Gifted two Cycle Trucks from my Great Grandfathers Grocery Store

[AndyGitane]

Nothing like starting out with a walk up, bases loaded home run!!

 

[iknowzeroboutbikes97]

The serial numbers will be stamped underneath the crank or on the left rear drop out above the axle nut.

I believe it the serial number reads H77338! It was on the left rear drop above the nut just as you said!

 

[cyclingday]

August 30th 1960 ?
That serial number shows up again for that frame style on August 30th 1962, but that four hole clover style sprocket was an earlier feature on the Cycle Truck, so my gut is telling me that it’s probably a 1960 model?

This from the 1960 catalog.
(Note the catalog already depicts the later Sting Ray type “Bubbles” sprocket.)

 

[iknowzeroboutbikes97]

August 30th 1960 ?
That serial number shows up again for that frame style on August 30th 1962, but that four hole clover style sprocket was an earlier feature on the Cycle Truck, so my gut is telling me that it’s probably a 1960 model?
View attachment 2429646
This from the 1960 catalog.
(Note the catalog already depicts the later Sting Ray type “

Woah, neat flyer! This definitely could be the black one!

 

[Bendix II]

I believe it the serial number reads H77338! It was on the left rear drop above the nut just as you said!

Schwinn simplified its SN system in 1958, and there is no way possible the number you posted would fit 58 and newer.
From where you found it, it would be a 53 - 57 SN. Unfortunately there were duplicate SNs in that time frame.
BUT
Schwinn changed the CT frame in 53 and again in 54.
The 53 has a straight down tube (the tube between the Head tube and pedals BB). Your red CT looks to have this.
That would make it a Feb 53.
Your black one has a curved down tube and the last frame design so it could be a 54 - 67 the last year made.

 

[iknowzeroboutbikes97]

Schwinn simplified its SN system in 1958, and there is no way possible the number you posted would fit 58 and newer.
From where you found it, it would be a 53 - 57 SN. Unfortunately there were duplicate SNs in that time frame.
BUT
Schwinn changed the CT frame in 53 and again in 54.
The 53 has a straight down tube (the tube between the Head tube and pedals BB). Your red CT looks to have this.
That would make it a Feb 53.
Your black one has a curved down tube and the last frame design so it could be a 54 - 67 the last year made.

I see exactly what you mean with the straight down tube, yes the red does have a straight down tube. Wow, that’s amazing! Thank you so much for that information!

 

[Bendix II]

I see exactly what you mean with the straight down tube, yes the red does have a straight down tube. Wow, that’s amazing! Thank you so much for that information!

There are a few variations in the earlier frames. If you look at post #9 Schwinndigs post, there is angled brace between the top and middle post. A 52 would look like that. The brace was deleted in 53 its a one year frame so that narrows it down quick.
Its also a CT-1 (small basket).
Your black one is a CT-2 and should have a much larger basket then what's on it. (There is a 1/4 -20 nut brazed on the top tube for braces that support the larger CT-2 basket)

 

[Bendix II]

Whats the SN on the black one?

 

[Almanor23]

Saw this:

Phone number is only off by one digit from delivery truck, to delivery bike. Jump to just before the two min mark for the delivery truck

 

[GTs58]

August 30th 1960 ?
That serial number shows up again for that frame style on August 30th 1962, but that four hole clover style sprocket was an earlier feature on the Cycle Truck, so my gut is telling me that it’s probably a 1960 model?
View attachment 2429646
This from the 1960 catalog.
(Note the catalog already depicts the later Sting Ray type “Bubbles” sprocket.)

This serial number H77338 is not a 1961 or 1962 number.