General Category => Introductions => Topic started by: okozzy on January 29, 2018, 08:03:43 PM
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Oscar here from sunny Southern California,
I've been into bicycles ever since I can remember, I've been mountain biking for the past 25 years and got into collecting and refurbishing old vintage bicycles the last 7 years or so.
A few months back I told my friend Tony that I needed a new challenge, I told him I was thinking about picking up and old whizzer, he told me, before I did anything to check out one of them Simplex servi-cycles. I did and I never looked back, I just fell in love with them and now the proud owner of what I think is a 52 Simplex.
The bike is in what I think real good condition for its age (og royal blue color) with great patina, but as so many others is missing the engine, SO LET THE HUNT BEGIN!
The bike was all put together when i got it, but after a short time in my possession, now a basket case. I will have it reassembled within the next couple of weeks.
By the way, I've already been in contact with Wayne and I already have a few parts on their way.
p.s. I'll be needing a model M engine, I know, I know I have to get in line, but I'm getting in line with my BIG BOY wallet in hand!
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Welcome Oscar .
Have you asked Wayne if he has an M motor ?
Do you have a frame # ? That would help with the year .
Pete . :)
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No, he does not and no frame number that I can find, my (newbie) understanding is that numbers came 53 forward.
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Pretty cool I believe, if that is in fact what remains of the original servi-cycle decal...
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I could be completely wrong, but here's the main reason I think is a 52, by what's left of the tank's decals... for what I read, that's supposed to be a 52 only decal?
If no frame number, what other things should I be looking for to narrow down the year?
Please help.
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You can look under the neck on the frame for the number. It my be covered by paint cause they weren't stamped very strong.
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And welcome to the forum.
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Like Reese says :
(https://s26.postimg.org/teznnbtpl/d2259b66-aaac-4d9c-b103-4fd7ce8659f1_zpsxo0z8qhy.jpg)
And , this might help :
(https://s26.postimg.org/ln3nvnua1/Simplex_Year_Identification.jpg)
Pete . :)
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Pete,
I looked again and definitely no frame number.
Looking at the sketch you attached;
Gas tank identification: Top single cap.
Seat leaf spring: Looks straight or minor step? and yes, welded at fork hub.
Spring: Straight cylinder shape.
Headlight: Horizontal mounting holes.
???
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Well it may have a 50s tank decal but the frame looks to be pre 1950s. That's not a bad thing just not a easy task on age the frame.
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Can someone tell me when the frame curved upper tubes started in production ?
It^ may not be relevant , but ...
okozzy ,
Are the upper frame tubes curved outward as they pass the back end of the tank support rail or are they straight ?
Here's my '57 frame for comparison . You can see how the frame widens below / after the tank rail :
(https://s26.postimg.org/a52qfo4mh/HPIM1544.jpg)
Sorry , I don't have a better pic .
Pete . :)
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Dang my eyes .
You have a rocker frame .
Pete . :)
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Mine are straight, I see how the ones on picture you provided flare outward making the rear triangle wider.
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Mine are straight, I see how the ones on picture you provided flare outward making the rear triangle wider.
I looked closer at your frame pic and noticed that it's a rocker frame . I think that would make it a late 40s frame .
Can you post a pic of you wheels and fork/springer ?
Pete . :)
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Pete,
What's a rocker frame?
The main reason of me asking these questions is because I want narrow down late 40's or early 50's as the engine will be either an (L) or (M) at the end the year makes no difference, just want the correct engine to go with the bike.
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The heel /toe pedal on the left side is called a rocker , which controls the transmission .
The more I study what I see , I think you could have what you thought you had , a '52 .
The rocker ended in '53 .
I still question no frame # . Our registry has frame #s starting in '51 , albeit , with a question mark .
Pete . :)
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Bill at servicycle.com has that tank decal. Wayne has the little winged decal for the steering neck. I have original brochure cards that suggest that your tank decal was placed on 1951 models too as that is what is printed on the card. Many people say 1952 'only' so perhaps they started in late '51 and rolled over into '52.
