Old school fat tire bike.

I know Bob, the purist will cringe. But for me it's the best of both machines, I can keep the short height and stability of the millright and have what I believe is a more versatile Bridgeport head that I can easily get parts for. Height of the machine is important to me because it is in my basement. Plus I can sell the original head to someone that could use it for their millright restoration.
 
nice score on the stand. that springer front end is so 1950-1960s.
I remember them on banana seat bikes, and cruzers.
 
I got a chance to work on the bike again so I started to get the fenders installed. Front fender went well but then I got stalled on the rear because I didn't have the right fasteners. I also need to make a spacer out of aluminum for the rear fender. I found these on eBay and I really like the full coverage and the little kick out on the bottom of them
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I'm really having fun building this one and seeing it all come together.
 
It's been raining for 2 days so today was a good day to stay inside and work on the bike a bit. Moved on to the rear fender and rack since they share the same mounting screws.
Heres the rear fender temporarily in place to check the fit.
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Here you can see the fender tab and the frame gusset don't line up, this is often the case when using new modern fenders on an old Schwinn frame. I just need to make a spacer.
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But that's what we have machines for right? I chucked up a piece of aluminum round bar in the ole Southend and drilled out the center hole.
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Aluminum is so fun to work with. Turned down to size.
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Voila! A nice spacer that fits perfectly and won't rust.
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This is an old school original Schwinn rat trap rack, has the Schwinn name cast into it, alluminum alloy so it won't rust and is lighter in weight. It probably came off a 10 speed.
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I'll put a red reflector on the rear of the rack as it has the tab for one.
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Not sure if the seat will stay this low, I might raise it after the tires and wheels are installed and I get it on the ground for the final adjustments.
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I also found some really nice leather looking grips to match the seat.
The flash washed out the color but they are actually very close to the seat.
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I think they look cool.
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After I polished the front wheel and mounted the tire and tube i installed it on the bike.
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The parts for the rear wheel. I'm using a vintage Bendix 2 speed kick back hub.
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I took it apart to clean and inspect it.
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This is one of the brake shoes, no wear at all in this hub, perfectly preserved in rock hard grease.
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All cleaned up and ready for assembly and a re packing with fresh grease.
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Here you can see that I had to make a fool to adjust the lock nuts on the hub, you just can't go to the bike shop and buy these anymore.
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I used a cheap donor wrench for a handle.
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Here is what it fits onto.
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Then I laced up the wheel after all the parts where cleaned up.
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It was at this point that I realized the spokes where too long. So I ordered new ones and did it again, lol.
On the trueing stand.20180711_215352.jpg
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And finally done.20180707_095629.jpg
 
The rear wheel is on and it's finally off the work stand.
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The new decals look nice!20180915_181409.jpg
99% done, needs a different seat post clamp bolt, and the correct badge on the front.20180915_181433.jpg
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Not a period correct restoration but I think it is better than new with the powdercoat paint. It's a blend of old and new. I'm happy with how it came out. Now my girl wants me to build her one, lol.
 
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