TOPIC: 60's Western Flyer restoration

I've started a little side project... My daughter will need a tricycle some day, and a modern one just won't cut it! Vintage all the way here.

I picked up this 60's vintage Western Flyer trike, and am in the process of restoring it-





I've got it disassembled, and I'm in the process of removing paint. It's in pretty good shape- I'll have to weld some of the spokes on one wheel, and do a bit of 'body work' here and there, and then of course paint it.

I've already located a few parts, such as NOS handlegrips complete with the Western Flyer logo... The internet is a GREAT tool

It's going to be pretty much original, with the exception of a SLIGHT modification on the steering tube logo- A bit of personalization-



Of course, since she's only 4 months old, it'll be a while before she needs a Trike... I also located a mid- 50's vintage 'Taylor Tot' Walker/stroller. It's not QUITE as cool as the one that John posted on here a while back, since it doesn't have the fenders, but I couldn't find one with fenders anywhere (at least not one that I could afford!), and this one is in SWEET condition, it's been stored in an attic since the 1960's. Looks like all I'll have to do is clean it up a bit and put it together...

-Andrew

It will turn out perfect I am sure. Nice project.

Very cool!!!!!!!!!!!! That's going to look great!

Bob

Man, I haven't seen one of those in a looonnnng time! Very cool Andrew, she's gonna love it. You'll have to keep your eyes out for a matching wagon now.

Cool project, Mine was green and my sister and I rode them down the stairs on a double dare you. I still remember the tumble, she was good for her word, she came right after me.

andrew did you already buy the taylor tot stroller/walker yet,if not let me know ,im sure we could come to some type of arraingment,email me,john did you know that the handle and foot rest come off to make it a walker.

Ya know, those vintage items sometimes are worth alot. To make extra money, I'm selling antique porcelain on ebay. Check out my post.

A little progress- I've been getting over a minor bout of Pneumonia, and some MAJOR job news, but all is good now.

Frame stripped to bare metal-


One of the spokes was broken, but the MIG welder made quick work of that-


A couple of coats of high build primer on the frame-


And, after a few coats of primer and lots of sanding, some color on the fender-


I'm probably spending WAY too much time on this, but I want it to look nice

-Andrew

Excellent work as usual my friend!

Bob

I think it looks great. Hey as long as it's worth it to you what does it matter. We are in our own little things here fixing boats and things up that in some cases were given to us to get rid of them and expressing ourselves by making something of it. I don't know about some people in this "Throw-a-way" world but I love it. Just like my truck made from parts of junk trucks. I'd drive it anywhere if I could afford to go. living on $1,000 a month is hell. By the way I have less than a $1,000 tied up in this old buggy. It's a 93 cab, 87 frame and bed, and an assortment of other years. It's a 300 six cylinder five speed standard 4 wheel drive with 3.55 gears. I can idle up the steepest boat ramps with it. I can put a ton in it and it will hardly go down. I've towed other trucks with it, no problem and I have never added oil to it other than changes.

It's ALMOST done! I like these little projects- a TON of reward for a relatively small amount of work! Not like a boat that takes YEARS to finish.

I still need to find pedals, but I've still got some time, the rider is only 5 months old after all





I even located NOS handgrips, complete with the Western Flyer logo-


Here's a closeup of the stem, with the custom decal in place-



I'm pretty happy with the result! I consider it good practice for the truck I'm going to be painting soon, since I used pretty much the same materials and techniques.

-Andrew

Outstanding work as usual!!!!!!!!!!!! Charlotte's going to love it!

Bob

Waterwings wrote:

Outstanding work as usual!!!!!!!!!!!! Charlotte's going to love it!Bob

X2 - Couldn't have said it better myself, Bob. She'll be ready to ride before you know it Andrew! Better call the insurance company and add another rider to the policy.

Awesome!

Great looking little trike there. I am sure the little one will love it. Skip.

It looks great. Now there is an Heirloom to be passed down, restored with love.

Thanks... I think I'm going to 'hot rod' the next one

Oh yeah, Black with flames or maybe some Candyapple Red with ghost flames!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bob