OK, so they were not the greatest bikes ever re-badged, but I'm sure there are a few of you that owned one while growing up. Mine was a basic black and white 3-speed that I received sometime in the 60's. When this '77 Murray-built Flyer was in need of a new home and some TLC, I couldn't resist. I gave it a fresh coat of paint, added the twist-shifter, a new seat, package carrier, and a custom-made mesquite chain guard. Compare the before and after photos below - I think it came out looking pretty good!

good job !! did you forget one of your grips ?

No, but it is hard to find a white grip that matches the "twist-shift" grip on the right. Any ideas? BTW, I just spotted a ladies blue WF frame that is similar to this one on CList. I think I will pick it up and restore it for my wife.

Here is a set of his and hers Western Flyers that I did for myself and my wife. The red one sports a custom-made mesquite chain guard. Both have Shimano 3-speed hubs.

Here's a curbside find I saved from the landfill:

I like, but you really need to replace those tie-wraps with proper springy brake cable clamps.

I agree. I found some spring-type cable clamps on ebay for about $3 each. Anybody know where to get them for less?

My first 10+ mile bike ride was on a used 10 speed British green colored Western Flyer. How it came into my possession, I haven't a clue. It could have been an abandon ride from older siblings, or left by one of their friends, but I claimed it as my own as soon as I was big enough to straddle the top bar. Even after all my friends bailed out on me on that first ride, turning around after the first leg, I finished that ride with a seed of confidence planted within my youthful head that continues with me today. The idea that "maybe bicycling was something that I was good at". So I owe a lot to be brand.