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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!
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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.
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Yep. Bike looks fairly good in the pix.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Murray-J...:B:SRCH:US:101 |
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. |
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. |
I would just service bearings, etc., & clean & wax it VERY good. You may be surprised how nice it turns out.
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