Need help ID'ing this pre-war "Schwinn"...

[Paul M]

1st post here. I picked up an old "Schwinn" on craisglist this weekend - after doing a bit of research it looks like the badge is not correct. Looks like a pre-war bike but I'm not sure that anything but the badge and the saddle are Schwinn. Tires are 26 x 1 3/4" and are newer kendras. Wheels may be newer.

Also curious if bike has any collector interest before I start modifing it. Are there any replacement seat posts that work with modern saddles? The one on the bike is a bit rusty and has a bend in it.

 

[hammer mechanic]

Hello, welcome to the forum.
From what I can see, the frame looks like some sort of Murray built piece. The lug where the top tube joins the seat tube looks like most of my JC Higgins frames. It would be nice to see the entire frame from the side. Also, is there a serial # under the bottom bracket(crank hanger)? Looks like someone hung a bunch of 60's schwinn parts on this frame.
This frame takes a 5/8" post, probably stuck with that.
No original parts so I would modify away.
Good luck and have fun,
Tom H

 

[Fv2]

If no serial number under the crank, check the dropouts. Where the rear wheel bolts in.
As hammer said, a full side shot would help.

 

[Paul M]

here is a side shot

IMG_0023_3

• Paul M
• Oct 1, 2017

 

[Rustinkerer]

Yes, it's a Murray built frame, they built these into the '50s. Added Schwinn badge, seat, and wheels. The BB codes will narrow things down. ~Adam

 

[Paul M]

Here is the serial #

IMG_0004

• Paul M
• Oct 6, 2017

 

[hammer mechanic]

According to one of my sources, the MO-L dates to 1947. While I wouldn't bet the farm on it, that is probably pretty close. I think Murray went away from the rear facing dropouts around that time.

 

[Wildcat]

I agree with hammer mechanic. I read a thread on a Firestone bike, made by Murray. Same frame as yours, with rear facing dropouts. According to what I read, Murray went to forward facing in the late 40's, the earlier rear facing were post war, making 1947 very likely for your frame.

The thread from the CABE:
https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/firestone-pilot.7676/

 

[Wildcat]

Forward facing dropouts came after the rear facing, (edit doesn't work on my post).

 

[Paul M]

Since this bike was a cludge I pulled wheels to compete another schwinn and posted the frame and rest of parts for sale.

http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/in...y-cruiser-frame-schwinn-parts-50-nova.104909/