Car shows are a great way to find old bikes. Folks that love old cars usually love antiques and anything old interests them, especially something with wheels. I have gotten several nice bikes at car shows, and because of car shows. I always tape a small note to the fender: WANTED--old bikes. I pay cash. call BR5 5558. While displaying a 30's Ranger at a cruise night, an old man said to me, "I have a bike exactly like this. I took it apart back in 1974 or 75 and still have the parts." . . . . Now, many people will say something like that to you at a car show. I've gone on a few wild goose chases. I always ask if it's a boys or girl's bike. They always say, "Boys." I always ask if it's heavy and has "fat" tires. They always say, "Yeah, just like this one," while pointing to my bike. I also ask, "Is it rusty?" They always say, "No." I go to their house, all excited, only to find out the bike is a girl's, Schwinn Breeze, or a beat to death 70's middleweight, covered in rust. Sometimes though, the payoff is big. When this one particular old man said his bike had a tank with a door on it, I said, " Find what parts you can. Here's my phone number. I'll pay you 500 bucks for what you can dig up, as long as the tank is included. I don't care if the tank is dented, rusty, or has a great big hole in it. I'll give you 500 bucks, sight unseen." . . . Three years later. . . . I get a call. He found the parts. He said they were in his attic, basement and garage. Couldn't find the truss rods or grips or the greyhound. I didn't care about that, because being a Ranger guy, I already had the correct grips and truss rods.
This is what he brought to my house one Sunday night. He hands me a photo copied sheet off Ebay with a bike just like it selling for over 6 grand. So, I figure my 500 offer is dead in the water. He says to me. " My son looked the bike up. I know what it's worth, but I want you to have it." He sold me the bike for $550.00. This bike, exactly as shown below.. . .