1945 Westfield custom, custom...

[bobbystillz]

Do you know how hard it is to purposely pull a crude line? Lol! My OCD is killing me, but it matches how the original was done. Weathering the paint should blend it a bit.

The lettering will be done in Cyan

 

[bobbystillz]

Almost finished with lettering...here's a teaser.

 

[bobbystillz]

Here we go! I give you 'BALLOONATIC' So here is the context and origin of the name. This bike was made in 1945. The kid who customized it put a hot rod spin on it and bolted a 'Spitfire' badge to the front. In trying to pick a name I wanted to tie in the WWII factor in some way. The 'Supermarine Spitfire' being a British fighter plane, I decided to delve farther into that. During WWII pilots of the Royal Air Force (R.A.F.) referred to anyone who worked at Balloon Command (headquarters for barrage balloon units) as a 'balloonatic'. Seeing as this is a balloon tire bike I thought it was a fitting name and a fun hot rod name as well. Here is a the lettering process thus far, though there will be some more weathering and touch up as I go. I am pretty happy with how it is looking.

 

[Sven]

Very kool!. You have a great talent and patience.

 

[bobbystillz]

Very kool!. You have a great talent and patience.

Thanks @Sven !

 

[bobbystillz]

Fender time!

Mock up

Stripped

Riveted

Sealed/reinforced, and excess holes filled with bolts.

 

[bobbystillz]

He's 99% finished (have a couple fun details to round out). This has been an incredibly fun build, and a piece of custom work that I have the honor of owning, and adding to. BALLOONATIC...for when you wanna get a little crazy.

 

[bobbystillz]

Took it out today...rides like a dream!

 

[bobbystillz]

Crusty wrench + coaster brake strap + 2 paint can clips = light bracket!

 

[bobbystillz]

We've gotta light!