick C.

 

[indian22]

Indian's tribute knife.

Copper air cleaner and fuel tank caps are close to completion also.

 

[indian22]

Thought you might find this of interest. You may remember the handlebars on the "Kindalikeawhizzer" build which were part stock and part copper. That led me to wondering about an all copper set of handlebars for the 1934 Elgin "Velocipede". The pieces haven't been soldered yet as it is -0 outside and I don't want to do the soldering indoors and possibly screw up the apartment floor. The soldering can wait until spring thaw in early May. I used the thicker walled rigid copper water pipe and fittings and think it will be strong enough, especially with the cross piece in place. Front fork is from a Tomos moped. Other bits of copper on the bike are the cylindrical gas tank made by Tinsmith, the headlight I made from a Portuguese cooking pot, tail lights and fittings for a removable sidecar made from a baby buggy. I'm thinking about a copper disc to bolt on to the flywheel cover and once the front fender is fitted I have a copper running light with brass & stained glass dragon fly wings soldered to the copper "bug" body. Copper is good. I'm very much looking forward to seeing the copper and other bits of metallic goodies come together on your build, Rick. Keep those photos coming...
SB

Yes SB I remember and the Velocipide is epic in copper! Tinsmith did great work on the tank an who knew those clever Portuguese built multi-purpose cooking ware that glow in the dark? I could use a set of those.

I posted photos of a knife this morning that demonstrate some artistic themes that recur from time to time as well as choice of materials used in my builds. Eagles, eagle feather & "flint" were featured in the knife...oft used but not exclusive to Native American art. I typically use a bit in each of my moto-bicycle builds and the Gator is no exception. The lone eagle feather is one of my favorites and will be featured on this bike as was the lone feather on the knife.

One fuel cap is vented, both feature a replica copper coin concho. Same as used on the engines copper side plate. The original minted coin was a gold piece, but kinda pricey for a little shop built moto. I also used a U.S. nickle concho on the headlamp. I try not to overdo it but like to honor part of my heritage. Rick C.

 

[indian22]

Back to metal arts and crafts. Tank side plates first cut out of craft paper, template transfer to steel (back plate), then to copper plate & cut out to a rough fit. Shine is good but need shine with contrast or the eye gets bored so hammer finished the copper plate which will mount at the rear of the fuel tank. The hammered copper fits the "Copper Gator" theme...cause gators ain't smooth.
I'll probably not hammer finish all the plate though, just where contrast dictates.

Don't know if I'll mount these plates today, still having electrical problems in the shop which I'm finding aren't just weather related. Rick C.

 

[silverbear]

Nice! I like the knife and the copper bits will look great on the bike. The hammered look adds a lot. Is that just dinked with a ball peen hammer a million times?
SB

 

[indian22]

Maybe not quite that many, but with a 3 oz. ball hammer it goes pretty quick. Copper I use is dead soft, but of course work hardens under the hammer. If it gets hard to work anneal with a torch and allow to air cool and goes back to soft. I use a flat block of pine behind the metal as I work with the hammer & move the work piece as I hammer mostly in one area using good light to better see the progress. More isn't the same as enough & you quickly acquire a sense of when enough is plenty. Not much force required on the hammer even a real light weight. Not much strain on an old guy lol. I am among many who are ready to see you and the mooch on that Velocipede. Rick C.

 

[langolier]

Guys I've said it before but I doubt I've ever had an original idea, even if I truly believed it was, but I like the copper bars idea no matter; though I promise not to use it on this build!

Langolier are you a Stephen King fan?

I agree just when you think you have new idea or look, Somewhere someone has done it before in some manner or form. With that being said kudo's to those who go out and build there own creation. Something similar may have been done before but in some way or form it will be uniquely yours.

I wouldn't consider myself a true Stephen King fan but I enjoyed many of his movies. Truth be told when I was thinking of a Signature to use guess what movie was playing.

 

[Allen_Wrench]

This is looking good so far. I think I'll follow it.

 

[indian22]

Thanks for the interest AW & all who are following the Copper Gator crawling to completion, it's been over a year now...including my 5 month plus sideline of the Simplex Gator project. During that year we completed, as I define completed, 5 hot rod truck & car projects and 3 other motorized bikes (China girls). I detailed the bike builds in another thread on this forum. So been busy on hobbies in addition to earning a living on real day to day work as well. This little bike will be completed...eventually.

I'm still waiting on a few parts but been working a bit on the small decorative copper details. Motor case side plates, air filter cap & muffler assembly etc. Decided not to use any copper cookware on the pedal drive side motor case, instead I hand formed a small contoured pan to correct size. I stopped when I reached the contour I was looking for & am trying to decide how much and what shape I'll leave smooth. The hammered area frames the smooth & draws the eye to whatever is placed on the smooth area. Indian medallion illustrates the visual impact of "framing" by use of contrasting metal finishes or metal types. Rick C.

