awesome story. I have a deep love for bikes. Before I messed with cars I started restoring bikes (around 9 years old). I am 27 now and still collect and restore bikes. I have a colection of around 60 bikes of all models.Ill try to post up some pics soon.
Thanks for the Bluebird story, I think i'd restore it.Years ago I bought a very nice Columbia from the original owner, even had the warrentee paperwork. Sold it at Hershey to a Fireman from Longbeach, Ca.
Here is my 1941 Schwinn DX that is my latest rider that came from the metal bin at the local dump. Still need to put the original wheels back on it. Before you restore the blue bird clean it up and see if you can get the original paint to come back. You might be surprised how nice you can make it look
that is a cool story and two very cool bikes. anyone here into bicycles ever check out ratrodbikes.com?
Congrats on the bike purchase! Old bikes were my first hobby. Check out http://www.memorylane-classics.com/ It is the best place I know of for classic bike parts. More than a few pieces on my '68 StingRay came from them, including the spot-on repop rear slik. That is my 68 StingRay my dad helped me build when I was a young teen. I actually put quite a few miles on it before getting into cars in my later teens. Not pictured is my 67 5 speed StingRay Fastback. My dad has a pair of his and hers JC Higgins from the 50's that he needs to put back together someday. Maybe I'll have to do it. I've considered getting rid of my cars and just building bicycles for a hobby, it sure would be cheaper.
Cool looking bike. I always liked the older ones, for a while as a kid I had someone's throwaway 16" with a banana seat and stuff. Eventually I got to riding my dad's first big bike, a 1953 Hercules 3-speed - the pedal gear spells "Hercules" right out in it. Not as nice as the older ones, but still a neat bike, and it was in good shape. Still have that one tucked away.
great scores and the elgin is worth some cash! guess i could post some of mine.... 192? elgin(tanks one i made) 35 dayton d4(another homemade tank) 52 schwinn b6 78 schwinn ? my sons 57 pixie my wifes old huffy that i made into a motorbike for my boy
speaking of elgin bikes .. here is one collecting cobwebs and in need of tires. also have a Columbia still in service
Here's a late 40's SCP (Standard Cycle Products) bike that I was paid to haul away as junk. It's completely original right down to the tires. All I've done is replace the tubes. It was a one-owner bike that was always stored indoors.
I tried to buy a bicycle built for two not long ago at an auction. It was stated it was from the 30's and it likely was. It had a chain, cable gear set up so that the person in the back could have steered it from the back seat. I wanted it to do just that. Someone wanted it a bit more.
Here's mine! The story was incredible and some of you guys have stunning bicycles. Some of the low-handlebar racers are dreamy...
Congrats, great find. A unrestored complete Bluebird is about the bicycle equivalent to finding a unrestored 32 3 window, in other words the holy grail
JustplainJ...who did your paint work on the Harley's? They look pretty darn good! I have a couple of HD's that need painting myself. Scott McCaskey sm2501@aol.com www.thecabe.com www.classicbicyclenews.com
I recently tried my hand at a custom bike too... usually stick with restoration to original, but this was fun. It's a mid 1930's Rollfast motorbike, with a early Lobdell balloon tire rim on the rear, its actually a wood rim that is clad in steel. It is laced to a rare 1910's Corbin Duplex 2-speed "kickback" hub. The fork is a rare early (1939-40?) Rollfast springer. Front sprocket is from possibly a late Racycle, but not really sure. It is a 30-tooth, 4 teeth bigger than the normal size skiptooth sprocket.
Nice score!! It's hard to find unmolested originals. I'd clean it up before making a restoration decision. I kinda' collect bikes. The carport in front of my garage has room to hang 18. I have a couple 'springers' a few ballon tires and a couple 'tankers'. When I get a better one, then one has to go. Oh yea, have a couple more in the garden for 'yard art'. People that visit are really attracted to them and they make great conversation, everyone's had a bike. I like to imagine the life they've lived. Some do get ridden at swap meets, etc. No better belly laugh than seeing a 'gang' of old guys prowling on old bikes. The first two pictures are flipped upside down.
Great thread, Love the cafe style racers and the old balloon bicycles.To quote LowKat,No better belly laugh than seeing a 'gang' of old guys prowling on old bikes. Just bought a Firestone Pilot and got bit by the bicycle fever.
Awesome bike history, I love it!! Restored antiques lose 50% of their value...... I watch PAWN STARS on the History channel Ian
I scored an early 50's J.C. Higgens from Michigan061 awhile back. I haven't had a chance to go and pick it up but supposedly it's an unrestored example that he used as swapmeet transportation. After reading this I'm anxious to get it and see what it needs to be a reliable ride. Frank
I just bought some new reproduction white balloon bike tires for my '01 curved dash Olds and have also ordered new powder coated black rims too. The tires have the old tread pattern design and come with tubes. Cheap too.
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