Evans/Colson Serial Number

[mazdaflyer]

Found what I think to be a 1956 or 1957 Evans Olympic with original gold tone paint and EvanAction springer fork. I've looked the bike over top to bottom and find no evidence of a serial number or evidence of it being removed. Did Evans not number bikes or did they some kind of stick-on system?

 

[OldRider]

Lets see pictures

 

[RMS37]

I have found the serial numbers on later Evans bikes stamped on the outside of the off-side drop out.

 

[mazdaflyer]

Lets see pictures

Not sure how to add them they show in my gallery though.

 

[mazdaflyer]

 

[mazdaflyer]

Well after cleaning off some greasey dirt I did find a few numbers on left dropout. They were at at an angle and not indented very deep. Some of the serial may have been under the rack bracket and may have rusted away unless they show up in further cleaning.

 

[Adamtinkerer]

The "Evansaction" springer fork, 2nd design, was introduced in 1957, that's what's on your bike. I think they went to all cantilever frames shortly after, so good chance yours is a 57. I have a 57 Evans Firebird that has the canti frame, and a 57 dated Sturmey Archer rear coaster hub. I don't think anyone has any Evans serial info, they shut down in 1962.

 

[mazdaflyer]

Starting to refurbish the Evans/Colson bike. Completely dissasembled it. photo shows gold hammered paint and USA gold-bronze powder coat. Polished the chrome. Tank to get flames, it had some perforation and dents, so it got some Bondo, primer and paint. Fenders will be an experiment. Would like to find an original rear rack and headlight set.
The "Evanaction" fork is a bit of a challenge if you do one. Bolts took a lot penetrating oil to knock the rust loose. The springs are for the most part decorative, the multiple part fork just has a concealed block of rubber to absorb some vibration. Looks cool, but not to functional.
The stem bolt was rusted tight, ended up twisting it off, got the stem out with wedge stuck in fork tube. Had to drill a hole in the bottom of the fork crown to knock out the stem wedge.

 

[SailorMac]

Looking really nice. Keep up the good work.

 

[mazdaflyer]

Mockup Phase

Mockup Phase: Added "Civia" Bamboo fenders. Alloy rims and Kenda 2.125 tires may or may not be final. Test fit chainguard which required a fabricated mounting bracket. Tank halves are painted and awaiting flames.