 

[indian22]

Working on the fuel tank side plates. The first step was to cut out a flat disc and then rough in a contour with a solid hammer finish. Next I'll add a bit of contrasting material. I may be playing with this part for a while as I have several ideas which might work...sometimes I have to see to believe. Some of my ideas end up in the scraps & although copper is a bit pricey I've always had to break a few eggs to make an omelette. Rick C.

 

[indian22]

Case side plates, fuel tank end plates & steer plate shown.

Old guy 35 years ago when he wasn't smart (still waiting for that to happen) & also where he shouldn't have been somewhere south of Panama (not Florida) & won't be going back...ever! More recently he's really been having fun just shooting cans that can't shoot back & riding his "outlaw" 2 smoker on the red dirt roads of Indian Territory.

Don't remember mentioning actually riding the Simplex under pedal power after I mounted the engine. It can actually be propelled by human power though not very fast & not over great distances, especially by Old guy! The pedal motion is cramped but surprised all who participated that resting on the pedals while coasting felt natural & comfortable. Granted that most involved are in great shape, grew up on two wheels, ride daily & are a third my age. Yet Old guy did ok as well, just for not as long.

Still waiting on $50. worth of parts that are necessary to get the "Simplex Copper Gator" fired up. Middle of next week is the estimate. I can't blame the delivery services. They can't deliver what the vendors haven't packaged and placed in their care.

 

[indian22]

420 links came in for the primary chain along with the wrong air filter. I needed an angle and received a straight. 90 degree SS elbow and pipe for the exhaust came in (first one I ordered was too large) but still waiting on a SS weld ferrule to complete the upper section of the exhaust header then coupled to copper tube. I decided it would be wiser to go with the mechanical strength of steel for the first few inches.

Several little thing that are slowing things a bit, but I'm happy with the progress that's been made after the long layoff. It is coming together.

Working on a primary chain tension bracket/roller and welding some steel 1.25" pads to the drive off stand. Those plus two flattened beer cans should hold her upright in a mud hole! Rick C.

 

[indian22]

Drive off stand now has 1.25" steel pads & added a tension roller to the primary chain as well. Exhaust header is next on the to do list...followed with start up. Getting closer... RC

 

[Ludwig II]

I just want to hear it run and for you to give us your impressions.

 

[indian22]

I'm with you on that one Ludwig. You and Copper making some progress on the builds?

Photos taken yesterday. I'm trying to re-size the photos. Come to think of it I've never posted a video or sound. Guess I'll have to find that kid again to show me how.

 

[Ludwig II]

The Gravis Et Lento genuine vintage fake is slowly progressing, the ones we are doing at JC's are held up by lack of indoor space, so it's all in his back yard. The rains of the past months have rendered it more of a paddy field, so we are unable to do anything for a while.

 

[indian22]

Having a large well equipped shop to work in as well as store builds in progress, even while servicing large over the road tractors like the Peterbilt rig sitting in the background of the last few photos shown is quite an advantage. Given that; I'm in awe of those who are turning out great bikes with minimal equipment while exposed to the elements. I'll stop whining (for now) about slow deliveries etc. & give credit to you guys who demonstrate perseverance & ingenuity while getting it done. Rick C.

 

[Ludwig II]

And patience. We're not on a timetable so it's a series of pleasant days fiddling about with bits of metal in good company.

 

[indian22]

Totally on the same page with you Ludwig even the days when everything goes snake eyes it's good to be building & tinkering while thinking it could be, why not and what if?

Some parts came in and I fabricated some copper plumbing into an exhaust. Just need to loosely stuff it with stainless steel wool after deciding where to route the tubing left side, right side, high pipe or low, use a long run close to the rear axle or shorten to end the whole affair at the front of the rear tire...maybe use a short stinger straight down in front of the engine. I'll need to decide before bending tube and locating pipe brackets to hold it all securely as it's quite a bit heavier than stainless. Used about a half million 1/4" holes in the liner tube Silver bear & also drilled the end cap for good measure. Of course I won't seal anything until I hear it run & see if it breathes well enough to call it good.

Fuel system and electrical are good to go for start up attempt. Exhaust stub should be ready tomorrow afternoon or Wed. got some legal stuff to finish up over next couple of days so not sure if I'll have any time available. All I need is an hour or so, unless it won't fire. Kinda tempted to go back over to the shop tonight & give it a go with no one interrupting me while I work...

 

[silverbear]

Looking good!
SB