J.C. Higgins Identification/Info help please

[skillsthebarber]

I got this Higgins from forum member Simple Man and Im looking for a little info on it. he said its a 1948 but im having trouble findind the serial numbers for higgins bicycles. Im pretty sure it was built my Murray but the only serial numbers i found start at 1949
here is the serial number on the dropout

Also here is a pic of the bike the way that I bought it. I cant figure out what model it is. I would like to get a tank/chainguard and rear fender for it but because I dont know what model it is im not shure what ones to start looking for. Any help would be appreciated

 

[deorman]

It looks like a Columbia to me.

Chart says '49. http://www.vintagecolumbiabikes.com/id79.html

 

[user 135]

It does look Columbia. The top bar passing through the seat area is a good indicator. Looks like the serial number confirms it too.

I am interested in that Bottom bracket/crank. Looks different.

 

[skillsthebarber]

thanks for the help, is thee any pics you would like of the BB?

 

[rms37]

The bike is a Westfield built JCH and the serial number equates to 1949 (see http://www.vintagecolumbiabikes.com/id79.html). Murray had the lions share of Sears bicycle business in the 40’s and 50’s but in the early postwar years Sears did sell Higgins that were built by Monark, Westfield, and even Shelby. Other manufacturers may also have produced for Sears in small numbers as the country was hungry for bicycles after WW2 shortages and Sears needed more than one supplier to meet demand.

This is also a good place to note that the current system for dating Murray products is not correct for the bicycles produced between 1936 and roughly the mid fifties. I’m hopping to do a piece on the subject soon when I have time to address it.

 

[skillsthebarber]

thanks for the help guys, If i want to find a tank and chainguard for it what model name should i be looking for?

 

[deorman]

Goodyear Hi-way Patrol is one. There's definitely others.

 

[Rustinkerer]

cant figure out what model it is. I would like to get a tank/chainguard and rear fender for it but because I dont know what model it is im not shure what ones to start looking for. Any help would be appreciated

This is a tough one, because the only Westfield built JCH is a 1960 canti frame middleweight! But, I'd say that the Columbia 3 and 5 star tanks should fit, and it probably had the "Half" chainguard, essentially the top half of the 3/5 star wraparound guard. Most of the Westfield/Monark/Huffy/ built JCH's were lower end models without a lot of extra features like tanks and racks. Though the one in the 60 catalog has both, plus truss rods and a fender light! -Adam

 

[deorman]

I can't say what, if any, tank would be "correct" on there, but to the best of my knowledge, just about any Columbia/Westfield tank from post WW2 up to about '60 should fit right on there. Columbia, Goodyear, some Western flyers, apparently JCH, '86 RX-5.

 

[M.Martian]

This is also a good place to note that the current system for dating Murray products is not correct for the bicycles produced between 1936 and roughly the mid fifties. I’m hopping to do a piece on the subject soon when I have time to address it.

Phil,

Did you notice this thread over in the intro section?
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=31491

I pointed him to my thread over on thecabe that you filled in info for me on my Murray build. His frame looks identical to mine except for having a rear wheel stand. I didn't realize you were here also. :mrgreen: