Finalized Paint for the Old Huffy

Well, I finally got the finalized paint scheme done. After letting the paint cure for a while, I wet sanded the bike using 320 grit to knock down the ridges left by the previous graphics. I then smoothed it up with 600 grit.

After the sanding, I laid down some pink and brown on the frame. I painted the chain guard with a blue and pink fade. I waited three days, to allow the paint to cure, before laying out the graphics. I used positive masking to lay out the graphics (I was going for a sort of beachy pseudo-tribal feel). I then laid down the blue on the frame and brown on the chain guard. I was pretty happy with how things looked after unmasking it. More importantly, Michelle really likes how it has turned out so far. I plan to clear coat it some time next week.

Now comes the more straight forward part of fixing up the bike, mechanical. I need to replace at least one spoke and put on a new chain. Everything needs cleaned up and lubed. The changes will be less visually dramatic, but more more important than the paint.

The Bike and More

Well, last Friday, I got the bike all taped up and laid down the brown paint. I really didn’t like the result at first. Now I’m not sure. I am still leaning towards going back to my original paint scheme.

This is how it looks now. I think I will paint the brown and blue area solid brown with the exception of the neck. I plan to paint the neck blue and scallop on the backbone and down tube. Please comment and let me know what you think.





Other Items
As you may know, the band O.A.R. has teamed up with the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) on a campaign to support returning Veterans. Please Click Here and check it out. You will be asked to pledge your support for the recent Veterans and Service Members. You could even win two concert tickets and backstage passes. Also check out the IAVA by CLICKING HERE.

Veterans’ Day is coming up. To me, it is time to really think about what we are doing to support the Troops and Veterans. How many of us have “Support the Troops” ribbons and bumper stickers? But what are we really doing? Think about it. Hopefully, I will be able to have some good ideas for you soon. Stay posted.

The Bike

Last weekend, I bought an old bike to fix up for my wife. It appears to be a 60's or 70's Huffy. (It is definitely an old Huffy). I have completely taken the bike apart, and have started the process of removing the paint and rust. As you can see in the picture, cosmetically it is a little rough and it will need a small amount of mechanical work done, but it seems to be structural sound. I think it will turn out nicely.

My wife wants it chocolate brown with robins' egg blue accents. I figure I'll probably also add a few small light pink stripes and/or details. To really feminize the bike, I'd like to add an off-white or cream seat as well as handle grips. It might be a while before the project is complete, but I will make updates with the progress.

-Phil