While digging around, I found a few interesting things. First off, I found one front Dia Compe caliper. I'm not sure which model, as the only marking it has is "Dia Compe, Drop Forged". I also found a set of front/rear Weinmann 610 Vainqueur 999 brakes. These look to be in brand new condition. Any info on the brake parts would be awesome

Then, here's my big find, I'm really curious what you people think of this...







It's an old Columbia bike... A torpedo, I believe? single speed, with freewheel. Metal seat, lights front and rear... I have no idea what to think of this, I was hoping some of you could help me out. TIA!

where does one "dig" to find such treasures?

> I have no idea what to think of this

If I were you, I would think "What a wonderful find!"



But I suspect your real question is about the vintage of the bike, and I can't help there.

If, instead, you are thinking about how to dispose of the piece of crap, I could be convinced to take it off your hands!

Nice find, One day maybe I'll get lucky too ! All kinds of interesting bikes show up at my local thrift store. I go by there at least once a week to see what has been donated. Most people don't seem to have a clue what they have down here in South Florida.

I was just looking at a local Craigslist ad where someone is selling one of these in GREAT condition. Actually, they are selling three bikes as a lot for $600. (Personally, I like the red one of the three... great lines.)
https://boston.craigslist.org/bik/98471745.html

The Dia-Compe centerpulls generally have the model number (610, 750) on the back of one of the arms.

Nice bike, by the way!

Thats a beauty sir, and in rusty condition!! I'd kill to find a bike like that! Alls I find around here are those crappy road bikes usually.. you know those things with gears, and get this; rear AND front brakes which work with these strange cables?!, road bikes are a dime a dozen!

Its a late 40's, early 50's columbia made bike. Check the serial number against this chart for date. Marc

https://www.oldroads.com/co_sn.asp

[QUOTE=DerekRI]While digging around, I found a few interesting things. First off, I found one front Dia Compe caliper. I'm not sure which model, as the only marking it has is "Dia Compe, Drop Forged". I also found a set of front/rear Weinmann 610 Vainqueur 999 brakes. These look to be in brand new condition. Any info on the brake parts would be awesome

Cool. You gonna restore it or just repak and get a new chain? Columbia is a good canidate for restoring in that they used many of the same parts for many years. Many of the chrome parts can be found on their exercise bikes. ( good to know concidering price of chrome these days). Also they make reto columbias today which many of thier tasty bits end up on ebay. The headlight and reflector are fairly rare bits and and probably worth as much as the rest of the bike.

I think that judicious use of mild abrasives will do wonders for the appearance of the chrome. Not my style, but that's a spiffy bike.

ughh, dont "restore" it, just lubricate the bearings and chain, put some air in the tires and ride it as is, its so perfect.

Thanks for all the comments! I actually found this stuff amongst all my dad's old bike stuff (we are pack rats, and have LOTS of stuff, that's why I never noticed sooner). I can't seem to find any other markings on the Dia Compe's... And I will most defintely give that Columbia at least one good ride as is

Actually, after cleaning up the Dia Compe, I saw 750 on the back. I think I'm going to throw it on my fixed Pug, because the current 610 that's on there has a much shorter reach, and I had to dremel it to make the brake pads hit the 700c wheels... the 750 has more than enough reach to do the job

Wow, Oil it air it and just go. You're lucky & I'm happy for you.

Your find is a real beauty ! If you want to make a project of it, clean it up with steel wool and rust removers. I have an old Schwinn similar to this, in green, that I have on the long list of projects and restorations to do. Great bike !