I am brand new to The CABE and I really appreciate finding this resource.
Last week I purchased this bike in Antigua, Guatemala.
It has "Automoto" on the head badge, but I can not find another like this one on the internet. From the photo you will see that it also has an eagle and "BEN" and "ROSS" at the bottom.
No clovers to be found. And, the front fork does not have the usual round holes for the clover inserts, but those may have come on later models.
It is in solid condition mechanically, but rusty and really dirty. My plan is to restore it to street-worthy condition (new paint, chain, tires, and, a lot of cleaning and rubbing, and some mechanical fixes).
I have been searching for such a bike for years while on vacation here in Guatemala and after quite a lot of bad Spanish, a bus ride, two tuk tuk rides, and some luck I found my bike.
My questions:
1. Do you think it is an Automoto? If so, what's the deal with the head badge?
2. Any guesses on the age?
3. Any advice for restoring it and to what level?
Again, right now, I am not very motivated to immediately go back to original condition and parts. I would like to be a beautiful bike I can ride around town and then continue to accumulate original parts.
Anyway, thanks for letting me borrow from the collective wisdom here.
Mike
Last week I purchased this bike in Antigua, Guatemala.
It has "Automoto" on the head badge, but I can not find another like this one on the internet. From the photo you will see that it also has an eagle and "BEN" and "ROSS" at the bottom.
No clovers to be found. And, the front fork does not have the usual round holes for the clover inserts, but those may have come on later models.
It is in solid condition mechanically, but rusty and really dirty. My plan is to restore it to street-worthy condition (new paint, chain, tires, and, a lot of cleaning and rubbing, and some mechanical fixes).
I have been searching for such a bike for years while on vacation here in Guatemala and after quite a lot of bad Spanish, a bus ride, two tuk tuk rides, and some luck I found my bike.
My questions:
1. Do you think it is an Automoto? If so, what's the deal with the head badge?
2. Any guesses on the age?
3. Any advice for restoring it and to what level?
Again, right now, I am not very motivated to immediately go back to original condition and parts. I would like to be a beautiful bike I can ride around town and then continue to accumulate original parts.
Anyway, thanks for letting me borrow from the collective wisdom here.
Mike