1939 Ladies Mead Ranger Zephyr

[elginkid]

Got this a few months ago on eBay. I totally have a thing for Mead Rangers. I usually love colors, and eschew tans and beiges, but the Mead Tan has me totally captivated. (Many of you have seen my daily rider ‘23 Motorbike) I also have a thing for the 1937-1940 Schwinn ladies step through frame, I think it was one of the most elegant ever produced. So when this dame showed up, I couldn’t say no.

 

[elginkid]

I disassembled to bike so that I could get everything greased and polished as best I can. (Those pin stripes are FRAGILE) I found a rear reflector that fits, and a headlight lens, (not the glass that I’d prefer, but better than nothing)

 

[elginkid]

I kept the original wheels intact, but I plank riding this bike a LOT, so I procured a set of Sturmey Archer hubs, double drums with a 3 speed. I found earlier metal pulley wheels, and a Brampton 3 speed shifter. The original handlebars will be updated to either a Scout set, or a braced set to accommodate the brake levers, shifter and horn button.

I need to do a bit of filing work so that the fender braces/truss rods play nicely with the slightly larger axle diameter, and need to get the headlight wired before installing the front fender.

Yes, this should have solid clay-colored tires, but the Rangers from the 20s used clay/white tires, and the ladies Ranger skipped out on the white central paint panel on the tank (a mistake in my view) so this brightened up the overall bike just a bit.

 

[elginkid]

A little bit more progress. I’ve got the stem and handlebars installed, along with the horn button, brake levers and shifter. New Torrington 10s were added because I need the wider surface area for my feet.

 

[elginkid]

Also did a butt connector for the wires in the headlight, added the 6V lantern bulb, and ran the wiring under the fender. Picked up a battery and tested it. So excited that it works! I still haven’t figured out the conduit connections yet.

I’m hoping the repop headlight lens of dubious quality can stand up to the bulb heat.

 

[elginkid]

Half the tank is on! I haven’t crimped the upper wire connection.

I still can’t decide if that conduit is too long, but I also have a shifter cable that will need to go through.

The density of weave on the new wire is a lot looser than the original. I’m thinking maybe shellacking the wire that some out of the handlebars might be wise to sick it to the vinyl insulation, and prevent fraying.

 

[Archie Sturmer]

Nice ladies "Mead Ranger" bicycle.

 

[elginkid]

I’m down to the cabling (LBS, will take care of that), top bolt for the rear reflector (someone drilled a really sloppy off center hole and it will cover that), the chain and the wiring. It’s so frikkin’ gorgeous. I am beyond excited.

 

[elginkid]

With its 1940 sister.

 

[rebirthbikes]

Man, I wondered who got that one. I’m stoked it went to such a good home. It’s looking great brother, keep us updated on what you do next