Western Flyer X-53 flys again

[Dazed & Confused]

Before & After

 

[Dazed & Confused]

95% complete, just a few tweeks and parts to be added. The kickstand is loose and not to be trusted. The rear reflector housing has yet to be installed.
I may leave the seat as is for now. As for the front head light we all know a reproduction will have to do and that will be acceptable to me. I will have to
take some more shots when I get it on the road.

 

[2jakes]

Looking great... Thanks for sharing!

Did you use the same spokes to install the rear Brakes or newer ones?
I have a similar X-53 but am using Schwinn S2 wheels because the original
Western Flyer wheels are in same condition as yours.
But now... You have motivated me to fix the original wheels.
Not sure how to lace a bicycle wheel. Any suggestions?

 

[Dazed & Confused]

Looking great... Thanks for sharing!

Did you use the same spokes to install the rear Brakes or newer ones?
I have a similar X-53 but am using Schwinn S2 wheels because the original
Western Flyer wheels are in same condition as yours.
But now... You have motivated me to fix the original wheels.
Not sure how to lace a bicycle wheel. Any suggestions?

View attachment 875097

Wheels and brake is all original parts.
Do you have a local bike shop to show wheel lacing? My local guy was happy to
Show me

 

[2jakes]

Wheels and brake is all original parts.
Do you have a local bike shop to show wheel lacing? My local guy was happy to
Show me

There's a local bike shop that caters to
old bikes.
He's very knowledgeble but not too friendly!
Here's the reason, I said you motivated me!

....with a little WD/40 & elbow grease and after a few minutes.....

 

[Dazed & Confused]

There's a local bike shop that caters to
old bikes.
He's very knowledgeble but not too friendly!
Here's the reason, I said you motivated me!
View attachment 875126

....with a little WD/40 & elbow grease and after a few minutes.....
View attachment 875125

It is amazing what seems to be unsurmountable rust that will clean up with the extra effort.
I uses PB Blaster with #0000 steel wool.

 

[Dazed & Confused]

There's a local bike shop that caters to
old bikes.
He's very knowledgeble but not too friendly!
Here's the reason, I said you motivated me!
View attachment 875126

....with a little WD/40 & elbow grease and after a few minutes.....
View attachment 875125

I just noticed that sweet x53 light in your picture. Way to rub it in.

 

[2jakes]

I just noticed that sweet x53 light in your picture. Way to rub it in.

There's also a sprocket on the table too.
It never occured to me ... until now....
so...,
neeyah ladda da da... I have a light and
you don't ha ha ha ha yada yada yada

 

[Dazed & Confused]

The final pieces to complete this old bird.
The perfect plate for the X-53.

 

[Dazed & Confused]

Reflector installed after much PB Blaster applied to original hardware.

Check out the sweet 1953 Vermont plate on this 1953 X-53.