1949 Shelby Donald Duck 20" Original Girls Bike - repaint it or not?

[indycycling]

Here is one indicating 49 only

 

[indycycling]

That's beautiful original paint. Leave as is. I wouldn't bother repainting the rack or fender, just roll the rear. Keep your eyes peeled for original paint replacement parts to surface

Thanks, after detailing it, totally agree and the patina on the rack and rear fender really isn't too bad. Staying original, thanks

 

[Freqman1]

That was just one data point and their expert specifically called out the 51 serial number on the 20" bike as a fake.

I've seen the most of these DD bikes listed and sold on Liveauctioneers.com and some of the finest examples have captured in their listing description, one year only. These were all 20" and 24" bikes. Go take a look, just sign up for free then you can peruse all the results and listing details, including some very healthy sold prices.

I agree with you that the 26" was offered beyond '49. I'm not sure it even came out until late '49 with the completely different fender/head assembly.

I'm really a vintage Scwhinn Stingray guy, always learning, so I'd love to hear more about this, but based on my research and limited info out there, like no Shelby catalogs to download, this is what I believe to be factual, thanks

I have a Liveauctioneer account but haven't really studied the DDs too much. I have seen a lot of myths perpetuated and in the absence of evidence am not ready to believe the small bikes didn't go beyond '49. I believe you are correct about the 26" not being available in '49 but I believe I have seen a tag on a smaller bike beyond '49--not positive on that though. V/r Shawn

 

[indycycling]

The nostalgia and look of orginal paint is irreplaceable for me. Great bike, I have 20's and 24's in both boys and girls....orginal paint. I have a 26" boys repainted, and just found the last piece. I have a 26" girls...really rough. Finally have all six.

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I see all of yours have blue grips, would you say those are the official color for the DD bike? I've seen yellow, black, and even white, but don't think they are correct. Would you have an extra pair of grips available? Mine are missing, thanks!

 

[blasterracing]

I've seen no evidence to support that and would think that they offered the smaller bikes until '51 as well. I guess the question for the community is does anyone have either a 20" or 24" with other than a '49 tag? @blasterracing V/r Shawn

The Donald Duck bikes were only advertised as '49, but I have had a couple of originals that have '50 tags on the frame. Shelby was notorious for not sticking to the original plans for any of their bikes, and former employees that I have spoken with over the years have said they would pretty much make anything they were told to and if parts weren't available, they would look around to find something that fit to finish a job.

 

[blasterracing]

Boy your restored boys bike is just gorgeous!

Thank you.

 

[indycycling]

Thank you.

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awesome pic and a happy boy I'm sure! very cool, thanks for sharing!

 

[Freqman1]

I see all of yours have blue grips, would you say those are the official color for the DD bike? I've seen yellow, black, and even white, but don't think they are correct. Would you have an extra pair of grips available? Mine are missing, thanks!

Looks to me like the two smaller bikes have black grips? I went with black because the majority of original bikes I could find had black. I also notice that the grip style is different between the 20" and 24" bikes. V/r Shawn

 

[blasterracing]

awesome pic and a happy boy I'm sure! very cool, thanks for sharing!

Thanks. We restored that one together many years ago. He is 28 now.

 

[indycycling]

Looks to me like the two smaller bikes have black grips? I went with black because the majority of original bikes I could find had black. I also notice that the grip style is different between the 20" and 24" bikes. V/r Shawn

Ah yes on both points, good eye

Does anyone have a pair of black grips available? I'd go blue or yellow also as long as they are the right style, thanks much