What Brand Bike is this?!?

[WhizBangAndy]

I just rescued a neat old tank cruiser bike and want to restore it back to its former glory but as you can see its rather rusty and I cant find a serial # and the badge in the front is missing. I would like to repaint it close to its original paint scheme but need a pic of one thats already done or in better shape. Any help is appreciated and Ill be posting the resto on my flikr account for anyone to see as soon as I can give it a name. Thanks to All!

 

[KilroyCD]

Looking at the salient details leads me to believe it's a Murray-built JC Higgins (Sears) bike from the late 1950s. It has a Murray chainring and the pointy rear drop-outs are a Murray trademark. No other manufacturer used drop-outs like that. The chain guard is a standard JC Higgins design, and Murray did build bikes for Sears as well as a number of other companies. The tank is typical of the style of tank that was popular in the late 50s to the early 60s. I hope this helps.

 

[WhizBangAndy]

Thanks for the ID Kilroy!

I have been crawling all over the web to find a similar one but no ID. Ill focus my search on your suggestion and get crackin on this lil gem!

 

[KilroyCD]

Here's the same bike, but under the Western Flyer (Western Auto) label. The chain guard is a different design than the JC Higgins guard, but other than that the bike is the same as the Higgins. The color likely isn't the same and the accessories (such as the racks) may differ as well, but this is the closest I have found so far. I'm still looking to find you a pic of the Higgins (I like a challenge).

 

[WhizBangAndy]

Thanks Again Kilroy!

I was really surprised to NOT find one quickly (searched for 2-3 hours) before posting. I want to approximate the original paint scheme and some 50's style pin-striping and put my Girlfriends name on the Tank. A better end than the scrap truck that was roaming around right behind me for sure..

I will use the info and make everyone proud of my save..

Andy

 

[fasteddy]

Andy, look at the "classic and antique bicycle exchange" site. They are talking about a bike like yours right now.

Steve.

 

[WhizBangAndy]

Thanks for the heads up Steve..Ill check it out..

I think I have a paint scheme in mind at this point though. Im considering a 2 step candy apple red with white pearl accents on the guard/fenders and considering how good/bad the rims are maybe the white on them too(unless I lazy out and get new chrome ones).

I cant seem to get my girlfriend on a modern bike so I figure getting a real great looking old bike together for her would be a better option. I even have a Steumy Archer 3 speed rear rim with a Schwinn style White Wall brick tread. Of course that would involve figuring out another way to stop it..lol

Shes a bit doubtful about this one but she hasnt seen me restore a bike yet so my hopes are high.

 

[WhizBangAndy]

Man what a roller-coaster ride with this bike! Girlfriend didn't want it so I Craigslisted it.

Guy pays but doesn't pick it up.

Wanted me to deliver to NE Philly for free so I have refunded his $$ and now Im tearing it down , painting and rebuilding it with my last 49cc round-head Grubee engine.

Gotta love the twists and turns..

Stay Frosty since this is going to be a neat board-tracker inspired build with a twist. Ill keep everyone posted on the build as it progresses

 

[WhizBangAndy]

Pics will be up tonight of what little progress I have had. Mainly cleaning and sanding out the multiple paint jobs it has had over the years. Did a few templates to check volume for making a gas tank to fit where the fake tank goes. Should be a cool build..Initially going with my 48cc roundhead and single sprocket and see where it takes me.

 

[WhizBangAndy]

precious my precious..priming..sanding..priming..sanding..my precious craves attention

More pics soon!