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Is there a plate under the neck where the number should be? The early bikes didn't have this plate, and I don't know if I have ever seen a plate with no number stamped on it.
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First,
I would like to thank everyone that has shared their knowledge with me.
Pete,
Good eye on spotting the rocker frame feature.
kartjockey,
Thank you for the leads on decals.
Rick,
No plate under the neck that I can see, I'm attaching a picture of what I see.
Having said that, it is looking like there are more frame characteristics that are starting to point towards 49-51? versus 52.
So I guess my next question will be what are the differences between the L and M engines?
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Sorry guys,
I'm sure, a lot easier to figure out year if one has a full picture of the bike to look at.
It was not easy, but I was finally able to get a hold of some pictures of the bike before I disassembled the bike and here they are.
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more pictures...
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Ok Ozzie if the picture of the underside of the neck give that a good but slow sanding. I think I can a number four. There's not a separate plate attached they just stamped them into the metal.
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What is the white on the underside of the neck plate ?
Is that just a scrape of paint from something that brushed against it or is it a marking that has been there for a long time ?
Pete . :)
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That’s the plate I was talking about. Like Reese says, sand very lightly and see if the numbers have been painted over. If not, I would guess the bike is a 1950 Model 125.
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By the way if you want to use the glass lens do not use the repro that Wayne sales it wont fit. if you get a new light find a OEM not a repro. I have a glass lens on my 56 and one extra that I have not settled on who's going to get it.
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Hello there,
I did the light sanding you all encourage me to do, but sadly no hidden numbers were reveal.
Oil-lamp;
I love the glass lens, you don't see that type of quality now a days, I think I can save the whole unit... I think its just missing the finishing rim around the lens if that's what you call it.
SO GUYS, WHAT's THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO ENGINES, (L) or (M)... is it the transmission hook ups?
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Well Wayne does have the retaining ring but you may need to trim it down a little bit. I sure would of thought there was some numbers there. :-[ I swear I could see a 4 in the middle.
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Progress update,
A lot has happened since last post, decided to have Wayne build me an (L) motor after all.
Almost ready for all systems go!!! day, just sorting out some last minute details.
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Looks good .
Keep us posted and post some pics .
Pete . :)
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Recently learned that an L motor still retained the rotary valve but is smaller than the earlier engines. and is designed a bit differently. So the L case is sort of an interim to the M case.
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Interesting and thanks for the info. Can't wait to get it running...!
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Well,
It took a few months, but I'm ready to kick her over for the first time; just need to work out a few last details.
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A few more pics...
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Looking good! Let us know how it runs.
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I'll second the 'Looking good' .
I really like that you left the 'patina' alone , other than cleaning .
Mine was farther gone or I'd have done the same .
Post a video of the first run . We love a good movie. ;)
Pete . :)
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Great looking bike & hoping it runs as good as it looks! Rick C.
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After numerous trials and tribulations, I finally got her running, I'm attaching a super short video of her running.
Wayne is out of air cleaners & so, I think I want to wait on it's first run until then.
Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiqBKsjfhnU
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Sounds good!
See here for air filters: http://www.simplexservi-cycle.com/index.php?topic=1589.0
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Thanks Rick,
I will follow up with Jim.
Also, wanted to thank everyone that helped and entertained all of my questions along the way in getting the bike to this point.
Oscar.
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Sounds pretty good to me , too .
Good you got it sussed and running .
As for the help , that might just be why we're here . And , you're welcome .;)
Pete . :)
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How did you make out on getting an air cleaner from Jim!
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Very nice guy... package is in the mail, I'll let you all know how it goes once it arrives.
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First run:
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY everyone...!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLx21sWsOMU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SBzpjrf78I
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Running nicely Oscar! Bring it to Portland in July and ride with us. It's only 2000 miles! lol
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That's what we like to see , a good running Simplex . :D
Pete . :)