Western Flyer with Rocket Ray, quick find

[yoothgeye]

I was going through the local Facebook buy/sell group making sure all my old ads were deleted, I came across somewhere that I was asking for leads on old bikes, there was a really old reply of a guy who said he had an old Western Flyer, this was February of 2012. So I shot the guy a message and he still had the bike, I asked for more info, he sent me a photo, I offered $40, he countered with $50 for the older bike and a newer (70s) Western Flyer ladies bike. I said deal and asked where he lived, he said he would deliver. 10 minutes later he was at my house. Well, that escalated quickly.

Here's the boys bike, didn't take picture of other, nothing special.

Pretty crusty:

Looks like a rat to me:

 

[kingfish254]

Crusty, but pretty complete. That guard looks Huffy/Huffman to me.
The graphics look to still be in good shape considering the rust elsewhere.
VERY COOL FIND!!!

 

[Rockit!]

This would be a fun one to try to bring back!

 

[yoothgeye]

I will give this one the same treatment as my '56 JC Higgins, carefully steel wool off the crusty stuff, save the graphics, apply linseed oil, make rideable.

 

[kingfish254]

Good plan. Stabilize the rust, then preserve the story it tells.

 

[yoothgeye]

I thought that it was a 26" when he sent the photo, was a little disappointed when I saw it was 24" but still happy with the deal.

 

[yoothgeye]

Oh, and just out of curiosity, I flipped that switch on the Rocket Ray expecting fully rusted firm, and it switches as smooth as silk,

 

[kingfish254]

I can't find one with that cool jet on it, but that guard is definitely a Huffy.

 

[yoothgeye]

I did a quick Google search and saw someone listing a "Huffy made Western Flyer" so no discrepancy there since Western Flyer was a store brand and Huffy a bike builder.

 

[kingfish254]

Yeah, Western Auto used many builders for their bikes. including Huffy.

 

[yoothgeye]

I put air in the tires and rode it down the street, no issues. I took off the seat in the photo (a Messinger, but looks too new) and put on an older red seat that matches grips and pedals. Did an initial steel wood and WD40 job, colors coming out (black and red). Opened up the Super Rocket Ray and the battery tray is pristine, put in batteries and the switch works with volt meter, need to find my stash of little screw in flashlight bulbs to see it work. No photos because phone broke and too lazy to find my old camera.

 

[kingfish254]

Put apes and a nanner on it and enter the MBBO with it!

 

[tanksalot]

I didn't even consider the bike being a 24 inch bike until you mentioned it. Its still very cool & a worth while buy for the price though..

 

[yoothgeye]

So what year would this bike be, late 50s?

 

[late for dinner]

That's a sweet deal and a nice find with such rich character and completeness Yoothgeye.
Your plan for finishing sounds just perfect.
I'm looking forward to those update pics. Cool.

 

[kingfish254]

Looks like a 1955 Deluxe Tank Model

 

[blwnmny]

Post pictures when you get a chance! Love to see the after shot. Chris

 

[yoothgeye]

Looks like a 1955 Deluxe Tank Model

So looks like I was right on track with the red saddle. Wonder if anyone would trade me some 24" white walls for the Western Flyer original tires.

 

[yoothgeye]

And looking at that picture, every detail is the same, the forks with the "W" and pinstriping, same sprocket, red grips and pedals, Super Rocket Ray. I'm liking my purchase more and more.

The previous owner said that many years ago he was out hunting and found an old shed in the woods, falling down, and this bike was in it.

 

[kingfish254]

I got some kenda WW 24s you can have if you pay shipping.