Identified What year is this AMF Roadmaster Luxury Liner? (Update: 1956)

[Atomos]

I'm looking for information on this AMF Roadmaster Luxury Liner. Seller said it was a 1954 but I'm not 100% sure. Lots of random parts on this bike. Serial number on the frame is as near as I can tell is: D45281 F or E. Trying to decode it but it doesn't make sense up against the CWC chart. Thanks

 

[The Colonel]

more pics please. hubs & headbadge. according to the ser# its a 1938!

Cleveland Welding Co. (Roadmaster) -

Cleveland Welding Co. (CWC) serial number list

vintageamericanbicycles.com

 

[The Colonel]

What year is this CWC? | General Discussion About Old Bicycles

I believe this CWC is a 1938, based on the serial number. Previously, I found a CWC serial number chart here somewhere and a D_______ would have put it at a 1938. The chart had F______ as a late1939 early 1949. Do you agree that it's a 1938?

thecabe.com

 

[Atomos]

What year is this CWC? | General Discussion About Old Bicycles

I believe this CWC is a 1938, based on the serial number. Previously, I found a CWC serial number chart here somewhere and a D_______ would have put it at a 1938. The chart had F______ as a late1939 early 1949. Do you agree that it's a 1938?

thecabe.com

Seems to add up until you look at the bike. It has 1950s parts. Could the frame be swapped out that easily? Everything seems to fit correctly.

 

[The Colonel]

Seems to add up until you look at the bike. It has 1950s parts. Could the frame be swapped out that easily? Everything seems to fit correctly.

yep, frames do swap easily.. lets see some more pics!.. frame is 100% 1938/39

could be Orig paint! lets see more pics! hubs!

 

[Atomos]

yep, frames do swap easily.. lets see some more pics!.. frame is 100% 1938/39

could be Orig paint! lets see more pics! hubs!

Will post more later, now I'm curious. It's an imposter!

 

[NBHAA]

I'm looking for information on this AMF Roadmaster Luxury Liner. Seller said it was a 1954 but I'm not 100% sure. Lots of random parts on this bike. Serial number on the frame is as near as I can tell is: D45281 F or E. Trying to decode it but it doesn't make sense up against the CWC chart. Thanks

View attachment 2245072

View attachment 2245074

View attachment 2245075

Hello...

Please. NOT 1938, not 1939, not 1954. Forget "the chart." From NBHAA factory records, this appears to be 1956. No guessing. Certainly not from the 1930s at all.

Most of these were middleweight when new but someone has stuffed fatter balloon tires on. You can see where the front tire whitewall has been scraping up against the vertical fender brace, leaving a black streak. Sooner or later this tire will go boom!

The headlight and handlebar stem mount are also not original. Grips, pedals and kickstand are also not OEM.

Graphics on the tank and rear carrier are missing.

Hope this helps.

Leon Dixon
National Bicycle History Archive of America
(NBHAA.com)

 

[The Colonel]

Hello...

Please. NOT 1938, not 1939, not 1954. Forget "the chart." From NBHAA factory records, this appears to be 1956. No guessing. Certainly not from the 1930s at all.

Most of these were middleweight when new but someone has stuffed fatter balloon tires on. You can see where the front tire whitewall has been scraping up against the vertical fender brace, leaving a black streak. Sooner or later this tire will go boom!

The headlight and handlebar stem mount are also not original. Grips, pedals and kickstand are also not OEM.

Graphics on the tank and rear carrier are missing.

Hope this helps.

Leon Dixon
National Bicycle History Archive of America
(NBHAA.com)

you are senior to me brother. I respect your knowledge. Could it be the factory built it on an earlier frame that was 'shelfed' or found?

 

[Atomos]

Hello...

Please. Forget "the chart." From NBHAA factory records, this appears to be 1956. No guessing. Certainly not from the 1930s at all.

Most of these were middleweight when new but someone has stuffed fatter balloon tires on. You can see where the front tire whitewall has been scraping up against the vertical fender brace, leaving a black streak. Sooner or later this tire will go boom!

The headlight and handlebar stem mount are also not original. Grips, pedals and kickstand are also not OEM.

Graphics on the tank and rear carrier are missing.

Hope this helps.

Leon Dixon
National Bicycle History Archive of America
(NBHAA.com)

That is really helpful, 1956 makes sense. Just found an original Headlight. Rear rim + fender aren't correct, pedals, grips as noted. As least this helps me identify the parts I need. I can see that there's a little hint of the original red on the tank and chain guard. Amazing that there's no evidence of it left in exposed areas. Might just leave as is, as well as the original paint on the frame.

 

[NBHAA]

you are senior to me brother. I respect your knowledge. Could it be the factory built it on an earlier frame that was 'shelfed' or found?

This is NOT an "earlier frame"... no way, no how. And the factory didn't mess around with customizing stuff. They had neither the time nor the desire. That's today's kind of thinking.

LD
NBHAA.com