Classic & Vintage - Western Flyer: What's it worth?

Found what I think is a great score. came across a women's Western Flyer bicycle at a garage sale for $10! Has a red band rear hub - I think it's a Bendix two-speed kick back model? Aren't those rare and valuable? Paint job is metalflake green and pretty rough. Chrome chain guard and fenders are not bad.
What's it worth? Is it worth rebuilding it as an original, or converting that rear hub to a 26 inch wheel on another project and just rebuilding the old frame as a beater?

I bet it's worth at least $10

What's printed on the hub's brake arm? There was a non-kickback Bendix with a single red strip on it. If it's a two-speed kickback and it actually works and it has 36 holes, you could get $30-$60 for it on eBay if the planets are aligned.

Neal

Do you have any pictures? I just sold a womens (Norman) Western Flyer for $100.00 (cost of rebuild was about 45.00). I did not make much, but I loved that bike.

I'll have to check on that. Even if it's not a kickback hub, I'm sure with some TLC I could flip the bike and make a profit.

"Do you have any pictures? I just sold a womens (Norman) Western Flyer for $100.00 (cost of rebuild was about 45.00)." Sounds about right.

Lot's of ladies bikes out there. Nice men's bikes are harder to find. The earlier years of mountain biking took it's toll on those old cruisers.

It's worth around $3.50, but could be more or less depending on where you live.

It's worth around $3.50, but could be more or less depending on where you live.

Darn -that's about the same rate of return as my stock portfolio!!!!

What's printed on the hub's brake arm? There was a non-kickback Bendix with a single red strip on it. If it's a two-speed kickback and it actually works and it has 36 holes, you could get $30-$60 for it on eBay if the planets are aligned.

Neal

Finally got around to checking. It has 36 holes, and the brake arm says "Bendix USA RD2". Haven't tested if for function - it needs serious cleaning. Maybe I should keep it and build up a personal steed (you can't have too many bikes!!!)

I would almost pay you to junk it. I have been on a crusade for forty years. I had a Western Flyer way back there. That thing was the most dangerous thing I ever sat upon. It tried to kill me on numerous occasions. The things that bike would do was truly baffling...like it was possessed or something. :lol::lol:Have hated them ever since. Rant off.:thumb:

Well, I dug through an OLD (70's) bike repair manual I had forgotten I had, and it listed the different Bendix hubs. Upon closer examination and cleaning I discovered the hub is an RB2 - single speed. So I answered my question.
I'm one for hard luck cases. This thing needs alot of love, but I think I can bring it back to good riding shape. Under all the dirt, grease, and rust, the chrome still REALLY shines. So I think I'll rebuild it and sell it as a classic - some college kid will love it. Maybe I'll post some before and after pics.
Thanks for all the tips!