unknown bike please help i.d.

[tim thompson]

Hello everyone im new to the group and was hoping someone can help me i.d this brand of bike and yr of production for my uncle and I.We picked it up the other night and neither of us knows much about the old balloon tire bikes and theres no badge or decals on it . I mainly work on bmx bikes so this isn't something im familiar with, any help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks Tim

 

[scrumblero]

Murray Flightliner.. 65' I think.

 

[tim thompson]

Thank you any idea on year

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

Serial # with MOD5####
Indicates 1965


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[tim thompson]

Thanks for the help guys very appreciated

 

[Phil Fink]

I believe that the serial with Mod 502 may indicate a Sears Roebuck catalog bicycle; every thing else about the bike is classic Murray-built (Double-Twin tube frame, pointy drop-outs, etc). Murray may have called theirs Strato-Flite, Speed Flite, Meteor Flite and Speed Flite.

The design was used from 1958 to about 1968(?). Sold by Murray, Sears, Western Auto, and many others. Tanks, racks, lights, and paint varied by year and/or the retailer's specifications.

 

[Phil Fink]

neither of us knows much about the old balloon tire bikes

It might be a "Speed-Weight" (middleweight) with 26" x 1.75" tires; balloon tires (2.125") may also fit if the fenders are removed (or tweaked).
When these lighter-weight new-style bicycles were introduced, the balloon bikes were relegated to the back-pages of the catalogs, and then discontinued all together.
The front hardware looks like what some call the faux springer or faux truss rods; not sure what year those were introduced (1963?).

A reason for a missing head badge might be due to a combination tank-headlight, that would wrap around the head tube. (Murray style custom twin headlights shown). If there is a metal tab behind the head tube, that may be another indication of a tank bike.

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

I think some of the number is the catalog page number.
Couldn't find the 1965 catalog online, but here's the middleweight page from 1964, top bike, the description mentions twin tubes

The 1966 middleweight looks like the standard cantilever frame

So, I'm sticking with 1965.....[emoji16]


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[Phil Fink]

A serial number 46900 might be a chrome bike; WD-40, Steel Wool #0000 and elbow grease may yield one like this:

 

[thunderbeard]

Youre a bmx guy. This is a good cheap frame to play with a drop out change. I did. Bolt on btw.

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