Dr. Tankenstein
Look Ma, No Hands!
Hey all,
I've been hanging around here for a while, even bought a few things off of forum members. I haven't done a 'restoration' before, but decided to do one on this 1956 J.C. Higgins. It appears in the Christmas catalog, page 349.
Here's the bike, as received.
I tried restoring the 'flamboyant metallic red' paint, but it was too far gone, so the frame/fork and tins are being stripped/media blasted.
My questions are with:
1. Wheelset/tires - per the catalog description, it should have an 'Air cooled JC Higgins coaster brake', however, mine is equipped with this Musselman. This, coupled with the 26 x 1.75 All States (vs. the balloon tires mentioned in the ad), lead me to believe that it's not the original wheelset.
Also, for a mid-fifties, medium trim level bike, are these the correct type of rims, or should they be drop centers? If they are correct, is it worth it to get them rechromed (doing the truss rods and bracket done any way) or are these easy to find in NOS or close shape?
2. Tank graphics - Fortunately, the graphics are in good shape, I've had them scanned by a buddy who can silkscreen them for me. The colors are faded, but it looks like the 'Circle V' and slash marks are blue and silver but could be faded black and gold-color. and, again per the catalog, the tank is white with gold-color trim. Does anyone have any pictures of this bike in better or restored shape? Here's what I'm starting with..
I've picked up an NOS Wald stem and handlebars, some 'upgraded' coke bottle grips and some other small parts, I look forward to bringing this one back as a tribute to my dad, he's been gone for 20 years, but would have been 12 years old when this bike was being sold, I can only imagine him wishing he had found one under his tree on Christmas morning.
I appreciate any help and advice.
Cheers,
Dr. T
I've been hanging around here for a while, even bought a few things off of forum members. I haven't done a 'restoration' before, but decided to do one on this 1956 J.C. Higgins. It appears in the Christmas catalog, page 349.
Here's the bike, as received.
I tried restoring the 'flamboyant metallic red' paint, but it was too far gone, so the frame/fork and tins are being stripped/media blasted.
My questions are with:
1. Wheelset/tires - per the catalog description, it should have an 'Air cooled JC Higgins coaster brake', however, mine is equipped with this Musselman. This, coupled with the 26 x 1.75 All States (vs. the balloon tires mentioned in the ad), lead me to believe that it's not the original wheelset.
Also, for a mid-fifties, medium trim level bike, are these the correct type of rims, or should they be drop centers? If they are correct, is it worth it to get them rechromed (doing the truss rods and bracket done any way) or are these easy to find in NOS or close shape?
2. Tank graphics - Fortunately, the graphics are in good shape, I've had them scanned by a buddy who can silkscreen them for me. The colors are faded, but it looks like the 'Circle V' and slash marks are blue and silver but could be faded black and gold-color. and, again per the catalog, the tank is white with gold-color trim. Does anyone have any pictures of this bike in better or restored shape? Here's what I'm starting with..
I've picked up an NOS Wald stem and handlebars, some 'upgraded' coke bottle grips and some other small parts, I look forward to bringing this one back as a tribute to my dad, he's been gone for 20 years, but would have been 12 years old when this bike was being sold, I can only imagine him wishing he had found one under his tree on Christmas morning.
I appreciate any help and advice.
Cheers,
Dr. T
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