Huffman Dayton Champion Mainliner Owners Thread

[37fleetwood]

HI, recently there has been a few bikes popping up, and a few people starting into their restorations. I propose this thread as a place to discuss ideas as to what is correct and what not correct. also a place to share photos and knowledge on these bikes.
Everyone with info please share, and please be respectful and non confrontational in your criticisms and corrections. the goal here is to learn and spread correct information about these rare and beautiful bikes. I'll share what info I have but want to make clear, I'm probably not the most knowledgeable about these bikes. there is still a lot to learn for most of us.
Thanks.

 

[37fleetwood]

Some of the Catalogs

First year, 1939:

I know these aren't the years everyone is interested in but I thought I would add them
Dayton Model D-11 (Pre- Mainliner?)

Huffman Champion

 

[37fleetwood]

Some of the Catalogs

Second year, 1940:

this is the first year of the big tank.
Dayton Mainliner

Huffman Champion

 

[37fleetwood]

Some of the Catalogs

Third Year, 1941

for this year I only have the Huffman catalog. Anyone have the Dayton catalog?

Huffman

 

[Larmo63]

I have no arguments with the Mainliner shown. Wow,

that is one beautiful bicycle.....!

 

[37fleetwood]

here's my bike.

 

[old hotrod]

And your bike is blocking mine...LOL

 

[37fleetwood]

And your bike is blocking mine...LOL

That's because yours is only a Top Flite, and not a real Champion! Just Kidding, I suppose I should have made the thread for all of the "Big Tank" Huffmans.

Top Flytes and any other Big Tank Huffmans welcome!
​

 

[46powerwagon]

Nice!!!

Scott & Dave- Your Huffmans are very nice. I guess there are other bikes out there other than Schwinn

Gary

 

[dfa242]

That's because yours is only a Top Flite, and not a real Champion! Just Kidding, I suppose I should have made the thread for all of the "Big Tank" Huffmans.

Top Flytes and any other Big Tank Huffmans welcome!
​

Hopefully Airflytes are allowed on this thread? I dipped my toes into Huffman waters for the first time last weekend with this Copake sheep field find and would appreciate a little guidance. I've given it a WD40 shower for the surface rust and will clean gently and provide better pics and serial number when I get a chance. I'm not a restoration guy - just preservation. Could you please tell me what headlight and dropstand would be correct so I get it right? Looks like maybe late 30s?
Thanks in advance for tolerating my rookie questions.
Dean