Beach Cruiser Klunker / Rat Rod Project pt.2 - Seat & Chain

It was pretty funny to find that I did not have a seat rail clamp amongst all the parts I have laying around. Well, not really I guess....during the BMX days they were always around because they came with the seat, so if you didn't toss your old seat you would always have a clamp. I think we had an entire drawer of them at the bike shop that we removed as people would replace their seats. I DID have a seat though. Here is some before and after action.

I hit up Pork Chop BMX for a sweet inexpensive gold chain. I was pretty concerned that it was not going to fit the 53/20 gearing, since it was only 112 links, but it actually fit! I had to remove 2 links. Also I was pretty stoked that I was able to set it up without a master link. Who needs master links? Here is a before (with chain guard), before (without chain guard), and after + after close up.

The gold chain is the first component I think is giving it sort of some visual rat rod realism, as it is obvs a brand new component on an otherwise heavily patina-ed drivetrain. Now that the chain is installed the bike is actually rideable, so I took it for a quick spin up and down the driveway. My coaster brake repair if working GREAT and will probably get even more dialed in over time. Believe it or not, the cranks are running fine, so I have not yet overhauled the inners. One other cool thing that is happening is the bike is starting to solid up...meaning that when you lift it up a few inches and drop it, there are a LOT less rattles.

More to come!