partsguy
Riding a '38 Autocycle Deluxe
Hi, I'm wanting to find out for sure what year/model this is (also to find out basically how much it's worth). Basically I'm not sure if the tag on it is correct and would like a second opinion from people who know for sure.
I wasn't able to find a serial number, but I may just need to look in the correct place (don't know where that is).
It says it's a Murray-Ohio one, if that helps.
Good Morning,
I can tell you are new and wanting to get into the hobby (I am guessing, because this is the second inquiry I saw from you this morning)
We all started out just like you did. Finding a true classic can be tough, and this is a rough time to do so because people have "Barrett-Jackson Syndrome" with bicycles, just like they do with old cars. Thanks to the "American Pickers", eBay, Pawn Stars, etc, people see a 1930's or 1950's classic, look at a rusted repop from the 80s, and see big dollar signs. People see a 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner 440+6 sell for $100,000 on TV, then look at a rusted-out 1970 Plymouth sedan with a Slant-6 and no options as if it is worth $80,000.
A good place to start, is to figure out what era or style you like. Do you like Atomic Age or Space Race-era style? Perhaps a middleweight from the 1950's-1960's would suit you. Like pre-war art deco and curves? Go with a balloon-tire bike from the 1930's or 1940's. Muscle bikes like the Schwinn Sting-Ray or Huffy Rail? Start with bikes from the 1960's and 70's. A Google search or asking and browsing here can help you figure out what you really, truly want. Vintage BMX bikes, pre-WWI models, old roadbikes, etc. are other niche models.
Once you find your niche, go and seek it out. Post wanted ads here or on other sites, browse estate or barn sales, swap meets, etc. Arm yourself with knowledge of what you are looking for to avoid getting ripped off. Your suspicions about the bike posted above saved you $100 of embarrassment. That is commendable, most people get taken without thinking.
Deals can be had, if you are willing to do the work and have patience.
Before, bought for $75 sight unseen from a Craigslist garage sale ad:
After, with 2.5 years of patience, finding parts, and gentle, GENTLE cleaning and refurb. All original paint and chrome: