Fleetwing found in barn attic
12-01-09 | 06:09 AM
#26
Grillparzer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 643
Likes: 2
From: Silver Spring, MD
Bikes: Surly Cross Check
Contact these guys and see if they don't have a transportation historian who might not be able to give some advice and assistance. They may have some interest in it themselves.
National Museum of American History - Smithsonian Instituion
Constitution Ave NW & 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20560
(202) 633-1000
Don't try cleaning it up using any liquids, even something like Simple Green may be too harsh. A dry clean paint brush would be the most I'd use on it.
National Museum of American History - Smithsonian Instituion
Constitution Ave NW & 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20560
(202) 633-1000
Don't try cleaning it up using any liquids, even something like Simple Green may be too harsh. A dry clean paint brush would be the most I'd use on it.
12-01-09 | 07:28 AM
#27
Thread Starter
Too Much Crazy
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 3
From: NY
Bikes: Eriksen 29er, Gunnar Roadie, Niner RLT, Niner RIP 9
Contact these guys and see if they don't have a transportation historian who might not be able to give some advice and assistance. They may have some interest in it themselves.
National Museum of American History - Smithsonian Instituion
Constitution Ave NW & 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20560
(202) 633-1000
Don't try cleaning it up using any liquids, even something like Simple Green may be too harsh. A dry clean paint brush would be the most I'd use on it.
National Museum of American History - Smithsonian Instituion
Constitution Ave NW & 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20560
(202) 633-1000
Don't try cleaning it up using any liquids, even something like Simple Green may be too harsh. A dry clean paint brush would be the most I'd use on it.
Why would the smithsonian be interested in it if they are selling on ebay for $350? Just wondering.
I mean, as a person who is into riding bikes it is interesting to me to find an old bike like this but I don't think it has any signifigant historical value based on the ebay sale.
12-01-09 | 05:28 PM
#29
K2ProFlex baby!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 59
From: My response would have been something along the lines of: "Does your bike have computer controlled suspension? Then shut your piehole, this baby is from the future!"
Bikes: to many to list
You want singletube tires. Are those rims about 25" on the outside? those fit a 28" (outside diameter) singletube tire. Coker has them, so does Memory Lane. There's a little machine shop that makes them too, I'll look up the name when I have a minute. They're kind of expensive, like $300 a pair. Memory lane has some tubular singletrack tires that fit for less but they don't look exactly right. Sheldon brown has a bit about how to make your own out of canvas and latex. If they're 24" tires (with about a 21" rim) first flight has a used pair for $100. They glue on with regular tubular glue. The guys at www.thecabe.com talk about using some sort of 3M adhesive. I think they used some sort shellac back in the day.
The rims might be steel sheathed wood. That was popular back then. Folks just didn't trust that skinny steel shell.
Compressed air should be ok but don't blow the wooden parts clean off the bike. The rims look to be in great shape if they are all wood. Those usually warp and split.
The rims might be steel sheathed wood. That was popular back then. Folks just didn't trust that skinny steel shell.
Compressed air should be ok but don't blow the wooden parts clean off the bike. The rims look to be in great shape if they are all wood. Those usually warp and split.
__________________
You see, their morals, their code...it's a bad joke, dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these...These "civilized" people...they'll eat each other. See, I'm not a monster. I'm just ahead of the curve
You see, their morals, their code...it's a bad joke, dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these...These "civilized" people...they'll eat each other. See, I'm not a monster. I'm just ahead of the curve
12-01-09 | 05:39 PM
#30
Señor Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 18,481
Likes: 1,565
From: Hardy, VA
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
12-01-09 | 06:45 PM
#31
Grillparzer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 643
Likes: 2
From: Silver Spring, MD
Bikes: Surly Cross Check
Why would the smithsonian be interested in it if they are selling on ebay for $350? Just wondering.
I mean, as a person who is into riding bikes it is interesting to me to find an old bike like this but I don't think it has any signifigant historical value based on the ebay sale.
I mean, as a person who is into riding bikes it is interesting to me to find an old bike like this but I don't think it has any signifigant historical value based on the ebay sale.
12-02-09 | 05:18 AM
#32
Thread Starter
Too Much Crazy
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 3
From: NY
Bikes: Eriksen 29er, Gunnar Roadie, Niner RLT, Niner RIP 9
be sure to ask if the wheels are actually ridable, if I'm not mistaken they are just for looks and not ridable, I was going to buy a set for my 1910 Racycle but I thought it was to much to for tires and still not be able to ride the bike. BTW, yes, they are woioden wheels. ;0)
Or are you talking about the tires from the text you quoted in your post.
12-02-09 | 11:20 AM
#33
Hebrews 10:20a
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 141
Likes: 1
Bikes: '74 Viscount Aerospace GP
The Smithsonian has a huge collection of Americana artifacts that they've purchased just to store and keep so they can display them sometime in the future should they have the desire. Years ago they approached the company my father worked for to purchase a covered bridge the company had on it's property. Later my brother got a bidding war at an auction with a guy for an antique Auburn car, after the guy lost the bidding he presented a business card that identified himself as a representative of the Smithsonian. Somewhere the type of warehouse seen in the Indiana Jones movies really exists. I don't know if the Ebay bicycle was restored or not, but if it is unrestored (and in as good of condition as this one) then it is probably worth a lot more then $350.
