Elgin swap for my Spaceliner

[GuitarlCarl]

Yeah bye bye Spaceliner too small for me frame. Even though it was a sweet paint job, I traded frames with the cat who painted it. I'm giving him all the Spaceliner related stuff I have too, the rack and correct sprocket, chain guard and all. But I get this older and wiser, Elgin. Let the research begin, I haven't dated it yet but I will...

 

[kingfish254]

Let the research begin, I haven't dated it yet but I will...

It's always best to get to know her a little before you date her.

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

I think she might have BFD.

 

[Couch tater]

That one looks fun. I've got a pretty good Elgin & Higgins stash if you need parts for it.

 

[GuitarlCarl]

Ok so I found a few pics of prewar forks that match this one. It's very Elgin in it's assembly, very much like the step thru I cut up for El Chiggens. The headbadge has no Sears and Roebuck, also the older version of the V badge I think. Anybody know the serial number codes for Elgin?

 

[RustyGold]

That's not a standard Murray number...may be a PD number, I'd keep removing paint . Should be a '38-'39...MOS-D, MO D, or just MD.

 

[Wildcat]

Here's CABE thread that shows an SC number also, less than 2000 numbers from yours.

https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/elgin-serial-numbers.41735/

 

[RustyGold]

Here's CABE thread that shows an SC number also, less than 2000 numbers from yours.

https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/elgin-serial-numbers.41735/

Brilliant. I remember that now...and there being some SD and a couple SE out there as well. I tried to make it a 'Special Edition', but it is actually just a Murray serial with an S instead of an M. I don't remember anyone coming up with a concrete reason why.

SC same as MC which seems to be '38.

 

[RustyGold]

I might even have an SE stamped frame...but, can't remember for sure. If I do, that would make me doubly forgetful...and I'm not going to publicly admit that!

 

[GuitarlCarl]

I wish I had the tank. I think it should have the one that goes just past the seat tube a bit. Oh well I suppose I have next year's Main Event build off bike.

 

[JA331]

I like those frames without the tank as well. Great lines. Your frame looks to have the electro forged seat stay and traditional chain stays.

 

[RustyGold]

The frame progression from '38 to '42 makes it easy to date them. Not exactly year based, but more like an evolution.

'38-'39... conventional BB to chain stay, EF mono seat stay, straight seat mast.

'39-'40... EF BB to chain stay, EF mono seat stay, straight seat mast.

'40-'42... EF BB to chain stay, EF mono seat stay, curved seat mast.

 

[JA331]

@

The frame progression from '38 to '42 makes it easy to date them. Not exactly year based, but more like an evolution.

'38-'39... conventional BB to chain stay, EF mono seat stay, straight seat mast.

'39-'40... EF BB to chain stay, EF mono seat stay, straight seat mast.

'40-'42... EF BB to chain stay, EF mono seat stay, curved seat mast.

Thanks for the info. Good to know. I missed out on a WF ‘42 frame and fork last year and it still hurts.