ORBO The Higgins's

[metalchewy]

Picked this '52 Monark built JC Higgins up last August. It has Klunkin Bomber written all over it. No cluster, but with a 2 speed it'll klunk, but look like a Bomber coaster.

Not sure if I will suspension fork it, or keep the trusses, as I ride it will make the decision.

The rack has to go.

Bottom bracket will get an upgrade as well. I have a haro 180mm set of cranks that will fit the bill.

As for Monark Built Higgins, I've seen a few but not many. Even the catalog for 52 shows the Murray's. Only catalog reference stating the strongest frames shows a monark frame.

I have a few Slingshot stems lined up to pick from and a couple MX bars.

Will be a fun to build and fun to ride. Hopefully by the end of today it will look more like a bomber and not just a cruiser...

 

[Pondo]

That's going to be an awesome klunk! I love the original paint. Those truss rods look great, I'd be tempted to keep those but maybe paired with an 80s mtb rigid fork. The originals don't look super strong. Great build plan!

 

[Bike from the Dead]

That's going to be one sweet klunker/bomber! I've seen a few Monark klunkers before, and they're always cool. Looking forward to seeing yours come together!

 

[metalchewy]

That's going to be an awesome klunk! I love the original paint. Those truss rods look great, I'd be tempted to keep those but maybe paired with an 80s mtb rigid fork. The originals don't look super strong. Great build plan!

Thanks Pondo, looking for a 4130 fork, that will fit the bill.

That's going to be one sweet klunker/bomber! I've seen a few Monark klunkers before, and they're always cool. Looking forward to seeing yours come together!

Thanks BFTD. Was stoked when I picked it up. Wanted a full sized monark for awhile now.

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Pretty busy day today. Started a build. Spent a few hours downtown at Fool's Gold Tattoo with the wife. Then took the old dart on a New Year Day cruise with the top down.

Worked on the bike when I got back. Made some progress but sliced my finger on one of those hard beads on those old Whitewalls. Called it a day about 5pm on it.

Hopefully it will be a rider tomorrow after work.

 

[metalchewy]

Rode it for the first time after work. Just a mockup, no where near covering the details yet.

SR MTS 101 quill stem.

Found some forks in the shed that almost match the color.

Stole some wheels for the mockup to be able to ride it (picture them red without checkerboards). Seat is in the right spot, no need for underdrive.

52/22 gearing is a good ratio for that overdrive hub. But red band will be an underdrive. Will have to change the front sprocket when I start on the drivetrain.

 

[metalchewy]

Cleaned up the stamping plate on the bottom bracket. Sears Model/part #505 275D

Not fully sure if that's an uptick or an A preceding the serial number would mean though (Think its an A). ^1369860 or a A1369860??

Thoughts?

 

[Bike from the Dead]

Cleaned up the stamping plate on the bottom bracket. Sears Model/part #505 275D
View attachment 285787
Not fully sure if that's an uptick or an A preceding the serial number would mean though (Think its an A). ^1369860 or a A1369860??

Thoughts?

That's got to be an A. I don't think they did upticks on serial numbers back in the '40s or the '50s.

 

[dropstep]

for some reason monarks are my favorite frames fit wise for klunkers

 

[metalchewy]

for some reason monarks are my favorite frames fit wise for klunkers

Funny you say that, was thinking as i put those on it, there is soo much room for those 2.35s. The chain is closer to the tire than the chain stays. Seat stays have even more room.

 

[Pondo]

Looking good already! Looks like this is going to be a quick build for you.

 

[metalchewy]

Looking good already! Looks like this is going to be a quick build for you.

Thanks Pondo!!

Yes, hopefully a 3-4 week build. A lot of work yet todo and figure out. Will definitely be done by the time the superbowl comes around.

I Still have the 2 speed wheelset building todo. The red hoops should be here Tuesday, and will calculate spoke length and start building the wheels up.

Those Tough Tom's fit so well I ordered another pair for this build. Those blue wheels and tires will go back on the bike they came from.

I will do the bottom bracket changeover to a 3 piece crank BMX today or tomorrow. I may swap some aluminum bars in.

Im still trying to figure out which size front sprocket will go best with the 18 tooth bendix red band.

Need to make a trip to the a few goodwills looking for leather handbags, or the Tandy leather store, to pick out the leather for the seat, and put that together.