Prewar 36? 39? Elgin. Thoughts? Look correct, value? I know the experts are out there!!! Thank you in advance!!!

[Dogtown]

This bike just came around and would like opinions, does it look correct, value etc..
Thank you all in advance and have a great week!!!

 

[gkeep]

Nice find! Is there a serial number under the bottom bracket?

 

[Dogtown]

Nice find! Is there a serial number under the bottom bracket?

I haven’t bought it yet. This would be by first Elgin, always had Schwinns. I will ask for it.

 

[SKPC]

Yes, 36-8ish Westfield made frame....Not all original components also a few added ones(sell the tank it may buy the bike) but a pretty cool custom.

 

[Frank and Pam Skid Kings]

A lot of really nice parts on that one. I'd buy it, put on tires and ride it. Should be good for some stares.

 

[Dogtown]

Yes, 36-8ish Westfield made frame....Not all original components also a few added ones(sell the tank it may buy the bike) but a pretty cool custom.

New to the Elgin world. In your opinion what is not original to the bike and what do you think the value is?

 

[Dogtown]

A lot of really nice parts on that one. I'd buy it, put on tires and ride it. Should be good for some stares.

Actually like to clean it up and make it a rider but original as possible.

 

[SKPC]

I think the only things original may be the frame, wheels and seat post. Everything else is suspect. Tank does not fit this frame and looks out of place, sell it. The rest of the bike is pretty nice. Put some fat tires on it, pull the 28-er fenders, find a fork made for the frame(or not) and ride it. $ Value is in the parts...Tank/Seat/Bars/Rack/Wheels/Light setup. Someone here could count it up but mucho dinero..

 

[BFGforme]

I say leave as it is, tank looks good on it as well as rest of parts, air it up and go!!!

 

[manuel rivera]

Clean it and and enjoy it, I believe is a 34 or 35 . Check BB for numbers

 

[Robertriley]

That one is somewhat local to me and I was thinking about picking it up and parting it out for fun but just don't have the time.

 

[Rivnut]

Where is "local" to you? I have a '35, '39, and '40. Always room for one more. Looks like a '36 Oriole when I look at illustrations in the "Collectable Elgin JC Higgins........"book. From what I've gathered, that's the first year for the Alemite oiling system - those grease zerks on the bottom bracket.

 

[bleedingfingers]

Klaxon ,teacup light, battery can , Art Deco stem, tool bag ,nice long spring motorbike seat ,rear rack, tank ,
shallow fenders that look to be in good shape with some surface rust .
that's a few hundred in parts alone .
If I lived close it would be mine .
What are they asking for it ?

 

[Archie Sturmer]

Nice pictures of the accessories; bike could use a few more maybe.

 

[Jay81]

Looks like a '34 / '35 Elgin Oriole with period correct accessories. The tank that's on it looks nearly identical to the one that's on my '35 Oriole, and while they did not come with tanks from the factory you could order one from the Sears Catalog. I believe that is what my bike and this bike both have.
I would clean it, service it, and leave the accessories on it, as they are part of the bikes story. Idk why some are so quick to want to part out a bike like this, it's cool the way it is, because someone added their own custom touches back in the day. It's not like it has do-dads from the 1970s on it.

 

[SKPC]

Not sure about that fork though not Westfield?

 

[Dogtown]

Klaxon ,teacup light, battery can , Art Deco stem, tool bag ,nice long spring motorbike seat ,rear rack, tank ,
shallow fenders that look to be in good shape with some surface rust .
that's a few hundred in parts alone .
If I lived close it would be mine .
What are they asking for it ?

They are asking $900.00 curious what you think? Seems a bit high.

 

[Dogtown]

Not sure about that fork though not Westfield?

Looks like a '34 / '35 Elgin Oriole with period correct accessories. The tank that's on it looks nearly identical to the one that's on my '35 Oriole, and while they did not come with tanks from the factory you could order one from the Sears Catalog. I believe that is what my bike and this bike both have.
I would clean it, service it, and leave the accessories on it, as they are part of the bikes story. Idk why some are so quick to want to part out a bike like this, it's cool the way it is, because someone added their own custom touches back in the day. It's not like it has do-dads from the 1970s on it.

First off thank you very much!!!

Is it possible to see a picture of your bike?
I totally agree with you I love finding rusted old bikes and bring them back but original. It’s history but I would switch out the neck lol. Also curious of your opinion on the forks? Original?

 

[Dogtown]

That one is somewhat local to me and I was thinking about picking it up and parting it out for fun but just don't have the time.

Ahh you are in Iowa as well lol.

 

[Dogtown]

I say leave as it is, tank looks good on it as well as rest of parts, air it up and go!!!

Started rustoring bikes with my kids when the pandemic started it would get broken down. OA bath, and everything polished and rebuilt. I know some disagree but it’s better than tv and video games all day.