Old Bike Makeover

Melanie
by Melanie
5 Materials
$20
2 Hours
Easy

Every year in my small hometown a church group holds a huge yard sale , and I always make sure I go home to be able to attend it. The ladies that organize it know I am a diyer and tend to set things aside for me. One of my finds from last year was an old bike and an antique highchair. I never did anything with either except store them in my shed. I dug out the bike and decided it was time to do something with it. It was a perfect Saturday project.

Original Raleigh Bike 1954


So this was the original bike. It was in really good condition despite its age, but it has been in storage for many years. Using soap and water I washed down the bike to remove the excess dust it had accumulated and let dry.

History


I have to share this as I thought it was pretty cool. So the woman I bought the bike from is in her 70s and this bike belonged to her mother. In the small city where her mom grew up you had to register you bike with the bike guild. This is kind of like a licence plate. It has her name and address, the serial number of the bike and an ID number. Her mother had been a nurse and rode this bike to and from work everyday.

Paint Time


So the color I chose for the frame of the bike is called Ocean Mist. I wanted to keep the chrome fenders and the tires as is so I used plastic bags and cardboard to protect while spraying.

Painting


I lightly sprayed the frame , going back and forth in a light motion. It covered very well so I only needed to do one coat and it dried quickly.

New Paint Job


So this is the bike with the new paint color. I love how well it turned out.

Flower Time


I bought this hanging basket at a greenhouse and just cut off the hanger and placed it in the basket.

Project Complete


This was a simple and inexpensive project. I love that I was able to bring new life to an old bike and I am loving this color.

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Frequently asked questions
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  1 question
  • 17335038 17335038 on May 26, 2020

    How do you know that this bike is c1954.?

    'Just wondering as I had one just like it in the 1970's..............

Comments
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4 of 26 comments
  • Angie Barnett Angie Barnett on May 27, 2021

    What a beautiful rebirth of that bike! The flowers are stunning and make for a joyful ride🙂

  • Doreen Kennedy Doreen Kennedy on May 29, 2021

    Your bike planter is one of my favorites garden bike displays-I like the fact you didn’t spray paint the chrome or gears.

    • Melanie Melanie on May 29, 2021

      Thanks Doreen, I don't like the chrome or wheels on the bikes painted I feel it takes away from the bike.

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