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Iver Johnson Mobicycle - date?

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creebobby

Finally riding a big boys bike
Iver Johnson Motorbike with a nice Mesinger saddle.
I'm just trying to figure out what year it is! Can anyone help?
My other questions would be:
1. Should I try to get some of the blue color back by rubbing off the grime and black oxidation? - what should I use to rub it blue?
2. Is the saddle too old and nice or maybe brittle to ride around on? Maybe if I condition it? I know it was made to be ridden but maybe not ninety years later!


The bike:
http://www.creebobby.com/iverandcruiser.JPG

Serial number 5333?? :
http://www.creebobby.com/iver5.JPG

Bottom tube decal:
http://www.creebobby.com/iver1.JPG

Headbadge:
http://www.creebobby.com/iver2.JPG

Thin thin clencher rims: Original to the bike?
http://www.creebobby.com/iver3.JPG

Crank and sprocket and 'SUPREME' pedals:
http://www.creebobby.com/iver6.JPG

Rear dropouts: The dropstand stops don't seem to fit the frame quite right, and probably aren't original:
http://www.creebobby.com/iver7.JPG

Nice tread pattern:
http://www.creebobby.com/iver8.JPG

Seat post clamp area:
http://www.creebobby.com/iver9.JPG

New Departure D:
http://www.creebobby.com/iver10.JPG

Mesinger '5' saddle:
http://www.creebobby.com/iver11.JPG

Mesinger saddle:
http://www.creebobby.com/iver12.JPG

Saddle rear:
http://www.creebobby.com/iver13.JPG

A two piece crank? What?
http://www.creebobby.com/iver16.JPG

Wow.
 
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All Iver Johnsons had I_Js own two piece crank. They are very nice bikes, especially compared to other US bikes from the same period.
 
Great deal! There is not a serial number chart available so getting an exact date is difficult. Seems like it is all there. You are missing 2 end numbers on serial number, you can kinda see them in pic. The rims do look suspect and the rear rack is probably an add on. Mobicycles came out before after Super-Mobikes did. I think they were manufactured from the mid 20s to late 30s. As far as cleaning goes, WD40 and oooo or oooo Steel wool. I say get tires and ride it!
 
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Boy that is a great deal!!! The wheels look original, so unless some has replaced the rear hub the model "D" came out some time in 1933 and I believe the motobike style started to go away mid 30's and curves became popular. So I would guess between 33 and 36.
 
Thanks guys.

I just got back from my LBS, and they placed an order for a new set of tires! - the only ones they could find available to fit - for under 20 a tire. Just hope they fit and can seat properly on those super skinny early clinchers!

I rubbed the bike down gently this morning with a warm wet cotton rag - a lot of dirt, nickel/chrome flakes and some paint chips that were only held on with dirt washed off.
Seems like the tiny flecks of blue are the only remaining blue on the frame - I don't think there's a chance of any beneath the oxidized black.

This bike seems bigger tougher and more hardcore in its construction than any other old bike I've had - built like a shotgun or something. (Which Iver also built).
 
It will be interesting to see which type of tires you get and if they work. 20 bucks a tire is a good deal! Where they 700mm?

"This bike seems bigger tougher and more hardcore in its construction than any other old bike I've had - built like a shotgun or something."

You do realize IJ was a renown gun maker in the 1800s?
 
I have had a few guys tell me they have put clincher tires on these rims, however I have never seen it done. To my knowledge these are the all steel version of the wood or wood/clad. I believe you have the type "H" in the picture below.
SH104832-1.jpg
 
It always seems to me that Iver-Johnson marched to their own beat. They did everything a bit different and I like that.
 
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