Hiawatha info

[Shane78]

Hey everyone, Noob here ...lol
Just picked up this classic today, its been sitting in a Grandpa's shed for 40+ years.he said it was 25 years old when he was a kid.
He pumped up the tires,and I rode it away like it was brand new.
Just wondering if anyone knows the year and any info/value of this bike.
Thanx

 

[Oilit]

At first glance it looks similar to some AMF-built Shelbys, but the fork and the connection between the seat stays and the seat post don't look like anything I'm familiar with. Can we get some better shots of the chain ring and chain guard? And what are the orange streaks in the last picture?

 

[Shane78]

I don't know what those orange streaks were.....lol here are a few more photos.

 

[mrg]

I say foreign built frame ( German or Austrian ) from when they were importing alot of bikes during the 50's. Is that a cork in the top of the seat post?

 

[Shane78]

Yes it is a Cork, my buddy pointed that out.I said where else would you put the wine.....lol

 

[Freqman1]

I agree with @mrg on origin and think mid to late '50s. Hiawatha was a Gambles Department Store brand and you will find Hiawatha badges on any number of bike by different manufacturers. Value on something like his is fairly minimal and I would say $100 on a good day. V/r Shawn

 

[Shane78]

I agree with @mrg on origin and think mid to late '50s. Hiawatha was a Gambles Department Store brand and you will find Hiawatha badges on any number of bike by different manufacturers. Value on something like his is fairly minimal and I would say $100 on a good day. V/r Shawn

Yeah I payed $125 for it, planning on cleaning some grease off of it and just riding it as it's not the typical walmart beach cruiser everyone else has . Thanx

 

[Oilit]

Yeah I payed $125 for it, planning on cleaning some grease off of it and just riding it as it's not the typical walmart beach cruiser everyone else has . Thanx

If you ever find out who made it, post it if you don't mind. I don't think I've ever seen a seat stay/seat post clamp/bracket like that before!

 

[Freqman1]

Yeah I payed $125 for it, planning on cleaning some grease off of it and just riding it as it's not the typical walmart beach cruiser everyone else has . Thanx

With a good service it'll definitely last longer than a Walmart cruiser! Enjoy the ride! V/r Shawn