Firestone Pilot--More info?

[firepilot]

Hi I have a Firestone Pilot which is red, white, and blue. It is all original and was my grandfather's bike.

It has Torrington #8 pedals, 26 x 2.125 tires, front and back lights, and a rack.

Does anyone have a clue as to who made the bike and during what year? Any information is appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[militarymonark]

looks like an elgin, and looks complete original very nice bike and def a keeper especially being your grandfathers, i wish my grandfather kept his ballooners but he always had to have the new models so i have his 5spd

 

[firepilot]

Thanks for the help. I'll see if I can find an Elgin pic that is similar. Any clue about approximate year and/or model?

 

[37fleetwood]

there used to be a guy here who had all the Firestone catalogs for your Murray made late '40's Firestone.

 

[DonChristie]

Nice ride! Wax it and ride it!

 

[firepilot]

I'm still looking at the bike and digesting information. I found some Firestone catalogs from the early 1940s but nothing later. I have listed more information. Does the red, white, and blue coloring have something to do with the war? I appreciate any help in trying to establish a date and have looked at the Murray Date information--it's earlier than those listed (I think).

Firestone Pilot
Pedals: Torrington #8 pedals; Black; Block Swivel
Front Tire: Firestone High Speed 26 x 2.125
Back Tire: Capri 26 x 2.125
Front Hub: New Departure; Model D; Made in U.S.A.
Rear Hub: New Departure-W; Made in U.S.A.
Brake: New Departure
Front Light: Delta Elec. Co.; Marion, Ind.; Made in U.S.A.
Back Reflector: Deep Red Cone Non-electric; “Cat’s Eye or Torpedo?”
Valve Stem Cap: Cleveland
Reflector: Delta Elec. Co.; Marion Ind.; Made in U.S.A.; a-1932; Oval Deep Red
Rack: Six holes
Sprocket: 26 teeth
Crank Underside Serial Number: 42695; 179-6-24x2; 9-A-3
​

Thank you the help thus far...

 

[firepilot]

@ Scott (37Fleetwood I'm still looking for Murray or Firestone late 1940's catalog per suggestion. Any idea where I might find some?

When thinking more about the bike, I not sure my grandfather would have bought it after the war--he was busy with kids and a family. Could it be pre-war or during the war? I can post pictures of any part of bike if it's helpful.

Thank you for your help.

 

[firepilot]

@ Patrick (Militarymonark Why do you think Elgin vs. maybe a Mercury (Murray). Also the serial number seams weird. I've only run into one other on the intertubes with similar serial # (Numbering on crank bracket are: 9A4 179-6-21X2 11 8 79 ).

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

 

[firepilot]

@schwinndoggy: Yes, I'd like to ride it. The last time I actually was on it, I was a teenager over thirty years ago. Before any waxing, I'd to at least clean the grime off. It will be a nice change from the mountain bike.

Thanks for the positive vibes...

 

[Adamtinkerer]

@ Patrick (Militarymonark Why do you think Elgin vs. maybe a Mercury (Murray). Also the serial number seams weird. I've only run into one other on the intertubes with similar serial # (Numbering on crank bracket are: 9A4 179-6-21X2 11 8 79 ).

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

That style Elgin was also made by Murray.