This started out as a mid-1960's (based on the number stamped on the bottom) J.C. Higgins single speed, coaster brake Craigslist find. See the end of the post for the before photo. It was ridable but rough and I got on board with the whole custom cruiser look and this is what happened. As cool as the Higgins was, it wasn't exactly worth a lot of money. For my first bicycle project of this caliber, that's was a good thing. I'm not sure I would've wanted to take on this project with something pricier like the more desirable Schwinn cruisers (Panther, Typhoon, etc).
Here's the rundown on what was done.
- New foam handgrips
- New tubes
- New tires (Michelin Country Rock)
- New pedals
- New seat (actually one we already had)
- Lots and lots of sanding
- Lots and lots of primer
- More sanding
- Wheels and spokes were painted black with the red line added
- Handlebars, gooseneck, and seat post painted black.
- Rear fender was cut down to a) give is a bobber look and b) remove the dented and gnarled edge of the fender
- Paint!
- Crank polished a lot
- Handlebars inverted
Here's a good tip if you find yourself reassembling a bicycle: be sure--really sure--the gooseneck is tight. Once this bike was together I took it for an inaugural ride about the block. Everything started out great. And then...then...there was a point where I turned the handlebars one direction but the front wheel went the opposite. Yikes! After a tumble and a quick confirmation that no one was looking, I realized the pavement have removed some of the fresh black paint from the handlebars. Sigh.
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