Columbia question - need answer asap

[GameBent]

Hello fellow bike addict...enthusiasts.
I recently bought a Columbia Fire Arrow almost identical to this one minus the tank for $100.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=19830

It's also in pretty much the same condition. I'm not sure if it's multi-speed, but there is no shifter cable.
Anyway, upon closer inspection, I realized that the steerer tube is broken off in the nut that goes on top. Arrrggghhhh!!!
The seller offered to refund my money, and I'm wondering how difficult it might be to get a replacement fork of the same era.
I have to give him my answer tomorrow. Should I return the bike or did I still get a good deal?

 

[udallcustombikes]

I would keep it. You have two options.

1. Find a replacement fork. Shouldn't be terribly difficult to find one on here. I would guess less than $30 unless it is a springer.

2. Replace the steer tube. Find another fork with the same size steer tube (length and diameter). Then cut them both off and weld the good one back to the forks. If you can't weld it yourself, take it to a metal shop and have them do it. Again around $30.

If it is a springer fork I would go with the second option.
The main thing to consider is if you want to keep the bike original.

Hope that helps!

 

[GameBent]

I researched it a bit and discovered that the seat, cranks and grips aren't original.
Combine that with the missing tank, broken steerer tube, and lack of multispeed, and I don't think it's worth $100.
I returned it already.
Thanks for the info Udall. It's useful knowledge for future projects.