FIRESTONE AIRFLEX (made by Huffman, c. 1940) Tank

[New Mexico Brant]

Mine's prettier...<grin>. and , I guess, more expensive

The auction example is a much rarer blue on blue color-way. It is just filthy but looks like it would clean up very well. I does show a dent on the visible side but that is easy to resolve.

 

[citicoron]

Just when I thought that everyone on theCABE were kind and gentle souls, who had found true enlighenment, peace, and universal harmony through rusty old bicycles - or else smoked a lot of dope - then it turns out that y'all are no better than me. And I had tried so hard not to be the oppositional, grumpy, crude, person that I've been accused of being by such people as my wife, family, and friends... I guess I no longer have to keep up the pretense of a nice person.

The auction example is a much rarer blue on blue color-way. It is just filthy but looks like it would clean up very well. I does show a dent on the visible side but that is easy to resolve.

Seems like all of them are pretty rare. But, I readily admit I have no knowledge or expertise in this realm of the vintage world. I got lucky in finding something of value when cleaning out the trash that someone left in my basement 40 years ago. I do think I've gained a fair amount of knowledge in 5 days...especially for being 70 years old.......excuse me. Someone is calling on my TV remote again....

 

[citicoron]

Just when I thought that everyone on theCABE were kind and gentle souls, who had found true enlighenment, peace, and universal harmony through rusty old bicycles - or else smoked a lot of dope - then it turns out that y'all are no better than me. And I had tried so hard not to be the oppositional, grumpy, crude, person that I've been accused of being by such people as my wife, family, and friends... I guess I no longer have to keep up the pretense of a nice person.

Seems like all of them are pretty rare. But, I readily admit I have no knowledge or expertise in this realm of the vintage world. I got lucky in finding something of value when cleaning out the trash that someone left in my basement 40 years ago. I do think I've gained a fair amount of knowledge in 5 days...especially for being 70 years old.......excuse me. Someone is calling on my TV remote again....

See what you've done. You got me all confused while I was writing a general observation, I accidentally pushed some damn wrong button and responded to your comment instead. The first half of what was not supposed to be a reply is not necessarily referring to you or anyone in particular, though it might be, but please don't be offended. I'm usually more direct when I intend to offend.....

 

[JAF/CO]

 

[happyclark]

Two weekends ago this original paint tank sold at auction for $2,500. The complete red bicycle with red tank (overpainted) sold for $6,000. I have a complete bike with chrome colonial fenders, also with the rare stainless steel tank and guard trim (cool old repaint) I would sell for $5,500. I mention this to give you pricing comparisons which may help you make a decision.

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Got a pic?

 

[BicycleBill]

PLEASE CAREFULLY INSPECT THE PHOTOS AND WATCH THE VIDEO!
VIDEO LINK:

Rack begins at 3:17; crank/sprocket begins at 4:40 into the video


Disclaimer:

• I will describe the parts as accurately as I can, but it is the buyer’s responsibility to determine the originality and condition of all items.
• Because of my gratitude to CABE members for their help, advice, and kindness, I am listing these items on DEAL OR NO DEAL first with the hope I quicky receive a bid that I will accept; but if that doesn’t happen, I will withdraw and list on eBay. I’m hopeful that this will be a quick and successful sale! I do have a price in mind that I will accept; it’s pretty large <grin>
• Each item is being sold separately, so if you want all, then bid strong on all.
• I am new to CABE so please tell me if I need to correct my listing in any manner to follow CABE protocols, or to provide better descriptions.
• Items are being offered “as is” with a 24 hour window to return. Let’s try to avoid that, please.

Payment:

• I will do my best to use the buyer’s preferred means of payment
• I can accept PayPal, or cashier’s check (bank draft). I cannot accept credit or debt cards. If buyer wishes to pay by personal check or money order, please discuss this with me prior to submitting an offer.
• I will travel up to 150 miles from Chattanooga to do a cash transaction at a prior arranged location; or if the buyer wishes to do the transaction is person.

Other:

• My email is: [email protected]
• I will provide my cell/text number by email upon request.
• If the bidder wants larger, or additional image(s) that exceed 20 MB, I will email those using www.WeTransfer.com (similar to Dropbox)
• All items are in used condition and are in restorable condition. Other than the crank, the tank and rack retain most of their original paint.
• These items were left behind by the original owner as trash when we purchased the house in 1988. We never cleaned under the cabinet’s storage area until last Saturday (April 30), when they were discovered.

Our good fortune can be your good fortune, too. I have learned that these parts are from a beautiful, rare, desirable, and valuable pre-war cruiser bicycle, and rarely come up for sale. I hope the buyer will enjoy his/her purchase and that it will bring joy to their life! We all need more joy in our collective lives, particularly in these times when so many live in desperation and fear.

Please bid responsibly, respectfully, and fearlessly!

TANK DESCRIPTION:

• Original paint – I used a color identity app which said the greenish color was “Shadow Green” (RGB: 154,194,184) and brown-red color is “Bordeaux” (RGB 92,1,32), but I’m sure there’s Huffman color names for the colors, and my color names aren’t particularly accurate, or helpful, so I don’t why I’m including them, other than I spent 45 minutes trying to use the damn app….”Gulf Stream” and “Old Brick” are other names that came up….
• There are scratches, scrapes, small areas of missing paint, and faded patches, but for being 82 years old, most of the original paint remains, even some glossiness.
• Internal brackets all seem to be present
• Both Firestone Airflex logos are their; the right side appears to have celluloid tape over it, and the left one is very faded and barely perceptible.
• There’s a screw of the upper left side by the headlight opening that may have been added to hold an internal bracket.
• Both plastic head light lens are present; the right one has some shrinkage and dimpling like it has been damaged by heat. The right one has a bit of tar on it.
• There’s also a patch of tar on the green paint near the opening on the upper right.
• The grill is in great condition.
• The inside still has some areas of crusted dirt and very small and light surface rust, but no areas that have any significant impact.
• The two sides of the tank are slightly mis-aligned but I believe that will not be an issued when correctly attached.

Please study the photos and the video, and ask any questions before making an offer.

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I have the rest of the bike if anybody is interested...

 

[citicoron]

I have the rest of the bike if anybody is interested...

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If I wasn't 70.... Question (since I know nothing about vintage bikes), Is this exactly the same bike as the 1940 Airflex, just missing the tank (which I own)? The crank sprocket is different than the one I have.

 

[Freqman1]

If I wasn't 70.... Question (since I know nothing about vintage bikes), Is this exactly the same bike as the 1940 Airflex, just missing the tank (which I own)? The crank sprocket is different than the one I have.

That’s because your tank is for a Firestone branded bike. The bike shown is a Huffman branded bike and has the stainless trim likely a Dayton. The correct tank for this bike would also have stainless trim. The chain rings are different between the brands as well. V/r Shawn

 

[citicoron]

Hi folks, How do I withdraw a listing? Since I sold the rack, and I'm giving the crank away, I want to withdraw this listing for the tank and reconsider my options. If anyone wants to buy the tank while this listing is still, you need to submit your best offer now

 

[New Mexico Brant]

Best tie ever!