Humble Huffman Dayton

[Tomato John]

I really like the look of the prewar motor bikes. And especially the Huffmans. I don’t have the $$ nor the knowledge to really do one of these bikes correctly but decided to see what I could put together. I have been acquiring pieces here and there and am trying to put together something that I can ride without breaking the bank.

So I came across this battered and bent 36 frame and began the process. I have begun mocking up the bike with pieces I have acquired here and there.

I got this nice badge from @catfish which was pretty sweet. I still haven’t resolved how I am going to attach to the head tube. The original brass button needs some love.

Saddle, chainring, and truss fork from @New Mexico Brant who has really been helpful.

Picked up this cool old rack- no idea what it is but looked good to me

Fenders and bars on the Cabe. Thanks @Hawthornecrazy and @Saving Tempest.

 

[Tomato John]

Been trying to resolve how to get this big “wow” out of the lower bar but not much success yet. Not sure how that could have happened but it must have really hurt whoever was riding.

 

[Tomato John]

Now that I have acquired most of the parts to make a reasonably complete bike- I’m undecided as to what I should do. Knowing that it is never going to be more than a complication of mismatch parts, do I just leave it and ride it the way it is? Or rattle can it in some color(s) that match? Don’t know yet but enjoying the process. Would like to hear any thoughts/ advice/ criticism(go easy). J

 

[Tomato John]

Picked up this silver ray awhile back. Thanks @John G04. Really diggin’ it

 

[Hammerhead]

I think it's looking great. Maybe leave it as is until you aquire all the parts, ride it few times then decide on whether or not to paint. Great work.
Hammerhead

 

[catfish]

Nice!!!

 

[OldSkipTooth]

You can glue the badge to the head tube once you have cleaned up the back so it fits snug and correctly. I used clear silicone and clamped the badge to the head tube with a piece of soft wood cut to the shape of the head tube. Silicone seals well and doesn’t dry hard and you could remove it when needed and clean it all off. Works great.

 

[Tomato John]

You can glue the badge to the head tube once you have cleaned up the back so it fits snug and correctly. I used clear silicone and clamped the badge to the head tube with a piece of soft wood cut to the shape of the head tube. Silicone seals well and doesn’t dry hard and you could remove it when needed and clean it all off. Works great.
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That’s a great idea. Was brainstorming and all I could come up with was JBWeld. Then I talked myself out of that thankfully. Appreciate your help. Have you sold that battery tube yet? I have been eyeballin’ it. trying to convince myself that I need it.....

 

[OldSkipTooth]

It’s available. Would look good on that bike as the patina is very similar.

 

[OldSkipTooth]

It could even mount on the straight down tube and look cool.