Preserving the Patina - Firestone Fleetwood Repairs

[Velocipedist Co.]

This streamline frame was brought to me by a friend who needed to repair some mystery holes along the chainstays and also replace the drop-stand tabs which had been cut off at some point in its past. They were told the frame would need to be blasted to prepare the surface for clean welding,

As an alternative however, the frame was sent to me for the same repairs with the hopes of destroying as little as possible of the as-found surface condition.

 

[Velocipedist Co.]

 

[Velocipedist Co.]

I admit that this was not the best way to approach these repairs but the trade off was worth the compromise I think. Welds remained a little cold with still a little contamination, but we were able to retain alot of the paint near and around the repair areas.

 

[Velocipedist Co.]

 

[Velocipedist Co.]

Both left and right chain-stays repaired in similar manner.

 

[fordmike65]

 

[fordmike65]

I have a 36 Straight bar that could use some lovin'...

 

[Velocipedist Co.]

Let’s do it

 

[Velocipedist Co.]

Next up were the missing drop stand tabs. I bought two different sizes but ultimately had to trim to the correct width, and also had to thin out the material with an angle grinder and file to match the gauge of the frame material.

 

[Velocipedist Co.]

Using photos of other Huffman Streamline frames, I was able to create a convincing profile. The excess length was trimmed away afterward.