How to date my Firestone Pilot bike.

[Kathy Diggins]

I just picked up some bikes and scooter.
I would appreciate any help you can give me on this beauty..
Badge is Firestone Pilot.
Serial # is 41-18

 

[mrg]

weird serial #, think there is more #'s below, late 40's Murry built Firestone Pilot

 

[Kathy Diggins]

Where are the serial numbers?
Just making sure.
Kathy

 

[mrg]

looks like there more #'s between the #'s pictured and the kick stand under all that paint.

 

[WetDogGraphix]

 

[Kathy Diggins]

Yep, there are...still working on it....lol

 

[cds2323]

I think that's probably a 1947 Murray built bike. The rear dropouts still had the dropstand tabs in 45-46. By late 47 and after the rear dropouts changed to forward facing. But... the rest of the serial number should nail it down. I'd guess that there is an L in it.

 

[Kathy Diggins]

No L.....
A.

 

[Kathy Diggins]

weird serial #, think there is more #'s below, late 40's Murry built Firestone Pilot

I just posted the serial numbers after much more rubbing off paint...
I'm still unsure...
Kathy

 

[cds2323]

The 9-A-3 is the Firestone catalog number for the Pilot badged bike. The 9-A-7 is for the Firestone badged Cruiser etc... Those designations were used by Firestone for multiple years. I don't know what the numbers in the middle are. The lower number is most likely the Murray serial number. Most Murray numbers have a letter to denote year, not sure why yours doesn't.

But the rear dropout construction and the way the frame tubes are joined under the seat are consistent with 1947. In 46 and 48 those were done differently.