Haven't seen one like this. JC Higgins SN - How do I decode?

[madpixl]

I picked this up as my first restore.... Missing a couple spokes, and for and tank have been painted years ago. Nothing is ruined, but is the seat orgininal? Also, came with an ancient trainer... see pic. Any thoughts, has this been modified? How do I decode SN?

 

[WillWork4Parts]

24 inch wheels?
Either the tank isn't original or bars and seat have been added.
Serial number should be on the LH rear drop out. If I remember right the first section of digits are the model number.
There are digital forms of the Sears, jc Penney, and Wards catalogs posted online. Nothing organized enough to search by model number, but if you search for "bicycle" on their site and go year by year, you'll eventually come across your model number in the catalog text(that is not digitized) and get an idea of what parts were originally installed.

 

[Archie Sturmer]

Looks like a Murray built Sears middleweight bike from the early 1960’s.

 

[madpixl]

24 inch wheels?
Either the tank isn't original or bars and seat have been added.
Serial number should be on the LH rear drop out. If I remember right the first section of digits are the model number.
There are digital forms of the Sears, jc Penney, and Wards catalogs posted online. Nothing organized enough to search by model number, but if you search for "bicycle" on their site and go year by year, you'll eventually come across your model number in the catalog text(that is not digitized) and get an idea of what parts were originally installed.

 

[madpixl]

Asked on what I read from other SN queries you are in agreement with the first 3 digits. The seat has no marking I saw but could be from another bike… So far found battery area corroded and poopty repaint of tank and front fork Other than that, the paint is a little rough but almost no rust. Hitting with vinegar WD and lighter fluid. I just want to clean it, repack the bearings and see how it rides… else I could part it out, but saw another with the trainer, so wondering my next step.

 

[madpixl]

Thanks good advice quick!

 

[GTs58]

The seat and bars were not used on that type of bike.

 

[madpixl]

The seat and bars were not used on that type of bike.

Should I look for seat and bars? Also, are seat and bars worth investigating?

 

[HEMI426]

It's also missing the plastic shroud on the chainring, the seat was probably red w/silver trim, the front fender might of had a plastic rocket ornament. The Liner and Flyer models depending which one had different trim and ornaments.

 

[HEMI426]

I forgot to say welcome to the Cabe.