Ross Deluxe tank bike

[expjawa]

Does anyone know about Ross bikes? The wikipedia entry for Ross is short, but claims the company was big once, a near-rival to Schwinn. If the company was that prominent, why are there so few around or so few people that know about them? I'd only heard of the brand because my sisters' both had matching Ross townie-type bikes when we were kids (they're still in my parents' attic).

Anyway, I've narrowed down the Ross tank bike that I picked up last week to a late '50s/early '60s. I have found a few pictures on this site of a Ross Super Deluxe, which is all but identical to the bike I've got, save for having chrome fenders, where mine are painted, and an ornament on the front fender. Oh, and the chainguard on mine says "Deluxe" instead of "Super Deluxe" - different placement, and larger font, so its not like the "Super" was worn off. I've also come across pics of a Ross Deluxe of the same era, but was missing the tank, the fenders, but was otherwise the same as mine. Here are a few shots:

I think this would be a cool bike if restored, and I think that doing so is within the realm of possibility. The only part that needs real repair is the rear carrier, the front tabs of which are bent and fatigued (one is broken off). But I think I could fix it. OTOH, I could patch it up, replace the rear wheel and chain and just ride it as is. Restoring it might be a bit difficult if I can't really figure out what it's supposed to look like.

So, if anyone has any insight or ideas, I would very much appreciate it.

 

[KZ1000]

Here is one I have and have since restored for my middle son

 

[inshane64]

the frame looks EXACTLY like my sears spaceliner i think they are the same as a flightliner too!

 

[expjawa]

Here is one I have and have since restored for my middle son

I'd love to see how it looks post-restoration. Do the lower top tubes have a screw or something to attact them to the main top tubes at the back? They're loose on mine. Also, what did you do about the chrome plating on the headlight bezel?

Thanks

 

[Rustinkerer]

the frame looks EXACTLY like my sears spaceliner i think they are the same as a flightliner too!

Actually if you put them side by side you can see how they're different. Flightliners and most other bikes made for Sears after 1938 were made by Murray. Ross was the "house brand" of the Chain Bicycle Co. out of Rockaway Beach, NY. They were big during the 60s, but soon faded. And this is at least the 5th Ross threas I've responded to this week! WHERE are they all coming from???? :shock: :lol: Once again, I'll mention that CBC was the least documented bike co.! There's not a whole lot of info out there. But there are a bunch off cool bikes still out there! -Adam 8)

 

[jd56]

Here is my 1958-59 Ross Deluxe. The paint is original from what I can tell. The tank light chromed cover is no longer chromed (like to have it chromed though), the seat and handle bars are not correct. The fenders are missing and the tires had been replaced.

I can't get the light contacts to stay functional and the wiring to the slide switch had been tampered with.
I wanted to change out the screw-in flashlight bulbs with red LEDs which would look cool. That's a project in thought only at the moment.
This is a real head turner though. My wife and I cruise the streets and boardwalk in Va. Beach and I just acquired her a 53 Shelby Traveler that will complement this ride and of course that would replace her $75 Kmart cruiser.

 

[expjawa]

I think that's exactly what I have. Where the fenders painted or chromed? Any chance you'd take close-up pictures of the graphics on it? Most of mine are worn off.