My build

[wmcewan]

The bike was found on eBay for around $100 shipped from Ohio.
The PO thinks it may have been a Huffy, but I don't know for sure.
I think it was early to mid 50's and the "skip tooth" drive train seems to confirm that date.
The plan was to replicate something like this:
http://ratrodbikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/1912-indian-inspired-board-track-racer.20837/

 

[wmcewan]

My build 2

Step one, was to get this mess back to a functional bike.
New wheels first:


Upgrading the skip-tooth drive train to a modern unit was much more complicated.
Much of the old "welds" had to be slowly grinded out of the old bottom bracket shell before the new bottom bracket would fit:


Success!


Test fitting:


And new tires:


Since I wanted to run two V brakes with a freewheel in the back, I welded in a brake bracket:




And the "bike" portion was complete:

 

[wmcewan]

My build 3

And now onto the motor!
The "custom" tank I wanted ended up being about 1/2 the project.
I mocked the shape in poster board, and then started cutting 16 gauge steel.


I used snips, and then a cutting wheel on an angle grinder, and then finally a metal blade on a jigsaw.
The jigsaw ended up being by far the best option.
And I reused the filler port and petcock port from the stock tank.






The final step was sealing as my welds were not exactly air tight.
I used Caswell.


Complete!


Well, until I decided to electro-etch in my initials - which turned out OK


Engine install went smoothly


And the first ride was a blast!