The latest exhibit by the Smithsonian Museum of American History is titled "America on the Move", and showcases transportation. And includes LOTS of C&V bicycles, including high wheelers. You can browse the exhibit online at:
https://americanhistory.si.edu/onthemove/
-James
12-02-09 | 01:59 PM
#34
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 414
Likes: 1
From: Loves Park, Illinois
Bikes: 1897 Crescent Tandem, 1904 Rambler shaft drive, 1921 Schwinn Henderson, 1958 Schwinn Tiger, 1973 Raleigh International, 1982 Trek 420, 2010 Trek 720
A correct restoration for this bike will cost $3-5,000.00 About a $1000.00 for the frame, $1-2000.00 per plating and polishing, There is going to be lots or labor...
12-02-09 | 02:48 PM
#35
Thread Starter
Too Much Crazy
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 3
From: NY
Bikes: Eriksen 29er, Gunnar Roadie, Niner RLT, Niner RIP 9
There are replica tires available too. They use a hard rubber tire and a fake valve stem. I believe the go for about $75 each.
A correct restoration for this bike will cost $3-5,000.00 About a $1000.00 for the frame, $1-2000.00 per plating and polishing, There is going to be lots or labor...
A correct restoration for this bike will cost $3-5,000.00 About a $1000.00 for the frame, $1-2000.00 per plating and polishing, There is going to be lots or labor...
12-02-09 | 03:05 PM
#36
PanGalacticGargleBlaster
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 7,531
Likes: 9
From: Smugglers Notch, Vermont
Bikes: Upright and Recumbent....too many to list, mostly Vintage.
It sorta depends on what you want out of it....do you want to end up with a Museum piece that is too pretty to ride, Do you want to fix it up to be used to toodle around town occasionally, Do you want to ride it daily?
If you want a Museum piece, Don't do anything. Just find the guy who's gonna restore it and take your hands off.
If you're just looking to shine it up and get it on the road you can probably do the whole thing yourself.
replacement Wood rims can be had...there's plenty of ways to get this on the road for not a lot of scratch, its simply a matter of how 'restored' you want this thing to be.
If you want a Museum piece, Don't do anything. Just find the guy who's gonna restore it and take your hands off.
If you're just looking to shine it up and get it on the road you can probably do the whole thing yourself.
replacement Wood rims can be had...there's plenty of ways to get this on the road for not a lot of scratch, its simply a matter of how 'restored' you want this thing to be.
12-02-09 | 03:13 PM
#37
Hebrews 10:20a
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 141
Likes: 1
Bikes: '74 Viscount Aerospace GP
it sorta depends on what you want out of it....do you want to end up with a museum piece that is too pretty to ride, do you want to fix it up to be used to toodle around town occasionally, do you want to ride it daily?
If you want a museum piece, don't do anything. Just find the guy who's gonna restore it and take your hands off.
If you're just looking to shine it up and get it on the road you can probably do the whole thing yourself.
Replacement wood rims can be had...there's plenty of ways to get this on the road for not a lot of scratch, its simply a matter of how 'restored' you want this thing to be.
If you want a museum piece, don't do anything. Just find the guy who's gonna restore it and take your hands off.
If you're just looking to shine it up and get it on the road you can probably do the whole thing yourself.
Replacement wood rims can be had...there's plenty of ways to get this on the road for not a lot of scratch, its simply a matter of how 'restored' you want this thing to be.
05-24-13 | 06:41 AM
#39
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 659
Likes: 105
From: Long Island, NY
LEAVE IT ALONE. Let it be as you found it. People talk about "Patina", but just mean their bike is full of "Rust". This old girl has endured all of these years as is, and disturbing some screws, bolts, etc. might cause permanent damage. These are getting harder to find, and putting tires on it ruins the originality of how you found it. Just my 2 cents.....
fred
fred
05-24-13 | 10:28 AM
#40
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
From: Metro Exurb
Bikes: 1982 Torker BMX, 1990 Cannondale Black Lightning, 1996 Cannondale F400
Zombie thread risen from the dead...
Fred, you answered a thread from 2009 that was bumped by someone else looking for info on a similar bike.
Fred, you answered a thread from 2009 that was bumped by someone else looking for info on a similar bike.
05-24-13 | 10:51 AM
#41
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 659
Likes: 105
From: Long Island, NY
05-27-13 | 06:35 AM
#44
Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
The bike had memories for my mother who ride it 10 miles a day to and from school when she was 12 years old. She died 12 years ago and I really don't want it. I would like it to have a good home by someone who appreciates old bikes.
04-27-15 | 12:24 PM
#46
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sunstealth
Classic & Vintage
3
02-17-10 06:03 AM
