May 16, 2010

Vintage Bicycle Makeover

A few years ago my husband bought us matching 15-speed bicycles. It was my first time using a multi-speed bike and, let me tell you, it was not an easy learn! I don't think I ever really got the hang of it. That whole "trying to teach an old dog new tricks" thing and all. In the end I just gave it up because I didn't enjoy it.

Enter my mom's old bicycle.

Ah! An old fashioned 1-speed! Breaks on the pedals. Nothing on the handlebars. I like!

This gem is a 1978 (still has the original manufacturers sticker on it!) Western Flyer Galaxy Flyer bicycle is not just made in the U.S.A., but in Tennessee! It was originally my Nana's, but she passed it on to my mother, who passed it on to me!

But it could use some touching up, yes?

A couple of weeks ago my husband gave the bike a HUGE makeover. I chose the paint color, seat, and handlebars, but he did all the work!

He took the bike apart and painted everything that was once green to Harbor Blue. He removed all of the rust and repainted everything that was once silver to Textured Metallic.

We found the brown leather seat and matching handlebars at Walmart as well as the new white wall tires.



Love it!! Love the vintage feel of it. Love the color. Love, love, love!!

Now I just need a basket to go on the front. :)

Thanks, hubs!!

Posted by at 8:53 AM Tags: , , , , , ,

45 comments:

  1. That is so awesome! I've wanted a beach cruiser for a long time now! That is sooo cool that you have it from your grandma!
    -Bekah

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  2. Michelle, I simply adore this bike! Love it! I really like the color - perfect! You're so lucky and hubby did an excellent job! Stop by the Sunday Showcase if you get a chance..this is simply fabulous!! ~ Stephanie Lynn

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  3. Michele, this turned out absolutely gorgeous! I love the color. Way to go, girl!
    ~Alison

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  4. Love it! I have a one speed too, foot brakes, classic is the way to go. Of course, it helps to live in a town that has zero hills...

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  5. This is simply adorable and I want one! Thanks so much for joining The Sunday Showcase Party. I greatly appreciate it! ~ Stephanie Lynn

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  6. Hi Michelle. Just wanted to let you know I'll be featuring your bike tomorrow! Stop by and grab a featured button if you like! Love this! Thanks for joining the Sunday Showcase! ~ Stephanie Lynn

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  7. Hey, this looks like my old bike! Same color and everything! Cool redo, love what you did to save the old girl. Does that make me vintage, too? I prefer to think of myself as an aging classic. lol!

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  8. I really love your bike! I have an old one that I need to refurbish...not for riding(LOL) just to put plants out in the garden. Joni

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  9. This turned out so gorgeous - your husband did an amazing job and you picked an excellent color! That was probably a big huge job but so worth it since it's passed down :)

    There's a cute basket tutorial on UCreate (I'm thinking That's So Cuegly but not positive) if you want to make your own!

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  10. Best bike ever! How cool that it was your grandmother's. Your husband did a fantastic job. Thanks for sharing this (even if I am now green with envy).

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  11. Super cute! I have a beach cruiser, albeit it's a 2009 model. I love the history that goes along with yours. What a great job your hubby did! Enjoy it in good health :)

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  12. Oh, how fun. It looks like it's time to take a cruise. Happy day.

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  13. What a great Do It Yourself project. You are a clever and creative gal.

    I just completed a project that took 23 years. Come take a peek.

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  14. Visiting from Tip Junkie. I love it. Wish I had an old bike to re-do. So cool that yours has a family history.

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  15. I love this! It totally makes me want to ditch my mountain bike and get one of these - SO pretty!

    Thanks for linking at Lucky Star Lane!

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  16. Fabulous! Totally Love it. I love handmade projects whether its crafts, food, and anything else!

    www.livingonhomemade.com

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  17. Absolutely gorgeous! You are so lucky to have it!

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  18. Marvelous! I love the color and now I want a blue bike!

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  19. I LOVE LOVE LOVE riding bikes
    and I LOVE the color choice even more than that.
    and believe me that is A LOT!

    xoxo
    bB

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  20. Lovin' her makeover...she looks amazing for her age! I have a one speed bike too and love it:)

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  21. I want one and love the color! It turned out so nice!

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  22. I love vintage bikes and this one turned out FANTASTIC!!

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  23. That is GREAT! Are you actually going to ride it or will it be a garden ornament?

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  24. LOVE that you painted a bike!!! Sheer genius... I'm going to feature your bike in the POPP Spotlight tomorrow... have a great weekend.

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  25. A word of advice~don't ever, even for one second, leave that bike unlocked! It will be gone in a nanosecond! I love it!

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  26. That is the coolest transformation I have ever seen! I love it and your blog. Thank you for linking to my party, so that I could find you. I hope you will come again.
    ~Gay~
    itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com

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  27. That's my kind of bike. She's lovely! Have you named such a beautiful bike? What a special heirloom.

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  31. It looks great! I've been wanting a vintage bike just like it. Maybe soemday I will come a across one to makeover:) Enjoy!

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  32. I am totally blown away by this! It looks awesome, Michelle!

    Thanks for linking up to Saturday is Crafty Day!

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  33. I love that bike great job!!!

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  34. thanks for posting this!
    I was just wondering if this would work. I have this secret dream to have a bike just like my original Schwinn, but they are kinda hard to find. Now there's hope!
    Your bike looks amazing!

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  35. Michele that looks amazing!! Me thinks you need your picture made with it ;)

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  36. Nice project. I would love it if you would link this up in Modern Craftswoman Monday. Very well done. Rory

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  37. This is so awesome!!! Love your blog. I'm new to the bloggy world and will definitely be coming back!

    xoxo, Cat @ www.BudgetBlonde.com

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  38. Love this poat. Just letting you know that I featured you in my weekly round-up. Thanks again!
    ~Gay~
    itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com

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  39. I love vintage bikes! That is super cute! Thanks for joining FTF!

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  40. So cute!! I love the beach cruiser bikes! I actually have one that I'm redoing its a savage though!!!

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  41. Thanks for linking and making this the most successful Modern Craftswoman Monday so far! Rory

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  42. Just chanced upon your vintage bike makeover post... I simply adore the work you and your hubby have done to it!

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  43. I had never see a blog batter than this blog, I like this blog very very much.I prefer to read this kind of stuff. The quality of content is fine and the conclusion is good. Thanks for the post.
    cruiser bicycles

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  44. What a fabulous redo you and your hubby did! I am looking for an old bike to do the same with! I intend to do the repaint anyway, and my dream bike basket, and pedal happily to the local farmer's market! Wonderful inspiration!

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  45. Oh, I am so jealous! lol I LOVE your bike's makeover. I have a very similar bike to this, but it's still rusty and sitting in the shed.

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