1953 Schwinn Hornet Revisited

It has been a few years since I have posted here. Some of you may remember my 1953 Schwinn Hornet, this is a pic of it last time I posted:


I always thought how cool it would be if I could find an in frame tank (that would actually hold gas) similar to the fake tank on the original bike like this:


Then I found Sportsman Flyer Motorbikes, and he makes a gas tank specifically for Hornet/Panther straightbars. I ordered one and installed it:

Although really cool, something was missing. I decided to paint the real gas tank similar to the fake gas tank on the original bike (the original tank was missing on my bike when I bought it for $25 years ago). I ordered the stenciling kit on ebay, found satin paint in almost the exact color (satin to match the faded patina on the original paint). and went to work:


Needed pinstripes:


How about a fake "horn button" to replicate the real horn button on the original (made from sanding down an axle nut):


And, the final look with the tank installed. What a difference! The petcock is not installed yet, waiting for the paint to fully cure:

 

[justin.fiveash]

That's a beautiful bike. Great job on the paint and that button!

 

[bobcaller]

Thanks, the bike has always drawn attention, but now it commands it!

 

[Leroybrown420]

Nice job, Looks great. I wanna call it the little red whaler.