Western Flyer (Monark built) 1953?

[Big Ape]

I almost let my big mouth get in the way of purchasing this gem! I saw this bike 15 minutes after it was posted on Craigslist for $150.00. I emailed the guy as quick as I could (no phone number) and waited. Then, the next day, I emailed again.......... finally a response, "I am just too busy this weekend to show the bike, I can bring it to town some time this week and meet you somewhere. Great, I think that I am first in line for this bike. I email where I work and my hours, and offer to meet anywhere any time that suits him. No Response.................... 3 days later, I see that the ad is gone off of Craigslist!!!!! I am pissed and want to give this guy a piece of my mind! BUT, I wait and cool down so I can send a nice email, telling him that I thought I would get first shot at this bike, because he was the one that was too busy to show it. Waited........................................................................he showed up at my work Friday afternoon, said that he was sorry for taking so long.... busy busy. The reason that he took the ad down was because he had like 100 emails about the bike and he was sure that if I didn't take it... one of the next in line surely would. Dang, no bargaining....I handed him $150.00 and smiled as I rolled it into the building. My best guess is 1953, but I think that Rustinkerer can tell me for sure.

It is basically a Monark Rocket that is badged a Western Flyer, although it does have more chrome that the basic Rocket.

The pics of this bike showed flat ww tires. Added air! A VERY NICE set of Carlisle Lightning Darts w/ Indian heads!

Anybody know what headlight belongs on this fender? Basic delta torpedo, I am guessing.

I wanting to try and bring the old paint back to life. Any pointers? Flitz, 000 steel wool, boiled linseed oil????

 

[late for dinner]

That's a wicked find and good back story.
Start with softest cleaners possible and work your way up. Boiled linseed sounds right when you get the paint to where you want it.
Nice set of tires on it too and light was likely Torpedo-esque.
Real Sweet Bike- Score!

 

[Big Ape]

Thanks man, I have a delta hawk that I painted red/black/white to match my last build off bike. Then I decided not to use it, it might match this bike pretty well......I think I'll bolt it on, it should look o.k.

 

[blwnmny]

Nice find Big Ape! That thing is sweet!

 

[Jarod24]

Very nice score! killer deal. Looks pretty clean as it sits.

 

[syclesavage]

You didn't buy that bike you had it GIVEN to ya!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck with it.

 

[Terry66]

Really cool. I had never seen a Monark Flyer with the jet graphics. Learn something new everyday. About a month ago, I found a CWC version but the graphics are a bit different.

As far as cleaning, I wouldn't hit the graphics with chemicals or steel wool! Sharp bike man

 

[blwnmny]

Speaking of sharp, How's yours looking these days Terry? I'm keeping my eye's out for any updates! 2 really Cool bikes you 2 guys have.

 

[blwnmny]

Another reason I won't be getting rid of this one anytime soon. Love the themes on these!

 

[Big Ape]

Really cool. I had never seen a Monark Flyer with the jet graphics. Learn something new everyday. About a month ago, I found a CWC version but the graphics are a bit different.

As far as cleaning, I wouldn't hit the graphics with chemicals or steel wool! Sharp bike man

Yeah, I was worried about cleaning the graphic completely off of the tank! I have seen 5 or 6 Monark rockets, but I am thinking that this Flyer is fairly rare. I have the cwc tank too, the graphic is almost identical.

 

[Big Ape]

View attachment 10692 Another reason I won't be getting rid of this one anytime soon. Love the themes on these!

That is what muscle bikes would have looked like if they started building them in the 50's.

 

[Junkhunter]

I wouldn't use steel wool at all. Be very careful trying different cleaners.