Now I know most guys/gals on here are a big fan of a perfect shiny paint job. But I build rat rods and love the patina on old things. So with that being said lets see some rat/patina'd bikes.

 

I guess I don't get it, neither of these would I call a rat rod or patina?

In my mind, a rat rod is a ride that you build from a bunch of junk and make it work and is cool, not take a bike and add a piece if junk here and there and call it a rat.

 

Thanks. I made these bikes to look patina'd. A rat bike is something you put together with things that you have laying around or like you said junk that you find. I was wanting to see how many people have cool patina'd or rat bikes. But I guess there are internet trolls everywhere.

 

Wait, are you saying I'm a troll? If you are, I am confused!?!

 

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...=bikes+rotting

 

 

I work with guitars..when Guys try to "relic" guitars- they usually miss out on "real" types of wear...and instead just start sanding.

to an eye that knows the real thing- amateur attempts stand out and just look wrong.

so i suggest that you start with a concept pick a year/model and then imagine what effects time would have...each flaw or bit of damage needs to tell a story

below are some pics of my 1953 FLF- this is an original factory paint ( one year only option: Glamour Green)
Paints back than were sprayed over red oxide primer.
the only paints used were Dupont colors ( and the same colors may be used by Ford, GM, Gibson or Fender...they each gave their own name to the color.

This bike sat in a barn for about 25 years...and when found had about 4" of bird crap on it

here's what happens when the decals in the speedo dry out:



Here s a detail of the period Heib grip, see the faded paint on the tank and the red primer... when the bike sat in a barn for 25 years, that side faced a window



tank:



the stainless stays bright, the steel rusts...most of the brightwork was stainless steel, not much chrome plating...chrome was considered "cheap"...on a Cadillac the only chrome was the bumpers...all the trim is stainless steel.

look at the first pic- the gas caps are stainless...the petcock and speedo surround were chromed steel.
below the inspection cover on the primary is stainless...the floorboard extensions are steel- originally parkerized I think













I got more pics than bandwidth.

mike

 

One of these days, I hope to see it in person. That is a nice bike and love the aged look!!!

 

Few years ago met up with some other panheads for a run...no parts fell off, we all made it there and back.

the green does stand out in the crowd



BTW the 1st bike is for sale in PHX...I think he wants $22K. It's really rideable...brakes and everything!

mike