Tank cruiser

[upshifter]

My grandson wants to give me this old bike, found in a garage sale. It looks like a J.C. Higgins from the late 1950s, or early 1960s. Is that right?

It's not a retro look; it is retro. Probably a good restoration project because it is mostly all there. I'm worried about no front brake. What do you think of this bike; is it worth the effort? What would you do with it?

I

 

[seca40]

That bike is a gem. Your grandson must like you a lot. Repack the headtube bearings, crank , rear hub. Have your local bike shop rebuild the front wheel using one of these beauties:

http://www.bikeman.com/HU2202.html

(shop around. You can find it ten dollars cheaper if you don't mind waiting for backorder. )

Or if you can find an old vintage drum hub that would be better. I saw someone on these forums who dug up a 36 hole moped drum brake from a junkyard for 3 dollars! But hey you seem to have good luck so why not look.

Install an in frame engine kit from a reputable supplier. And watch all your buddies drool as you cruise in style.

I would suggest painting and mounting the kit supplied fuel tank on the rear rack so you don't have to remove the cool tank that's on the bike. Like this.

http://www.motoredbikes.com/album.php?albumid=212&pictureid=2252

Whatever you do have fun.

Just my two cents.



Edited to add link.

 

[bluegoatwoods]

Seca is right; that bike is a gem.

I wouldn't hesitate. You'll have a very cool bike. Adding a front brake would be so simple.

 

[skyl4rk]

I would not put a motor on that bike, it is too classic.

 

[JemmaUK]

Its lovely and in really good unrestored condition. I would also suggest going the drum brake route for the front. So far as I know some of the modern drum brakes have a dynamo built in as well... so judicious removing of modern fittings and decals could give you the old fashioned look with the modern safety and convenience.

Im not sure about motor-ing it either - unless you are willing to take the time and do the work to make something really special it would probably detract from the bike itself.

That said - a frame mount 60/67 with a faired in shifter kit - retro'd pipe and 3/5 speed hub transmission done properly would make for a really nice MB - the paint schema would also be important with this one - maybe a black engine with chromed fishtail cover for the pipe - or maybe put on a high back rack and route the exhaust underneath that...

Probably on balance I would go with keeping it as a cycle.

 

[Mountainman]

that's a loving grandson you got there

that would make a very cool looking motor bike with some work

just another thought
build it all up pretty and motor bike strong
sweet motor and all
then give it right back to your grandson -- little surprize

all can ride those THINGS

 

[upshifter]

Thank you to everyone for the interesting and valuable comments on this bike. After reading the comments and thinking it over, I believe that the best thing would be to keep it original and not install a motor. After all, there are a lot of newer bikes around just screaming for a motor.

 

[upshifter]

My grandson is 25, and has several motorcycles and cars already. He's not interested in motorbikes that much. Yet, it was nice of him to offer it to me. That's his garage floor in the background. To the left in the picture, you can see motorcycle wheels sticking out; and on the floor are motorcycle parts. His dad, my son-in-law, and his uncle are all into this sort of thing. I have bicycles and small motorcycles all over my garage, too. My wife calls it all "Junk". There is some junk there, but it's good junk.

 

[Mountainman]

yes -- I know what you mean

I just have to keep an eye on my sweet little Lady

that she does not -- throw any of my good junk away

I may need that junk someday !!!

so as to ride that thing

 

[srdavo]

Thank you to everyone for the interesting and valuable comments on this bike. After reading the comments and thinking it over, I believe that the best thing would be to keep it original and not install a motor. After all, there are a lot of newer bikes around just screaming for a motor.

Very nice bike!!
good decision.... that bike is clean & appears to have been well cared for.
It would be fun to just pedal around, ones in a while!

I vote... add it to your "good junk" collection!!