Pre-1910 Iver Johnson

[Otis in Mayberry]

Hello! I’m new here and need some advice. I recently acquired my first vintage bicycle, a pre-1910 Iver Johnson in totally rusty condition. It spent many decades in my neighbor’s leaky garage. I’m dating it based on the Iver Johnson thread here on the Cabe that uses serial numbers. Looks like 180203. The bicycle appears to be all original and solid, and the pedals crank easily. Spokes are rusty but seem strong. There is no brake, coaster or otherwise. The front tire is missing the tube. 26” tires. Believe it or not, the bell actually rings, in a rusty sort of way. The handlebar grip are wood.

I guess my question is, what do I do? Is it ok to wire brush it?

I’d appreciate any and all advice. Thanks!

 

[ivrjhnsn]

Do nothing to it.. If that rolls, it's cool .. The rims are not original, rear hub may be. But tires will be easy to find. Some type of rusty bolt solution is in order. Just spray it down.
Nice !

 

[DonChristie]

Cool bike! Grease the bearings, bath her in wd40 and ride it!

 

[eddie_bravo]

That’s a rider
Agreed with updating the wheels and a new chain

WD40 the frame and ride it , rust and all!


Eddie Bravo
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mickeyc]

WOW....that is CRUSTY!!!!

 

[John D. Williams]

Hi. I've seen this bike up close and have some questions. The rear hub is a fixie; is this stock? The tires are clinchers. I am guessing the original rims were wood and the tires were glue-on, but the wheels warped and newer ones were re-laced to the hubs. The owner is inquiring about tires; where would these be found? They say 26 x 1 3/8.

Would it be proper to wirebrush this bike, heavily except for the spokes, and then lube it to ride? I am concerned with the spoke strength.

 

[catfish]

Make sure your tetanus shot is up to date!

 

[Rambler]

A couple issues you may need to address if you hope to put this bike back on the road. Appears that sprocket is rubbing the frame which could mean issues with crank bearings, cups, or cones, and there also appears that there may be a crack in the chain stay.

 

[John D. Williams]

A couple issues you may need to address if you hope to put this bike back on the road. Appears that sprocket is rubbing the frame which could mean issues with crank bearings, cups, or cones, and there also appears that there may be a crack in the chain stay.

View attachment 777315

Thank you; I will look closely.

 

[dnc1]

Even if that is a crack, it's easily repairable.
I would rub down with wire wool and WD40, get new tyres, sort out the bearings and ride it; as far and as fast as you dare!
Enjoy!