1942 DP Harris Black Beauty

[the_undecider]

 

[the_undecider]

I picked up this Snyder built (Michigan City, IN) DP Harris with a Black Beauty head badge a few weeks ago. Guy I bought it from dug it out of his parents' shed in El Paso and it still wears a 1950 El Paso bicycle license. Based on how the bike looked, I fon't think it's been on the roaf since the 1950's.

This was an incredibly solid bike that gave very little fight in being disassembled. Other than replacing a front axle, a few bearing balls, and a couple bits of hardware, everything was there except hand grips. The original US Rpyal Chain Treads were there, but nearly fossilized, so I dourced some reproductions and of course new tubes and rim strips.

This looks to be original paint. I don't know if it is missing a tank or rear rack. Given this is a war era bike, I suspect it may not have come with those items to save resources for the war effort. The fenders are a pretty thin gauge steel. It's interesting to have a tankless bike with the nicer Rollfast springer fork.

 

[Markm]

Man, that's SWEET!!

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

gorgeous bike! Looks like maybe you've got my grips on there.

 

[the_undecider]

gorgeous bike! Looks like maybe you've got my grips on there.

Thanks! The grips are "Fenix" brand from Amazon.

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

Thanks! The grips are "Fenix" brand from Amazon.

oh ok. They look just like the ones I sell.

 

[the_undecider]

oh ok. They look just like the ones I sell.

These are definitely a thicker, softer rubber than the original grips from the era. I wouldn't mind finding something closer to the genuine article.

 

[Pondo]

That's a beautiful bike! I do more mods than originals but I'd love to have an original like that in my collection.

 

[Duhawki]

Quite possible the coolest bike I have seen in the last decade or so.

 

[Greg and Sammy]

Love it. Want it. Congratulations.

 

[Mr. Monkeyarms]

Great colors!