1950's General Badged Columbia?

[fenderhead]

I just got this off ebay for my Dad who is turning 60 this month so it should be very close to his birth year. I'll have to check the serial # when it arrives. Does anyone have any more info on this bike? It claims to have original paint on the frame but all reference pics I see have two toned paint schemes and I can't find any info on the "General" badge or brand (where it was sold etc.) Is the front fork accurate from the pics? it was obviously replaced at some point. I want to give my Dad a nice rider that he'll be able to enjoy riding with my Mom so I just want to tune it up and maybe add a rear rack, springer fork and tank if they can be had a good price.

 

[The Black Monark]

From my experience bikes with name tags such as "General", "Leader", etc were the "value-priced" models w/o the goodies, ie: tanks, spring-forks, etc. However, the fork has been replaced on this one; how was it when new?
Time, cost, fit issues to find tank and spring fork might add up to finding a complete bike with the features you want as the better option.

 

[fenderhead]

thanks for the info and I agree that those parts would add up quick. Ultimately I just want a nice rider for my Pop so I really don't need to try to make it something it wasn't originally.

 

[The Black Monark]

up, that one looks like it would be a great rider as it sits.
clean, overhaul, enjoy!

 

[Nagant]

I don't speak from vast experience or anything but I agree with Black Monark. I would just go through it maintenance wise, clean it up nicely, and give it to your Dad as it is. It's a very nice looking bike. If you get the time post some pics of it after you receive it. Maybe some before and after shots.

 

[LukeTheJoker]

It is a beautiful bike as is!

Luke.

 

[fenderhead]

Yeah, I'll definitely post some pics after I go over it and clean it up if it needs it. Looks like the fork and the chain guard have a coat of primer on them. I was thinking of trying to match the maroon paint color with some rattle cans and maybe cutting out a "Columbia Built" stencil for the chain guard as well. What do you guys think?

 

[deorman]

Sounds like a plan. The fork crown isn't identical to a Columbia, but it looks like it fits like a glove, good to go for a rider. 8)