Turning Collector bikes into replica track board racers

ridercam

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Does one turn a true collectors bicycle into a motorized replica?

I have a good condition Cleveland bicycle from the early thiries...

I am at mixed thoughts. How about you all?
 
I'd keep the Cleveland Welding original if possible.
It's unique, like the burning river.
 
I would say no. There are plenty of later bikes that can be used for that purpose. A bike from the 30's is a rare thing!
 
I think the same question is asked alot with vintage cars...should we turn it into a hot rod/street machine or restore it too original, some cringe at the thought of cutting up old steel and others jump right in...my line of thought is this, if your going o keep it for years to come, what will give YOU more enjoyment? All fine doing it up as original to sell as such but if you plan on keeping it will this satisfy you? Personally on this occasion i would restore it to original and flog it on EBay vintage bicycles (eg. vintaqge 80s BMX get a **** load of $$$ more than they were in the day anywayz..im sure something from the 1930 would eget you enough to finace a motoered build PLUS alot of change) and do as two above posters suggest grab a cheap to make into a boardtracker....my two cents...either way best of luck mate

KiM
 
Does one turn a true collectors bicycle into a motorized replica?

I have a good condition Cleveland bicycle from the early thiries...

I am at mixed thoughts. How about you all?

If its got a tank and all the fancy parts or is a rare frame model would I not do it. Otherwise I would.

If you watch ebay you'll see that many of the base model balloners often don't sell at 150$. Many good mens frames don't get sold at 50$ or less.

The way I see it the old bikes are much sturdier and a better platform for motors than the bikes nowadays with the thinner wall tubes and small welds.
 
The way I see it the old bikes are much sturdier and a better platform for motors than the bikes nowadays with the thinner wall tubes and small welds.

Just a thought here but metallurgy wasn't close to what it is today back in the 30's, those heavy walled tubed bikes from back then prolly needed to be that thick to to get the strength of todays bikes that use superior grade steel? Just because its thicker doesn't always mean its stronger only heavier :: wink ::

KiM
 
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I've wondered the same thing... however if I've found that a bike that is pretty much original I wouldn't use it as a donor. I have a 1942 Firestone Pilot that's pretty trashed...it's gettin' an engine! TJ
 
Just a thought here but metallurgy wasn't close to what it is today back in the 30's, those heavy walled tubed bikes from back then prolly needed to be that thick to to get the strength of todays bikes that use superior grade steel? Just because its thicker doesn't always mean its stronger only heavier :: wink ::





You have no idea what you are talking about but thanks for the response.
 
Hi , I got my latest bike at a yardsale for 20 dollars . I got it cause it was a beach cruiser type frame and had some life left on the tires. When I got around to riding it however it was a bear to ride. Man it was like riding a bike that weighed 2 tons . It felt like pedaling a ten speed starting out in tenth gear . So I got a front sprocket thats 40 tooth and a rear 22 tooth for the wheel and now you can actually ride the thing. I decided to motorize it and was in the process of striping off 7 coats of paint when I found the numbers and discovered that it was a 1953 Columbia tri star deluxe. All I had was the frame forks and seat so it's not like I was taking apart a classic far from it I was saving one from the junk pile. Today it rides and looks like a dream. And it all started when an old bike caught my eye at a yardsale......Tom
 
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