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For me, this isn't something someone else could answer. It was all about what I liked in styling. Money was a factor but not a deciding factor and I found I could easily find something I liked for $500. Started out looking for a Phantom....ended up getting an X-53.

I'll definately take one...tight fit's okay as long as it'll fit!

I like the white wall look myself.

Yea, I'd pay that for the top cover of the X-53...have the rocket ray base.

Paint it....the bike had it's day being original....now make it "hot" again :)

You talking about a repop of the Delta Rocket Ray light or repop of the X-53 light? I paid $75 for the Delta Rocket Ray but I still need the X-53 top piece.

Welcome...love the Monark!

Welcome Ryan...can't wait to see the pic's.

I'm not sure if they're the same....I'd do a google search and of each and see what comes up....select images. It looks like the one below. There is a guy on here who sells them. In fact I bought a repop from him myself.

I'm looking for a repop of the light myself if you find one. I got the delta rocket ray...just need the top piece.

Well I'm about the last person on here you would call an expert but I have done quite a bit of research on the X-53 and might be of some help: 1955 was the only year there was a skip tooth chain and red paint with chrome fenders...no doubt it's a 1955. Seat...I don't think the seat is...

Can't get to ebay from my current location...what do you have? I'm looking for the light and decals.

Where to start....I would consider myself an expert in aviation and Air Force operations. If you had never been around the military or aviation and were around someone who's been exposed for 25+ years, I'd expect some of your questions or comments might seem "crazy"... No I don't have great...

I want one!!!!!!

Very nice!

Do you mind posting (or PMing) what you paid for the chrome? Just trying to get an idea on what to expect.

Now that you own it....we need pic's!

Welcome aboard Jean....you'll find a wealth of information here. Ken (another newbie)

I've heard if you tell the chrome shop that you're willing to wait to have your parts done with another order it'll save you some money. I'm not sure if thats true or not but I'll ask the question when I take it in.

"Oh no!!!!!!!! You're painting that X-53!?!? That's the decision you came to? Face-palm." :) yea...decided to paint it. I've got one bad rust spot on the front fender and if I do part, I think I need to do it all. There is also some touch up paint done on the frame. "The chrome bill...

I think I agree with "teisco" on this one. I purchased my first vintage bike a few months back and I've agonized on whether to simply clean it up or go for a complete restoration. I finally decided to rechrome and repaint a bike (X-53) that's already in pretty good condition. Like someone...

Wow....looks very similar to the X-53 light.

100% sure 1955 (like mine). As previously stated, this was the only year they did the red and chrome fenders. Cool thing is, you have the light! Few survived and they are very difficult to find...see my avatar!

beauty is in the eye of the beholder.... Kind of a fun thread....actually I haven't seen too many classic bikes I thought were ugly. Just some I like better than others. Despite the growing unpopular vote, I LOVE the X-53. But I hate the PT cruiser and I'm sure some of you on here drive one...

Stupid newbie question Jim: What "year range" are these from? The word "swell" implies 50's but just looking to see what other history you have on them.

Like Dave said, definately post a pic...you'll be surprised on the amount of information these guys on this forum can give you just from pic's. Ken

ooops....forgot to say nice cosmic flyer bmason

definately not talking about yours bmason....no biggie, I'm a new guy myself. Ken

Yea I saw this yesterday too....I'm a "newbie" and I could tell it's a repop. Criminal. Someone may just buy that thing thinking it's the real thing.

I want one of those hiwheels!

There was an AF base there until the 90's. The volcano errupted about the time the Gov started closing bases and the decision was made to just close instead of rebuild/clean-up the base.

Sweet...thanks Patrick...you guys are a wealth of information!

Well I guess two vintage bikes doesn't really make a stable but....We picked up this 59 or 60 Schwinn Debutante on Sat at the Haysville KS swap meet. It's definately been restored/repainted but there is no rust on the chrome and the paints good. This will be my wife's rider. Pink's not...

Very nice...show clean up real well

Nothing wrong with a little self promotion Marty. I'll look you up for a set of tires. Ken

Thanks Gene...now why didn't I think of that. Pure common sense. I'll give it a shot.

I used Mr. Leon Dixon from NBHAA (http://nbhaa.com/FAQs.htm). Some say he's a bit eccentric but I found he's a wealth of information. I sent him an e-mail with pictures of my bike from all angles and he sent me a detailed report on the bike. "The report includes detailed analysis of YOUR...

I'm looking forward to it....but the drive from Mulvane isn't quite as far :)

I've pretty much got the Western Flyer X-53 Super disassembled now but I'm at a loss on what to do with the rims. My initial thoughts are to remove the spokes, clean the rim and take them to a bike shop and have new spokes put in. I have a few spokes bent pretty bad and I don't have the...

If none of the above works try doing an internet search using ALL of the search engines. I've found I'm getting a few different hits if I use Google, Yahoo and Bing.

ahhh, the old man is wise.

Ouch....didn't buy it on e-bay but I guess I'm guilty of being a "newbie"

Patrick....going the ERAU route? That's what I did. In fact, now I do a little teaching for them every now and then. Larmo63: second one now not thrilled with NBH....hmmm. As far as the cleaning thing goes, I'm torn. I've read a lot about "it's only new once" and I definately can see...

JLarkin, that's disappointing to hear. He seems like he has a wealth of information. Oh well I guess it doesn't hurt to hear what he has to say. Military Monark....nice to see another AF guy on here. '86 - 2000 I was a KC-135 boom operator. 2000 -2010 got commissioned and became an Air...

Thanks all...Antney, that's what I'm hoping to look like...awesome bike! Scrubbinrims, yea the chrome fenders are throwing me off too. It does have a skip tooth sprocket and I don't they came with them after '55. Can't wait to see what NBHAA has to say.

Hello all, new to the forum and wanted to introduce myself. I'm a retired USAF guy in Mulvane, KS. I've been an avid bike rider (road and mountain) for a number of years and have always wanted a vintage bike. I recently came across a Western Flyer X-53 Super that I'm hoping to bring back to...