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-   -   Please help me identify this bike (https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/597066-please-help-me-identify-bike.html)

dputnam 10-24-09 02:04 AM

Please help me identify this bike
 
4 Attachment(s)
I recently took advantage of the local freecycle program (recycling no longer wanted items via the internet to new homes for free) and got this bike. It is nearly 100% (some reflectors need replaced etc) but I can find NOTHING on the bike. It says Federal's on the tank and Jet Fire on the chain guard. I am just curious about the bike and plan on restoring it to it's former glory. The woman who gave it to me said she got it in the 70's, but otherwise I know nothing more. I am going to look for a serial number and if I find one I will post it here. (Pictures are with the front wheel still off, which I do have but removed to transport it in the car) The grips on the handlebars say Schwinn, but I don't think the bike is a Schwinn. Seat is not the origional but one she had purchased for comfort when she purchased the bike. PLEASE HELP!

Mos6502 10-24-09 02:12 AM

Made by Murray. Did she claim she bought it new in the 70s? Because I would be open to believing it is from the mid to late 60s.

Esteban32696 10-24-09 04:31 AM

Yep. Bike looks fairly good in the pix.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Murray-J...:B:SRCH:US:101

Old Fat Guy 10-24-09 05:12 AM

Federal's was a Michigan department store in the 1950's and 60's. It was eventually bought out by Kresge's, which became K-Mart. They may have been in other mid-Western states besides Michigan, as well, I'm not sure.

My guess is it was a rebranded Murray made for Federal's.

dputnam 10-24-09 11:35 AM

Thanks everyone. As to when she bought the bike, she may have bought it used, or prior to the 70's and just doesn't remember. All I know is it has sat in her garage for years. It is in ridable condition right now (after all the bearings are cleaned out and the chain is greased a little), but I am going to really shine it up before I ride it. I'd like to find a paint close to the origional and do some major restoring. Also, the headlights on front need replaced, so I'll be looking for that I guess. I'm wondering, should the tank open then?

I think for free, it's an excellent bike and will be beautiful when restored. Any advice on this would be welcome, as this will be my first restoration project.

Esteban32696 10-25-09 04:50 AM

I would just service bearings, etc., & clean & wax it VERY good. You may be surprised how nice it turns out.


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