Sears Cruiser... Just bought it & want some info on it

[cupcakecruiser]

I came across an old Sears cruiser at a garage sale and had to have it, I paid only $30 for it but I don't know what model it is or what year.
All I know is that I'm truly inlove with it and for however old it is it's in great shape and rides better than any new bikes i've been on.

Any information anyone can give me will be greatly appreciated.

thanks.

 

[Rat Rod]

That's a great looking bike for sure.

Someone on the forum here should be able to help with the age.

Pretty sure that the bike was made by Murray or JC Higgins for Sears back then.

 

[OUTLAW]

looks like a murray. will need a serial # so someone can figure it out, and some better pics.

Outlaw 8)

 

[cupcakecruiser]

here are some more pictures... don't know if they will help any. i can't seem to find the serial # though.

 

[cupcakecruiser]

alright i found the #
it's # 171563804

 

[Rat Rod]

Okay...someone needs to help her out...I invited her here from the CL and I know yall can come through with the info she needs. :mrgreen:

 

[tikiharl]

Didnt Murray frames have a much more pointed dropout ?

If it is a Murray you may have to guesstimate the year by comparing it to old advertisements.
I never could find out much info w/ the serial #

 

[banana seat Brian]

ok i think the first number is the last number of the year and the 2nd is the month,,,,,so i think

 

[johnny nightwolf]

Definitely a Murray (obviously branded as a Sears). Probably late 60s early 70s judging by the chain guard. Looks just like the chain guard on my late 60s Murray Wildcat muscle bike.

 

[Rustinkerer]

Just took a look in the Elgin/JC Higgins/Hawthorne book. Sears started downplaying the JC H name around 62-63. There are lightweights with the metal Sears badge in 1964 ads, and it looks like they went with it on all bikes by 65ish. definitely made by Murray, with the classic sprocket, 'tail fin' chainguard, and pointy rear dropouts. Almost all the 58 and later Sears/JCH bikes were made by them, but not 100%! The 1960 spring/summer catalog page shows an obviously Westfield/Columbia built bike! ~Adam

 

[tnt1]

It looks to have a comet super rear hub.So that would be late 50s early 60s. nice bike Tony

 

[cupcakecruiser]

Well now I'm debating whether I should leave it as is or customize it the way I want...

 

[ratina]

Well now I'm debating whether I should leave it as is or customize it the way I want...

Well if you like the original paint/patina I would try to clean and polish it the best I could, and myabe paint the rims.

Otherwise its your bike, go nuts!

 

[cupcakecruiser]

well i just bought some new grips and tires... i think i'm going to clean the rims up as best as i can and just leave it... i like the rat rod feel of it.

but i'll be buying more bikes very soon!

 

[Rat Rod]

Clear out the garage...these babies multiply like rabbits. :shock:

 

[schwinnmesa]

What ever it is... I love it! 8)

 

[stephen]

The whole bike's good but I really love the 50's style fin chainguard.

 

[CCR]

late 60s/early 70s, the early 60s had double top tubes and the 50s j.c higgins (named sears after 63) had a lug looking thing where the top tube met the seat tube. the frame is a murray and the serial # is a production # from murray which doesnt necessarily tell the year (murray made froms for a lot of bike co's) i have seen some stamped on the bottom of the BB tho with a month ## / year ##. but looks wise id say later 70s, the 60sish ones i find usually have chrome rims instead of painted. also if its a bendix hub it should say RB which was early 60s (maybe to ?65?), RB2 which was mid to late 60s, (schwinns are all ive seen the "bendix 70" brake arm on though)

paint looks really nice !!

if it was mine id probly paint the rims silver, add some electra redline retro runner tires, outline the white on the fender with red pinstripes and maybe swap the grips out for white ones and throw one of those "girly" star sprockets on there :mrgreen:

also reminds me of this bike too

http://www.arvadabike.com/bicycles/bike ... av_08a.JPG

sorry for the winded post

 

[tnt1]

Hey cupcakecruiser what does the rear brake arm have written on it let us know t/y Tony 8)

 

[FaceOFFbikes]

I am feeling it the way it is.. I like the rims like that.. Nice bike.