Derby 1939

[77XLT]

This may be the most interesting bike I have got my hands on. It's a 1939+- Derby from the Mercury/Murray family. The tires appear to be original with some checking. The seat is the only part I have that a question on its originality. The rear fender is missing a reflector,
and I am not sure if it came with a side kick stand or the rear center stand.



I think I can clean the wheels back to chrome.

Derby head badge, NOT held on with screws; that did not come off easy.

 

[77XLT]

BONES

Box of bones.

A wise onlooker.

 

[galleta loco]

Sweet I wouldn't touch that frame!

 

[77XLT]

Sweet I wouldn't touch that frame!

I'm not going to chop it, if that is what you mean. I plan to do full restore on this one. Send the bars and truss rods to be chromed. I am considering powder coat finish, I have not decided on black or dark red. I will pin stripe to replicate the classic Mercury style.

 

[The Renaissance Man]

Cool find!
It was made for the drop stand.

 

[77XLT]

Cool find!
It was made for the drop stand.

I bet you are right. The Mercury designed by Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky was the first with a built in side stand. This Derby (cousin of the Merc) has the drop stand with the catch/hook and it's riveted to fender and it looks original.

 

[77XLT]

??? Does anyone know if this seat is original to this bike?

There is no spring on the front of seat. Would a prewar bike have this style seat?

 

[77XLT]

Can anyone tell if this is a proper seat for a prewar 1939 Derby?
I am working on a restoration, and would like to know if this seat is
original to the bike.

 

[77XLT]

Thanks, that helps going forward.

 

[77XLT]

The parts are back from powder coating, and laying down the accents are next.

 

[LukeTheJoker]

That looks nice! Great colour choice!

Luke.

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

That's gonna be beautiful.

 

[77XLT]

I will most like paint the trim almond, but black trim may be an option.
Any opinions out there?

 

[HxCforever]

I like the almond idea or maybe a championship white.

 

[77XLT]

Taped off, scuffed and ready to paint trim.

 

[77XLT]

The trim work came out well, a little touch up, and let the paint set for a week.
I may be riding before the snow flies.

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Looking very nice!

Luke.

 

[77XLT]

Any advice on tire color? White walls, red, cream, brick or red?

 

[kingfish254]

Any advice on tire color? White walls, red, cream, brick or red?

I would go with crème. Brick reds would get lost.

 

[Jarod24]

I would go with crème. Brick reds would get lost.

I agree, cream will look the best I think. Your bike looks awesome. I wanna see this one all put together.