Zenith Bike. ID help

[RonB]

Only number I can find is under the bottom bracket and it just has the number 26
Anybody have a idea? 28 inch wheels and internal hub 3 spd

 

[Phil Fink]

HP Snyder built, distributed by DP Harris, (Rollfast), sold by Marshall Wells hardware stores, Duluth Minnesota.
See the “R” (Rollfast) chain ring sprocket; maybe later 1940’s. The lip on the front of the seat post clamp is also a Snyder feature.
Look under the stand clamp on the seat tube mast (close to the pulley) for a serial number, consisting of a letter (year) and six digits.

 

[RonB]

I will check for a number there. Thank you for your time

 

[RonB]

Ok numbers are J151204. Guess basically trying to figure out what to do. Leave it alone, sell, part and sell, restore?? I have no idea of value in any state at this point.

 

[RonB]

Other then paint and the seat it is in pretty good dang shape

 

[Couch tater]

The hub looks like a Sturmey and it should have a date code on it that normally will get you within one year of the bikes age. If it is a SA hub, it is a not so common coaster, so there is that. 28" wheels are interesting because most of these older cruisers rolled on 26".

 

[horsefarmer]

Advise: Oil hub and chain get shifting. try to get air in the tires. Throw on a seat and give it a spin.

 

[Couch tater]

This bike would be an A++ donor for an early 28" wood wheeled frame.

 

[RonB]

Any idea on value. I am thinking that I might part out or selling. I already have to many projects. What would be fair

 

[Couch tater]

Depends on your local market. Around here (northern Illinois) I could probably get $150 for it ready to ride.

 

[RonB]

Ya ok. I’ll prob just part out then. Thanks a bunch for the info. Really appreciate it

 

[schwinn boy]

I could probably get $180 or so in southern AZ, but it would take a while to sell. None of the parts are particularly valuable so I’d keep it together and ride it, especially because that tall frame is pretty rare. I think linseed oil could work magic on that paint.

 

[RonB]

Any idea of the year? Here are numbers
J 151204

 

[Phil Fink]

Where is the “J” — on the seat tube mast or the left drop out? I have a couple of Rollfast 1953-K bikes that might indicate some letters were skipped, (or the code changed).
Thinking early middle-1950’s; about that time the date-place codes on the bottom were fairly light. Double check the “26” might it read “25EH” or “25SN” for a 1952 bike?
I understand the too many projects part; and diamond frames look so plain and hard to appreciate. I have sent 2 classic black D-frames to sandblast, and applied primer coats - but they are somewhat on back burner.

 

[RonB]

The number 26 left side is on the drop out. The J151204 is on the right side of seat tube