Dear 1937 True Hawthorne Zep Owners

[Barto]

Looks like a 36 to me with the early headtube lock. I'm not so sure this would be considered an actual top of the line "Zep".

Just for information value - other then the Collet, what do you think is suspect Mike?

thx,
Bart

 

[fordmike65]

Just for information value - other then the Collet, what do you think is suspect Mike?

thx,
Bart

The rarely seen headtube fork lock. Similar to Manton Smith bikes.

 

[Freqman1]

I've never seen an original Zep with either that fork lock or the collet seat post binder. V/r Shawn

 

[mrg]

Seen one posted here yrs ago ( still looking ), I have never seen any other Snyder/Hawthorn model with a fork lock?, prototype?, never seen it as a option in any catalog either.

 

[Barto]

This is a Manton Smith Lock assy, simple cylinder’s! The 36 I posted

I've never seen an original Zep with either that fork lock or the collet seat post binder. V/r Shawn

Interesting Shawn, begs the question, has anyone seen or have a photo or catalog of a Zep with the same style steer tube lock as the above 1936?
Thx,
Bart

 

[Barto]

I think some time in 36 they started the deluxe Zep line for the 37 model yr and were still using the collard seat clamp, don't know if anybody has went as far into the ser #'s to figure out actually when clamp & lock changed, I have never seen any Snyder literature or bike other than Zep with any type of fork lock, only ones I've seen with either lock were badged Hawthorn, as far as drop stand some models had it built into the fender brackets rather than the frame and some yrs built into the frame. Fenders on both bikes pictured are not OG, they had ducktail on both front & rear and seems like most have the square stock stand pictured in ad.

Makes sense from a production standpoint, depending on inventory!

 

[Archie Sturmer]

What is the serial number?
I believe that 1937 Snyder serial prefix letters are 1937-F (new West factory) and 1937-Y (old East factory).
I recall seeing on this site, a bike with a collet style seat post clamp (postulated to be one year only), and an apparent 1937 serial number prefix; (or maybe it was just hard to read?).

 

[mrg]

The locking mechanism is different with a push pin to lock and I think a few yrs earlier than M&S, I have never seen any Snyder built bike advertised with a fork lock besides the Zep.

 

[Freqman1]

Just curious if there is any trace of original paint-inside head tube or bottom bracket? Not black not Zep. V/r Shawn

 

[fordmike65]

Did only Zep's have locking forks?

Sold - 37 Rollfast mens with locking fork. | Archive (sold or withdrawn)

What is unique about this bike is the locking fork, just like on the Hawthorne Zep. Aside from the tires, everything original. Front light is clean, and working, I don't remember if I checked the rear light, but I think it should be okay.

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