Help Identifying Shelby Flyer

[FamousCarz]

Hi Everybody,

I'm new to the CABE so sorry if I'm not in the right area for this post.
I'm picking up a Shelby Flyer tomorrow.
It's a very nice looking bike and supposedly original paint. Even if not, they seem to have done a nice job on the paint job.
I don't have the serial number but will add it to the post after I pick up the bike.
Any idea of approximate year of manufacture?
Did this style bike ever come with what I believe is called the banana tank?
Thanks in advance for your help!

George

 

[fordmike65]

Most definitely not original paint. I see 50's Shelby fenders, springer fork and possibly the crankset, but not so sure that frame is Shelby
It looks like a 50's CWC(AMF maybe).

 

[FamousCarz]

Most definitely not original paint. I see 50's Shelby fenders, springer fork and possibly the crankset, but not so sure that frame is Shelby
It looks like a 50's CWC(AMF maybe).

Once I have serial numbers we should be able to tell right?

 

[Freqman1]

I agree with Mike on this one. This is what we call a frankenbike-made from at least a couple different bikes and repainted. V/r Shawn

 

[FamousCarz]

Hey guys,
So what's the value of a Durante springer (I think) and fenders?
This could well be the bike for next year's Rat Rod Bike Build. ;^)
I like to name my bikes so I dub thee 'Franken Flyer' hahahaha
S/N has a letter 1st, maybe an A then looks like 37613

 

[Archie Sturmer]

With the horizontal AMF-CWC rear fork end drop outs (fuzzy hard to see), the frame is likely 1950’s so the serial number suffix might be the best indicator of the date.

Cleveland Welding S/N Project...See Page 58 Post 576 for chart | Classic Balloon Tire Bicycles 1933-1965

Since many of us have asked, and many of us has now or maybe had in the past a CWC built Roadmaster, I think it's time to start a List. If a picture/serial number list could be started and updated with new entries including frame characteristics, I think we over time could rebuild a serial...

thecabe.com

Shelby springer was patented 1950-52.

Shelby 1954 American Bicyclist and Motorcyclist magazine - Copy.jpg

1954 Shelby Bicycle ad

thecabe.com

Seems like a 2-projects for 1-price deal, just need a Shelby frame and a CWC springer, both in gloss black.

 

[FamousCarz]

With the horizontal AMF-CWC rear fork end drop outs (fuzzy hard to see), the frame is likely 1950’s so the serial number suffix might be the best indicator of the date.

Cleveland Welding S/N Project...See Page 58 Post 576 for chart | Classic Balloon Tire Bicycles 1933-1965

Since many of us have asked, and many of us has now or maybe had in the past a CWC built Roadmaster, I think it's time to start a List. If a picture/serial number list could be started and updated with new entries including frame characteristics, I think we over time could rebuild a serial...

thecabe.com

Shelby springer was patented 1950-52.

Without sanding off the paint, the best I can make it out is 54 and maybe the letter L.
I tried to get a photo but it is really hard to get it to show up...

 

[mrg]

@Freqman1, @fordmike65, Frankin bike as mentioned with alot of different brands put together but something doesn't look right about the frame, don't think CWC made a post war dbl bar roaster frame and did Shelby make a longer springer ( how long is the head tube? ), some of the bends on the frame just don't look right, Framkin frame?

 

[JRE]

My 1936 Shelby wish bone frame for comparison

 

[Archie Sturmer]

I believe that the original poster planned to provide better quality (less dark, less grainy) pictures after pick-up of the bicycle.

I believe that @mrg may also be on to something, (who made the tall frame?).