Another Western Flyer ID Thread

[USAjane]

Hi everyone. Any help identifying this bike is appreciated. This CABE thread seems to suggest the serial number indicates the year 1970: http://thecabe.com/forum/threads/murray-serial-number-project.7014/

But most websites say Western Flyer stopped production in 1959.

The serial number appears to be MO 2902 18

 

[Evans200]

I don't know the exact year, but Western Flyer sold bikes well past 1959.

 

[USAjane]

Interesting. Many websites like this one claim Western Flyer discontinued bicycle production in 1959:http://www.livestrong.com/article/398581-western-flyer-bicycle-history/

 

[GTs58]

I'd say that most of those websites are incorrect. Western Auto purchased their bikes from manufacturers just like Sears and badged them along with having them marked with the their names. Here is a possible 79 Western Flyer produced by Murray.

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5335809022&icep_item=142254978042

 

[tripple3]

There are 4 manufacturers at least that made Western Flyer bikes: Shelby, Cleveland Welding, Murray, and Huffman or Huffy.
Yours is Murray built.

 

[partsguy]

I have a 1991 Western Flyer I'm working on right now in the project rides forum. I have an '87 Western Flyer Wildcat stashed away too. Western Flyer was discontinued in 2001, with the brand being phased out as early as the late 80's.

 

[partsguy]

I'd say that most of those websites are incorrect. Western Auto purchased their bikes from manufacturers just like Sears and badged them along with having them marked with the their names. Here is a possible 79 Western Flyer produced by Murray.

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5335809022&icep_item=142254978042

That is a pretty color!

 

[USAjane]

Thank you all!! Based on the replies, I am guessing the CABE thread I referenced above (listing Murray serial numbers) is my best bet for guessing the manufacture year is 1970?

Is there anything else about this bike that you can tell me? Does this style have a name? It appears to be a 3 speed. This is my first bicycle restoration attempt (it has a lot of rust, broken brakes, not sure what else) and I am going to a local community bike repair shop for help. I don't want to go in looking like a completely ignorant chump when I show up with this bike

I'm buying the bike from an acquaintance who used it as a display in her shop. I have no idea what the value might be (minus repairs).

Any and all feedback on these issues is very much appreciated!!!

 

[partsguy]

Thank you all!! Based on the replies, I am guessing the CABE thread I referenced above (listing Murray serial numbers) is my best bet for guessing the manufacture year is 1970?

Is there anything else about this bike that you can tell me? Does this style have a name? It appears to be a 3 speed. This is my first bicycle restoration attempt (it has a lot of rust, broken brakes, not sure what else) and I am going to a local community bike repair shop for help. I don't want to go in looking like a completely ignorant chump when I show up with this bike

I'm buying the bike from an acquaintance who used it as a display in her shop. I have no idea what the value might be (minus repairs).

Any and all feedback on these issues is very much appreciated!!!

This bike's model name would have been on the chain guard. Murray used silkscreens over the chrome guards and they wore off easily. You will have to buy a 1970 Western Auto catalog and match it up to something in the bicycle section if you really must now.

Repairs on these are very simple and straight-forward. You will catch on fast!