Hiawatha Vanguard

[Billythekid]

Just got this as a throw in on the Schwinn I just bought I have the original wheel set also. the one in the pic is a Bendix automatic 2 speed kick back it’s the first time I used one and I really like it a lot . Also I have the chrome fenders And tank it really needs a oil bath as it has been sitting 5 years but the tires held air in the pair of wheels on the bike . The original wheels r missing the tubes but has nice white wall tires. I am wondering what the original seat looks like if anyone has a pic

 

[Adamtinkerer]

Murray serial #s are not well defined between 1960-64. MO-T is likely the date code, but this style frame wasn't made until '58. 'WG' is a Murray code for a built for Gambles' stores bike. The 3 might indicate '63.

 

[Archie Sturmer]

The “T” may be for Tennessee, (i.e., the move in 1956); the “W” - when part of a “WG” - might not then be for 1957.
There was a time when the “WG” codes moved from the bottom bracket to the left drop out. Not sure if “WG” was also used for Western Auto’s bicycles.

 

[Billythekid]

Could it have been made in 57 for the 58 year??

 

[Archie Sturmer]

The “T” could also have been for 1961.

The barrel reinforcement lug at the seat post cluster seems to be a carry over from earlier Murray frame designs; have to double check my later middleweight to see it was still used.