1911 Iver Johnson Truss Bridge Roadster.
Restoration by 10~18 Kustoms.
As found at antique shop in Baldwin Kansas.
I believe this bike started life as a 1911 Truss Bridge Roadster because it had the original mudguards and rear rack so it was probably a model 1188 Roadster to start with. The bars, stem & grips as well as the tires and wheels are all 30's era and were probably replaced then. Frame may have been repainted then as well since the Yellow/Ivory does not appear to be original. The bike is the optional 20" short version. For the restoration I will be taking a few liberties, like updating the tire wheel combo to make it more rideable and leaving off the rack and guards for a look more like the Racer or Flyer models.
First step: Dismantle, strip & prime
After measurements for paint were made, and a few missing parts were found the bike was broke down and the frame, fork, rack and guards were all media striped.
Once back from stripping all parts were shot with bare metal primer and some light body work was done to smooth out a few rough spots.
(An interesting side note): Once the frame had been stripped a second crudly stamped serial number was found on the upper seat tube. This SN would date the bike to about 1927. Im guessing that the bike may have been stolen or someone was just wanting to try to make it appear newer to increase the value. This would also explain the later tires/wheels, bars and paint.
Once back from stripping all parts were shot with bare metal primer and some light body work was done to smooth out a few rough spots.
(An interesting side note): Once the frame had been stripped a second crudly stamped serial number was found on the upper seat tube. This SN would date the bike to about 1927. Im guessing that the bike may have been stolen or someone was just wanting to try to make it appear newer to increase the value. This would also explain the later tires/wheels, bars and paint.
Next step: Plating and Wheels
The crank/chain ring and head set parts were sent out to Acme Brass and Plating in Kansas City, MO for new nickel plate. Nice!
For the wheel set I wanted this to be a rider so I didn't want the wood rims and single tube tires. I choose to use a combination of old and new parts, and go with a turn of the century Steam Punk look. So I had Acme Plating do the New Departure model A hub as well as the front hub in brass plate. The rims are black Velocity P35's, used NOS brass spoke nipples, and new black spokes. All were laced to the brass hubs by Jason at the Bike Shack in Grandview MO. To finish them off the tires are 700c Electra Amsterdam's.
For the wheel set I wanted this to be a rider so I didn't want the wood rims and single tube tires. I choose to use a combination of old and new parts, and go with a turn of the century Steam Punk look. So I had Acme Plating do the New Departure model A hub as well as the front hub in brass plate. The rims are black Velocity P35's, used NOS brass spoke nipples, and new black spokes. All were laced to the brass hubs by Jason at the Bike Shack in Grandview MO. To finish them off the tires are 700c Electra Amsterdam's.
Next to come: Paint and Pinstripping
First the headset area was painted with 3 coats Iver Green Urathane.
Then masking and the main body of the bike and the fork were painted with 3 coats gloss black Urathane, then all were hand rubbed and polished.
Red pinstriping between the two colors was applied by KC's Hot Rod Heuy.
The rear rack was also painted Iver Green for possible future use.
Then masking and the main body of the bike and the fork were painted with 3 coats gloss black Urathane, then all were hand rubbed and polished.
Red pinstriping between the two colors was applied by KC's Hot Rod Heuy.
The rear rack was also painted Iver Green for possible future use.
Next: Final Assembly starts...
But still no grips, bars and pedals to finish the project.
Peroid correct bars are stolen off a 1917 World racer which is also missing parts and on my back burner to restore, they are nickel plated by Acme Plating. Early 1897 - 1907 leather wrapped wood grips are found at the Dec. Belton swapmeet and the leather is re-wrapped with black leather, they will work for now till the correct sewn grips are found.
A Brooks Flyer Special in black with copper rivits to keep with the Stem Punk look was chosen for the saddle, with a custom made layback post.
Peroid correct bars are stolen off a 1917 World racer which is also missing parts and on my back burner to restore, they are nickel plated by Acme Plating. Early 1897 - 1907 leather wrapped wood grips are found at the Dec. Belton swapmeet and the leather is re-wrapped with black leather, they will work for now till the correct sewn grips are found.
A Brooks Flyer Special in black with copper rivits to keep with the Stem Punk look was chosen for the saddle, with a custom made layback post.
The Finished product: Well...
...at least for now: Still needs era rat trap pedals. And it would be nice to find correct bars and grips. Also might add the mud guards, rear rack and flip the bars to make it a Roadster again at some point. But for now it is a Racer or Flyer.
