Murray built Elgin curvy frame hot mess

[piercer_99]

Been really busy for months, taking care of my bride as she healed up from a major surgery.

A few years ago, I sold my 1948 Monark Rocket hot mess, one of the terms of the sale was that I had first shot at buying it back. I started contacting the guy a couple months ago, finally a couple weeks ago he told me he has sold it, sorry. That bike started out as a broken frame and became an awesome rider.

So I wanted to build another 26" rider and this Elgin came up for sale. Due to the medical costs, I am going to just use what I have in the bike barn and garage to build it, hence hot mess.

also got these tires in the deal, so that is where it is starting.

I think I am going to pull the Lobdell wheelset off of my '78 Huffy cruiser and use them on this, then put a 3 speed coaster on my Huffy. Nope, not gonna happen.

Anyway, had an hour to start today, got a crankset installed. It is a start.
Of course, as things happen to have a hitch, I do not have the lockwasher or locknut for this prewar Monark dogleg and probably will be using a straight leg crank. Ces't la vie

more to come...

 

[ozzie]

I have a thing for those curvy Elgin's. Looking forward to seeing it done.

 

[oldfart36]

One of the best looking frames made. I enjoy doing the "Racer" thing with them. They look like they are moving when sitting still. A Murray and a Westfield in my curved bars. Look forward to seeing your progress

 

[ozzie]

One of the best looking frames made. I enjoy doing the "Racer" thing with them. They look like they are moving when sitting still. A Murray and a Westfield in my curved bars. Look forward to seeing your progress

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Cool rides you have there mate. I have to agree. Both are really great designs but I prefer the Murray and would have one in my collection but they seem on the small side.

 

[HEMI426]

Don't ya just love to get the sale done they promise you can buy it back if they ever sell it and never bother to call when it comes up for sale.

 

[piercer_99]

3 speed Shimano Nexus. Put the straight crank on it.

Dig up a handlebar tomorrow and install the shifter, cable and maybe a chain if I get time.

Should tear down the rims and paint. Probably not though. If it rolls, it rides.

 

[piercer_99]

It's a rider. Shake down ride was good, nothing came apart.

I did order a set of Van's grips that will be here tomorrow.

Everything else will be like this for awhile most likely.

Probably paint it in the future.

 

[ozzie]

Nice work buddy. Slammed together in a couple of days with one of my favorite set of pedals. Those tires roll really well too.

 

[piercer_99]

Had my structural steel guy make me a longer seat post.

This will help, bent to 70 degrees instead of 90.

I will swap it out when I get home tonight.

 

[piercer_99]

Seat post sanded, clear coat and installed. It is a significant difference in ride comfort.

Next on the list, new shifter cable and housing. The current one is in bad shape.

Also install the Van's grips after the shifter work.