ACD

I got interested in this after finding the Rat Rod Bikes Forum https://ratrodbikes.com/forum/index.php . They have a few build offs a year. I entered an old bike that was in my father-in-laws barn.

It started like this:



I stripped it down and tried some mock ups:



Finally decided on a "look" and sanded down and painted the frame:



Wheels are from a Wally World Donor Bike.

Adapted some Truss Rodsfrom an old Hawethorn Ladies to it (the model is my 6yo son):




Put the crank, pedals, and sprocket from an old Columbia 3-spd on it complete with rusty but good working chain:



Then I added a stainless steel frame insert:




Playing with headlight options:





So I still want to find a sissy bar and banana seat for it. I have friend welding me up a chain with a ball on the end for kickstand. The Name of this bike is "Escaped Convict" and as such it has a prison theme/paint job.

ACD

And I found "THE" headlight for it. Found this at the Treasures and Trash barn in Searsport for $4. I also got the handcuffs there just to go with the theme. I also found this really cool old bike bell. It's really loud and has a nice tone.






Next I am trying to determine if I want fenders or not.



And I told you it is a small bike!! (Don't mind the flat rear tire!)



More later. You'll be holding your breath I'm sure...

ACD

Ok I got the rear fender cut down, primed, painted, masked, faux granited, and then mounted. Let me tell you things are tight on the back end of this bike. I have never before had such a juggling match getting everything to line up and assembled in the right order. First some pics of the fender process...

Base coat black with the "grout lines" taped. This might me a cool idea for a future bike. I like the blue and black.



Then I sprayed gray over it thinly so some black shows through and then really thinly and letting the can "spit" I misted some flat white.



Then peel the tape and voila!



Put the bike back together again. I got the headlight working it is on in the pic!! I wrapped the bars, parts of the frame, the sissy bar, and more in barbed wire. I can still ride it relatively safely but you can be sure I will wear pants. Nasty old rusty barbed wire! (This is really stupid and over the top but hey I'm not taking this thing on the Tour de' France).



I am working on a chain guard from an old JC Higgens. It will match the fenders and have Prison lettering on it. I have a few more minor ideas and am waiting on my seat. I will keep this rusty sissy bar though. I really like the look. I decide early not to care about scratches, scrapes, bumps, and dings as it adds it's own "Ratness" to the build.

ACD

Finished the chain guard!!

The bike and one of my 5 cats (Gus)


The Barb wire around the seat


Along the frame




The barbed wire on the handlebars.


I screwed up and the chainguard does not fit well. Too far forward and too far out. It just clears the crank arms but needs to be fixed. (Bummer) Also the chain is so tight to get the wheel to point it will clear the frame properly it binds. (Bummer again!!) New longer chain in order, re-do Chain guard mount, lettering, kickstand, and who knows what else. It's getting heavy!

ACD

I got my new seat today but I am going to save it and the new sissy bar for a new project. I was cleaning up and I got looking at some old innertubes. Struck with a epiphamy I got the scissors and cut off the stem then cut it lengthwise. I then cut that up into strips of varying sizes depending on need. I tacked the rubber to the seat frame with super glue to hold it long enough to get it all woven together. Then I put the two seat halves together again. I think it looks kinda cool.



My wife bought me this rat to put on the bike. Might make him a cage under the seat.



I am playing with rusty Krate style fenders. I think I like them.



I am going to change the sprocket again to one I found that reminds me of a rusty manhole cover.

ACD

The bike is essentially done. A couple more very minor ideas and some tweaking. Also looking at 24x1.75 tire options.

The kickstand is done and I couldn't bring myself to paint it. I think it looks cool as is. There are several views of the bike, several views of me riding it, and one of my 8 yo son trying it on for size. To small for me and too big for him.

East Hill

I'm not seeing any of the photos?

East Hill

Ceezer

Very cool. The only "complaint" I'd file is that with all the accessories, the paint is too... shiny? Maybe that's not the word I want (bold?), but it's definitely drawing attention away from the accents. Some very wicked additions there, ACD.

StephenH

What's missing is the prison uniform for the rider- get to work on that! Great job on the bike- watch that expanded metal, if it ever comes out of place, it could be painful.

So somebody needs to make their recumbent into an electric chair to go with that!

wethepeople

That kickstand is the best thing ever.

Ever.

FlatTop

I couldn't see them earlier, but now I can. Very nice work, neat ideas.

pleen

Wow,

Props on that bike! That is a thing of beauty and I hope everybody who rides that puppy appreciates that. I have to agree with Wethepeople on the kickstand, that is my new most favorite bike accessory of all time*.

*Next to my beloved stoker of course!

hockeyteeth

Wow, that's very creative!

ACD

Thanks for the compliments, it was a fun build. Now I have to go get a tetanus shot!

fuzzbox

That's a sick bike but it'd hurt if you fell on the barbs.

East Hill

Must have been those server woes yesterday, because I can see the photos now.

You have got a lot of imagination, my friend! Great job .

I agree with WTP, the kickstand is PERFECT.

East Hill

Bail King

That Kickstand FTW!!!!! Great Work... Just great!!!!!

mlts22 

That kickstand blows me away. I wonder if you could make and sell those for a fat profit. I'd consider one for my old Free Spirit beater.

As for the barbed wire, I'd be afraid of an endo or any accident, as that stuff would hurt. At least make sure your tetanus shots are up to date.

SchwinnGirl

Fantastic job! Love the faux brickwork.

Gammerus

Without the barbed wire it kinda reminds me of Beetlejuice.

ACD

$100 bike couple Mil in cars. Duesenberg Model J and an Auburn Boat Tail Speedster. In the far left corner you can see the Steam bike replica. That now runs on air power... trying to find someone with the Cohones to try it with steam...

Pajaro

Cool project bike. If you'll ride it, discard the barbed wire. If it's purely a conversation piece, add more!