A friend picked this 41 Western Flyer up at an estate sale and is trying to figure out who made it. Hes been told its made by Shelby, another person says Cleavland Welding, I think its a Dayton. Does anyone Know?
Who made this Western Auto Branded Bike
- Thread starter Bicyclerick
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That is a sweet bike. Seat, springer, frame.....everything. I love it. I thought Western Flyer was a bike builder. I don't know anything really, just that I've seen a lot of Western Flyer bikes. Is Western Flyer a department store brand or something?
99% sure it's a Huffman, and probably late 40s. That's their 'swirl' chainring, different from Wald's, and late 30s Hawthornes. Also that's Huffman's springer, similar to Shelby's 50s springer. And Dayton was part of Huffman, so... -Adam
Yep...Huffman built. Probably a '41 due to the fact it has a built in seat clamp and bolt on kick stand. '40's had a welded on stand and 39's had less of a curve to the down tube. '38 and back had a straight down tube and post war stuff had a strap type seat clamp.
Thanx to Rick for posting this for me & also to all who took the time to send in their comments.She very quickly became a personal favorite to ride.I will correct Rick on one thing (although not his fault :shock: ) as it was a true barn find from northern Missouri that a friend found for me.I got it covered in bird poop & all manner of mean,nasty,ugly dirty things so I thought 'Man...finally one I can paint & restore...' not to be.I got it on New Years Day,(Thanx PonyTail) and when cleaned revealed this beautiful patina & tri-color frame (red
yellow & burgundy).I personally think that to paint this bike would be sinful & anyone doing so should be taken out back behind the wood-
shed & have the "board" of education applied to their "seat" of learning.The "Wiggler",fender ornamentation,saddlebags & vintage flashlight with the holder were added by me.The seat is original to the bike but the old oil cloth cover was in such bad shape that my pal Harold (North Kansas City Auto Trim) had to recover it for me using an old leather jacket I got at a thrift store, but saving what was left of the original cover for posterity's sake.So the next time you attend a "people's choice" judged bicycle show,consider the survivors & not just new paint & shiny chrome...they are only original once...PAPPY 8)
yellow & burgundy).I personally think that to paint this bike would be sinful & anyone doing so should be taken out back behind the wood-
shed & have the "board" of education applied to their "seat" of learning.The "Wiggler",fender ornamentation,saddlebags & vintage flashlight with the holder were added by me.The seat is original to the bike but the old oil cloth cover was in such bad shape that my pal Harold (North Kansas City Auto Trim) had to recover it for me using an old leather jacket I got at a thrift store, but saving what was left of the original cover for posterity's sake.So the next time you attend a "people's choice" judged bicycle show,consider the survivors & not just new paint & shiny chrome...they are only original once...PAPPY 8)
ive always had a hard time deciding what should be left original, restored to original, or modified. its always an arguable subject riddled with opinions. however, you brought up the most important thing, its one of your favorites to ride. after all, it doesnt matter if you rod it or leave 'er stock, as long as you enjoy the ride. great bike, glad your having fun with it your way. and im not just saying this cause im scared of a trip to the woodshed!
