Mail Order Bride

Well I did it! No, I didn't get a mail order bride, but I did order a bike on line. I never thought I would do it but the temptation was just too strong. I have been looking at the single speed bikes but not seriously. Did I need another bike, no. Did I have better things to do with my money, yes. So why did I think I had to have one? Well 50% off was one reason then they threw "FREE SHIPPING" at me and I was hooked. Susie said I could get some bike parts for my Valentine's Day present so I ordered it and was surprised to get it in two days. I looked the shipping box over for damage and was again was surprised to not see any damage or marks on it. I couldn't open it right away because I was making a bed for Buddy for his Valentines Day gift. Later that day I opened the box like it had a bomb in it, not wanting to scratch anything. Taking each part out and checking it out. When I had my shop in the seventies I opened lots of these boxes and a few while I worked for Spencer. There was always something not right or missing so I was being extra careful. Well everything was fine and I carefully unwrapped each part and started dry fitting it. My fear of ordering a bike on line is what you do if something is wrong when you get it. I wasn't worried about normal assyembly of adjustments but bad threads, missing parts of damaged items. I am glad to say it was in very good condition. After I put it together out of the box I went through again it today and greased everything, trued the front wheel slightly, adjusted the brakes to my liking and put a coat of wax on everything. Would I every order another bike on line, Yes. Would I recommend it for everyone, no. I have been working on bikes for over fifty years so I have that in my favor. The other thing is size. Just because you're bike you have now fits you doesn't mean a different one of the same size will. You need to read and take measurements and if your not sure call the place your ordering from. A road bike, a mountain bike and a track bike may all be the same size but will fit differently. If you're not sure of anything it is best to buy from your local dealer.
I will change the handlebars, they are a little too stretched out for me. And yes, I did alter the cranks photo!

Update on the Phillips

Today I finished cleaning the Phillips frame. I polished it a couple times with rubbing compound then followed that with  three coats of wax. It is far from being great looking but it is nice and clean now. I also took the crank and B/B out of the parts cleaner and polished and cleaned it all. Then reinstalled the B/B with new bearings and the crank with new cotter pins. I will finish the rest of it at the shop except for the rear fender that I can buff better at home.

1954 Phillips

This 1954 Phillips 3-spd was donated to our community bike shop last week. I didn't know at first if I wanted to start another project yet being as I have a few others. As I looked this bike over and saw that most everything was here and that under 59 years of grim it was not too bad. It even has the small fender and rack original screws in the mounts. After removing the crank I inspected the inside of the tubes and it is clean and rust free. Also the lettering is in good condition. I have been polishing and cleaning small parts as I remove them. I ran the front fender over the buffing wheel today and polished it. If you have never done this to an old aluminum fender I'll tell you it is a dirty job. I will post more as I get it done.