First Restoration - 1937 (?) Western Flyer

[JPKelley5]

Mmw

Do NOT repaint this bike!

Don’t think I will! I spent some time this evening with some OOOO steel wool. The paint is largely in decent shape but for a few of the top surfaces. I like the patina. Any suggestions on containing the rust once it’s removed?

 

[rustjunkie]

just wax it and keep it dry and stored inside, will be a-ok

 

[JPKelley5]

Blue! Who knew?

 

[mrg]

Wow!, WD & 0000 sw?

 

[JPKelley5]

Wow!, WD & 0000 sw?

WD, 0000, and naval jelly on the heavier areas.

 

[JPKelley5]

I have a couple of tire questions. With bikes and bike parts in general in short supply across the country, I'm struggling to find the right tires. The ones that came with the bike held air but are not roadworthy. Were the original tires all black or white walls? Probably doesn't matter as I'm just cleaning it up and riding it, but I'd prefer to keep the look somewhat original. Is there a supplier of vintage reproductions that might have tires in supply? The typical sources, including the two local shops I prefer, are out of stock as everyone is dusting off their beach cruisers these days. Lastly, any tips on on unsticking the fork from the stem/headset would be great. I've removed the bolt from the stem and the headset is loose but still very much attached to the steerer tube. Thanks!

 

[Balloonoob]

Ask for a pair of these in this thread if you like them. Sounds like they are worth it.

U.S. Royal Chain tread black wall tires, Pair, New $65.00 + shipping "all black tire | Sell - Trade: Bicycle Parts, Accessories, Ephemera

Hi Im Coca-Cola_nerd on ebay and I made an offer on your all black royal chain tires. I see you have them for sale on here. I would like to order 2 pairs in all black, with tubes. So 4 tires/4 tubes total. Can you work me out a non ebay price shipped for them? save you on fees and maybe save me...

thecabe.com

As for the stuck stem - spray some penetrating fluid wait a day and try to wiggle it loose - if it doesn't go I would **think** putting the bolt back in slightly and tapping/bonking the bolt with a hammer may work? Thoughts anyone?

 

[Scribble]

Ask for a pair of these in this thread if you like them. Sounds like they are worth it.

U.S. Royal Chain tread black wall tires, Pair, New $65.00 + shipping "all black tire | Sell - Trade: Bicycle Parts, Accessories, Ephemera

Hi Im Coca-Cola_nerd on ebay and I made an offer on your all black royal chain tires. I see you have them for sale on here. I would like to order 2 pairs in all black, with tubes. So 4 tires/4 tubes total. Can you work me out a non ebay price shipped for them? save you on fees and maybe save me...

thecabe.com

As for the stuck stem - spray some penetrating fluid wait a day and try to wiggle it loose - if it doesn't go I would **think** putting the bolt back in slightly and tapping/bonking the bolt with a hammer may work? Thoughts anyone?

View attachment 1218875

Agreed on the stem, it usually takes me a few days to get stuck stems out. Shoot some BP blaster in there and try to remove the stem, if it doesn't work soak it again and try agian later.

 

[Scribble]

Great first time project ! Once you start in this hobbie you can't stop. 8 years and 100+ bikes later and I'm still here !

 

[JPKelley5]

Thanks for the help, everyone. I wouldn't call my hammer technique "tapping" but the stem is now unstuck and the headset is refurbished and reinstalled.

So, I showed up at my usual Saturday morning group ride and unexpectedly came home with project bike #2. A cycling friend knew of my new hobby and pulled a 1953 Schwinn New World (K42380 is the sn) out of his garden where it was used as decoration. Yet another ladies bike, but I'm really fascinated by the head badge. It's from what used to be my favorite local bike shop, which closed in 2012 after 95 years in business. It's probably in better shape than the Western Flyer - just needs a thorough cleaning and new tires. Everything seems to be there and it's almost entirely original.