1913 Pierce Project

[Velocipedist Co.]

After some careful negotiation, and a lot of help from @Jesse McCauley, who initially discovered the bike in a small town motorcycle shop, this very rare early Pierce Single has finally arrived. I have to also thank Jesse’s Dad, @New Mexico Brant , and @fordmike65 for their help transporting the frame across the country from New England to Southern California.

It may not look like much, but I can easily see the potential, and I am very excited to start it on the metal work.

The bigger challenge will be locating the missing motor. I’ve put a few feelers out but if anyone can help source one or point me in the right the direction, the help would be greatly appreciated.

Here is a photo of how it was discovered along with a photo of a restored example:

 

[Freqman1]

Good thing you have mad skills ‘cause that’s gonna need a lot of love! Can’t wait to see progress on this one. V/r Shawn

 

[catfish]

Very cool! Can't wait to see the work you do to it.

 

[New Mexico Brant]

Awesome project Steve! Here is some inspiration for you.

 

[cyclingday]

Alright, Steve!
That thing is bad ass!
I’ve got a feeling, Carburetor Carl is about to get a lot of calls from you.

 

[fordmike65]

Alright, Steve!
That thing is bad ass!
I’ve got a feeling, Carburetor Carl is about to get a lot of calls from you.

They've been in touch long before the carcass arrived! It's gonna be a major project, but a worthy one for sure!

 

[Velocipedist Co.]

The fork had been jammed in place from decades of rust and dirt. I could not even turn the forks.. they were frozen solid. After a few days of soaking in a combination of pb-blaster and wd40, followed by some careful torching, I was finally able to remove the upper bearing race from the threaded steer tube.

 

[Velocipedist Co.]

Surprisingly, even the smallest screws are breaking loose after some penetrating oil and heat.

 

[Velocipedist Co.]

This is pretty much how the frame looks for the moment. I’ll be scratching my head for awhile as I think of a good approach to repairing that top tube. The lugs are surprisingly decent and there is still evidence of what I believe is original black paint. But the areas that are bad.. are really bad.

 

[volksboy57]

If anyone can do it, you can Steve!!