Freqman1
Riding a '37 Dayton Super Streamline
So I have about four Five Bar project bikes and its time to get started. The first one out the gate is going to be this 1939 Model GT495 which is a dual headlight version. I have a girls loop tail Four Bar (1940) that has the same headlight set-up. The way I start a restoration is to assemble, adjust, and take the bike for a good long ride to make sure everything fits and performs like it should. I'll then take it apart do the body work and reassemble all the sheet metal just make sure everything is still good. Once I'm happy with the fit I'll do paint. The test fit also gives me the opportunity to find those parts I will have to be extremely careful with when assembling so as not to scratch new paint.
I have yet to buy a "restored" bike that didn't need several hours of work just to get in riding condition. I've seen everything from tweaked dropouts to no grease in the bearings. Unfortunately a lot of folks never intend to ride their prizes so function isn't a requirement for them. I ride everything I have and the girlfriend and I get into races every once in a while so these aren't man cave queens! My goal is to finish this one by the end of the year--but don't hold me to it! V/r Shawn
I have yet to buy a "restored" bike that didn't need several hours of work just to get in riding condition. I've seen everything from tweaked dropouts to no grease in the bearings. Unfortunately a lot of folks never intend to ride their prizes so function isn't a requirement for them. I ride everything I have and the girlfriend and I get into races every once in a while so these aren't man cave queens! My goal is to finish this one by the end of the year--but don't hold me to it! V/r Shawn