Roadside Colson, cant figure out what model...

[avionator]

Hi all! Did a bunch of searching around and I still can't figure out exactly what I just picked up. I'd like very much to restore this thing, so any help would be great. Serial number is 3J2952. The head tube badge is too faded to read and the bike has a bad repaint. Some FB posts indicate it may be a Firestone, but Im not sure.

 

[mrg]

Westfield/Columbia guard

 

[Freqman1]

Colson -

A description of the style and format used by the Colson Corp of Elyria, OH for its bicycle serial numbers from 1932 to 1953.

vintageamericanbicycles.com

 

[Kaiserman]

Westfield/Columbia guard

With a welded on mounting tab on the front.

 

[gkeep]

Based on the above link it's a September 1933 frame.

 

[Nostalgic Dave]

Based on the above link it's a September 1933 frame.

Look at the dropouts. This is a post-war Colson based on the 39-41 frame. The dropouts were modified right after WW2 to face forward, as seen on this bike.

 

[NBHAA]

Please. This is quite obviously a postwar Colson. Nothing at all to do with Firestone.

Someone has installed a Westfield chain guard and sprocket.

LD
NBHAA.com

 

[Archie Sturmer]

Nice bike.

I was thinking that the "3" serial number stamp might indicate 1933, 1943, or 1953, (years that end in '3').

1943 might be eliminated, maybe because of war time regulations (restrictions).
That leaves only 1933 (pre-war) or 1953 (post-war).

"1933, 1943, or 1953".

But the fancy looped-frame detail in rear is too late (too new) for the early balloon tire period of 1933.

"1933, 1943, or 1953".

So I will also guess maybe late 1953.

Not sure which kind of Colson tanks will fit, (for a fancy upgraded look).

[For sale by a respect-ed member of the CABE].

Should clean up nicely for a beach cruiser project.

Welcome to the CABE!