Colson Pair....Last Tweaks

[hawkster19]

I've posted this pair of his and hers Colsons on here but these were my final tweaks. I think. I replaced the boys fork, truss rods, grips and seat plus added a few pieces of bling, even though it didn't need anymore bling. Unless I find a correct rack for the boys or maroon tank for the girls, these are done.

BTW, can anyone please help with my serial number conundrum for the boys frame? I've added a photo at the end of the numbers/letter. I know the letter should come first (month) followed by a number for the year BUT I swear that is a "1 B". Take a look and please lend me your expertise. Thanks!

 

[hawkster19]

Also, this was too funny not to share - my wife patiently listens to me rattle on about bikes and parts. I said to her I didn't know if this bike needed a rack because sometimes bikes look leaner and meaner without one. She responded, and I quote: "A rack says, I'm a cool bike rider but I also have to carry poop because I'm an adult".

 

[tjkajecj]

Sure looks like 1 B, but could it be I 8, Sept '38.
I have a number of bikes that had over-strikes in the serial numbers.
The fenders look to be '38 if they are peaked.
Frame looks to be '38 or '39, if there is not a shim for the seat post.
Not and expert, but throwing out ideas.

Tim

 

[rusty.kirkpatrick]

Awesome pair. What kind of gooseneck on the boy’s bike, it’s killer!

 

[hawkster19]

Sure looks like 1 B, but could it be I 8, Sept '38.
I have a number of bikes that had over-strikes in the serial numbers.
The fenders look to be '38 if they are peaked.
Frame looks to be '38 or '39, if there is not a shim for the seat post.
Not and expert, but throwing out ideas.

Tim

That is the same theory fordmike had. I just swear that looks exactly like a "B" and not an "8". I can take a better image of it tomorrow in the sun and with a much better camera (you'd think a photographer with a studio would have provided you a much better image rather than one with his cellphone, huh?).

As far as the other parts, don't go so much by those. I can't vouch for the other parts having begun on this frame and I added some of them myself. I am of the mind that the tank and frame have always been together. That's really about it. In the bright sun, I think the fenders (which look to be original paint) MAY have a red tint to them and the frame and tank (which also look like original paint) look to have an original blue tint in there. Not sure, just a guess. The guard is not from this bike.

Honestly, though, thanks for the input. We'll figure it out.

 

[hawkster19]

Awesome pair. What kind of gooseneck on the boy’s bike, it’s killer!

Isn't that thing cool? I can't claim any part of making it, I just bought it. It was at a Memory lane show on a table that had very few things on it. I think I paid $25 for it. It's a very well made custom that someone fabricated somewhere along the line.

 

[rusty.kirkpatrick]

Isn't that thing cool? I can't claim any part of making it, I just bought it. It was at a Memory lane show on a table that had very few things on it. I think I paid $25 for it. It's a very well made custom that someone fabricated somewhere along the line.

Definitely one of a kind.

 

[hawkster19]

Just for the record - other than the parts like the stem, seat, etc., that are obviously not original to this bike - the fork, truss rods, chainguard, and wheels were not purchased with the frame, tank, bottom bracket/sprocket/crank, fenders and badge.

 

[hawkster19]

Sure looks like 1 B, but could it be I 8, Sept '38.
I have a number of bikes that had over-strikes in the serial numbers.
The fenders look to be '38 if they are peaked.
Frame looks to be '38 or '39, if there is not a shim for the seat post.
Not and expert, but throwing out ideas.

Tim

And, yes, the fenders are peaked.

 

[hawkster19]

Here's a couple of closer, clearer views of that serial number. Anyone care to weigh in please? Were all Colson serial numbers from this time range letter/number? This sure looks like a "1 B".