Help with ID / Age

[onetrickdog]

I recently picked up 2 old bikes. One is an Iver Johnson with wooden rims.

The second is a Shapleigh Special

I plan to restore these bikes, but I wanted to know what I've got before I start. I'm sure I'll follow up with lots of questions.

 

[DonChristie]

I like the Iver Johnson. No IJ serial numbers are kept so it is difficult to pin point a date. Yours appears to be a 1930 +/-5 yrs. 28 inch Metal clad over wood rims? Serial number should be at the seat post. Post it. I have a scan of an original IJ brochure. I also have another brochure at home I will reference tonite.

 

[Andrew Gorman]

What coaster brakes do they have? That can give you a rough idea. Sometimes.

 

[DonChristie]

It appears to be a Boy Scout model. The brochure this pic came out of does not have a date.

 

[onetrickdog]

That's pretty cool. I really appreciate the information!

I'm going to have lots of questions about restoration. First question: The tires on the Iver Johnson are hard as a rock. I would call them petrified. I would like to get those removed without harming the wooden rims. Any suggestions?

 

[pelletman]

Cut them off with dykes or a utility knife