Raven

[RustyGold]

It may be MO followed by a letter...the letter in that case, is the year.

There is a good chance that if you pull out the stem, it's manufacture year will be stamped on it.

 

[Ravenshurst]

Serial numbers for Murray changed in the the late 80s or early 90s. If I remember correctly, there may be two sets of numbers on the head tube, one of which should start with MO#. The # is the last digit of the year. Decade has to be inferred by graphics, fork type, etc. That unicrown fork, the graphics, and being a six speed scream 90s to me.

The serial number appears to be MOPxx..;....
But, internet pictures have convinced me it is a mid 90s Beach Comber 6. Close enough for me at any rate. Thanks.

 

[RustyGold]

K is 94. O is probably not used. Probably '98. That's the latest one of seen.

 

[RustyGold]

"In 1998, Murray moved bicycle production from Lawrenceburg to a non-union factory in Mississippi. Production of all U.S.-made bicycles halted in 1999. In 2000, the Murray brand was acquired by Pacific Cycle, a U.S. distributor of bicycles produced in Taiwan and the People's Republic of China."

 

[Ravenshurst]

Someone posted that the build year may be on the stem, but now I can't find the post to thank them...

There a a few numbers and words on the stem, but the only one that looks like a date might be A 163 96....

So I'm going to go with '96.

I didn't get much done today. I am coming down with a cold.

I managed to get the fork off, I got the stickers off, the frame was roughed up with some 320, and I shot 3 coats of primer.

 

[Ravenshurst]

Well, that wasn't quite what I had planned.....

I may never learn how to properly post pictures. LOL

 

[RustyGold]

'96 was when the stem was made...that just means the bike was built that year or later. I know '93 and '94 are MOJ and MOK respectively...so, MOP is a pretty solid bet for '98.

 

[Ravenshurst]

Thanks RustyGold. I appreciate that.

 

[Ravenshurst]

Well, all of that unsightly shiny paint is taken care of....

 

[SpokeMan]

If that indeed came equipped with a 6 speed, hub spacing will be something to keep in mind when shopping for wheels. Externally geared hubs are wider than single speed coasters

I would suggest measuring the inside width of the rear drop outs. Most common modern bikes are usually 130-135. 5mm is nothing really. If i had to guess id bet that is a 130mm spacing. I'm sure a coaster hub, and or a internal hub would fit

 

[MattiThundrrr]

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html

 

[MattiThundrrr]

110 mm	Rear older track, coaster brake and other single-speed hubs. Also, front hubs for Downhill bikes with 20 mm axles.
114 mm	Rear 3-4-speed. This is US, U.K. Same as 4 1/2 inches.
120 mm	Rear 5-speed, Ultra 6, newer track hubs.
126 mm	Rear 6- and 7-speed (road).
130 mm	Rear 7-speed (MTB) and 8- 9- and 10-speed (road).
135 mm	Rear 7- 8- and 9-speed (MTB

 

[OddJob]

I like the flat black, Raven. Oh wait, I just got it....Raven....black. Sometimes I'm a little slow.

I agree with Spokeman on the rear drop out width. It's likely either 130 or 135 mm. And yes, if you get a wheel with 135 and the spacing is 130, no worries. That rear steel-stayed triangle is very compliant.

Looking forward to some parts coming your way and on the bike this weekend!

 

[Ravenshurst]

I would suggest measuring the inside width of the rear drop outs. Most common modern bikes are usually 130-135. 5mm is nothing really. If i had to guess id bet that is a 130mm spacing. I'm sure a coaster hub, and or a internal hub would fit

@SpokeMan Mags and discs has been the plan since I first started thinking about building a bike.

@MattiThundrrr Thanks for that chart. Pretty cool.

@OddJob My two favorite colors...Flat and Black.... Just kidding. But yeah, black....Raven....Ravenshurst...

I was going to name her 'Quoth", but figured no one would get it, and 'Nevermore" sounds a little too...final. And YES, can't wait to get some parts on her. Thanks for the free crank! I SO appreciate it.

 

[Ravenshurst]

Me: ...the only question is.....flat or gloss?

Captain Awesome: Why not both?

Me:

 

[Ravenshurst]

 

[Ravenshurst]

 

[Ravenshurst]

So...I didn’t want to take it apart, so I taped it...and pulled the chrome off with the tape....

 

[Ravenshurst]

Look what OddJob gave me......

 

[Ravenshurst]

ARRRGH!!!! Why can’t I figure out how to post photos, lol.