I have thought about the exact same thing…
I just would hate to steal the braces off a repairable rear fender just because I need a front… Someone, maybe even me at some point is going to need that fender that got scraped. Now if it was a unsaveable fender I think it would be a great option. Or if anyone has curved braces from other projects in years past.
Shon
Welcome to the Cabe Shon!! Great looking bike and your enthusiasm is very cool. Your work ethic and collection are impressive too. You are in good company at the Cabe as everyone is helpful, and a world of knowledge. I've been in the old car hobby/bicycles/collectibles over 40 years and am still learning. It's great to read all the advice CABERS have offered.
I have a '39 Hiawatha Arrow I bought from a Caber in 2019, restored by "redline 1968" and it is one of my favourites. My two bits of advice is to go with the curved fender braces on the front, as that is how the bike came and a key design trait. Eye candy. Part of the Art Deco look.
I totally agree that some Hiawatha frames came with a straight downtube. Mine is curved, but variations exist and were substituted with Shelby. I look forward to how this will turn out. My bike had the original handlebars/I had re-plated, but have bought Scotts repro's for other projects like this '38 CCM Flyte & '36 Aluminum Hawthorne Airflow, custom handlebar additions I thought appropriate, and the bars are superb quality! Cheers, Bob