37 colson fenders

[ozzmonaut]

I have plenty of different style fenders laying around. I just haven't been able to find any pics decent enough to tell me: Did 37 colsons have regular or peaked fenders? I'm guessing they had the flat braces, just not sure of the fender style.Thanks

 

[ozzmonaut]

I know somebody here must be the colson guru.

 

[udallcustombikes]

I don't think you would be called on it if you went either way. Here is a Colson Tandem from that era with peaked.

 

[rms37]

Here is an original (yes, really!) 1937 Colson Imperial from the 2008 Vintage Bicycle Concours at LeMay. Colsons used several different pattern fenders depending on the year and most are in one way or another specific to Colson. In 1937 the correct fenders are medium width and depth gothic (ridged) with a long front extension and flat braces, Another distinguishing feature of many Colson fenders from this period is that the normal stamped indent for chain clearance in the rear is typically cut out of the fender (looks like it was done at the factory with tin snips!)

 

[Ratfink1962]

Phil,

What about a (H8) 1938 Colson Tandem? Im pretty sure its supposed to have peaked fenders, but not sure if it takes flat braces or ?

 

[rms37]

Phil,

What about a (H8) 1938 Colson Tandem? Im pretty sure its supposed to have peaked fenders, but not sure if it takes flat braces or ?

It is interesting that the 1938 catalog still shows the earlier style Colson Tandem; the streamlined version like yours does not appear until the 1939 catalog. The change from one design to the other probably occurred during the first half of 1938 and was not documented until the arrival of the next catalog.

The illustration in the 1938 catalog shows the bike still wearing 1935 style Colson semi-raingutter type fenders, I’m surprised to see them offered that late. The 1939 catalog shows the streamline tandem with standard Colson gothic ridged fenders and what look to be flat braces. In general, Colson made the shift to thin stamped convex braces in 1940 and 1941. Even then, on the deluxe bikes with curved braces those braces were formed from flat stock.

Colson ridged gothic fenders for 1937 models are something of a one year offering and are a bit deeper and wider than the standard Colson pattern used in 1938 and later. The 1939 Tandem catalog illustration appears to use fenders very similar to those on the 1937 Imperial I posted but they may in fact be a bit narrower and less deep.

Considering the date of your bike I would assume it would have come with flat fender braces and ridged gothic fenders. Whether those fenders would have been 1937 or 1938 pattern is more difficult to be certain of but with the decision to make, I would opt for the easier to find 1938 and later variety.

 

[Ratfink1962]

Phil,

Thanks a bunch! figured if anyone would know... you would! 8)

 

[ozzmonaut]

Thanks from me as well. I looked at many pics, some looked regular and some peaked. I was kind of hoping for peaked since I've had a box of parts that I wanted to use on the 37 colson framest that is on its way. All of these parts just needed a frame and they are all period-correct. Now I'm not sure if I want to cannibalize a 37 ladies schwinn for the flat braces.

 

[Vintage1]

I've had my Colson since the early '90s and am now going to finally redo it. I'm looking for a few items one being the fenders that have curved mounting brackets that you have in the pic of the '37 Imperial. I spotted and have to ask if anyone has a set avail. Also I'm in need of the truss bars that are on the Imperial as my tandem has those forks. Thanx in advance!


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