How to figure out what year?

[koops4]

I have received my dad's Simplex and am wondering if their is a way to determine what year the bike was made.  Unfortunately, I can not ask my dad because he passed away in October of this year.  He had actually told me that I could have the bike to restore 3 days before he passed.  What I do know is that my dad bought the bike brand new in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  It is a direct drive and the gas cap is on the left side of the tank.  I will try to get pictures taken and put on here tonight.  Thank you.

Paul

[Ricks]

Sorry to hear your Dad passed.  How cool would that have been to restore it with him!!  Post some pics and we will try to help you figure out the year.  Also, post the engine number.

Rick

[koops4]

My son and I are go to try to restore this Simplex to it's original state in honor of my dad.

[koops4]

The number on the frame is 11852.  The number on the engine is M20130B.  I hope that this information can help figure out what year my Simplex is.

Paul

[Ricks]

As I posted in the other thread, I'm trying to get some data from Pat Williams.  If I do, I'll post it to help us figure out the years.  If I had to guess on yours, I'd say 1958?

[Mike Sal]

When I talked to Wayne tonight, he thought my bike (engine M23561B, frame 15249) was a 1958, or possibly a '59 model year. 

I don't have a copy of Wollard's book yet.  Does it cover what happened to the company, it's records & inventory when they went out of business?
Mike Sal

[bill marcum]

Dear Simlex owners,
 Need to know what year my Simplex is the no. under the neck is 11035 . I am thinking it is around a 1953 to 1957. It is a automatic , Has 2 gas caps. Thanks again. Bill Marcum

[Ricks]

Bill, from the limited info we have, I'd say 1956 or 1957.  What is the engine #.

Rick

[Driver]

I'm guessing Koops4 is a '53, based upon the Wayback Machine data I got from the old site (and assuming it's accurate).

For Bill's I'd need the engine number as well as which side of the bike the drive pulley connected to the rear is on.

[Ricks]

I'm guessing Koops4 is a '53, based upon the Wayback Machine data I got from the old site (and assuming it's accurate).

For Bill's I'd need the engine number as well as which side of the bike the drive pulley connected to the rear is on.

No way is koops4 a '53.  We have documentation on frame #08815 as a '55 anniversary model.  I know that frame #06379 is a '53.

Rick

[bill marcum]

RickS or Driver,
The VIN number is 11035 I do not have a engine number. The belt that goes to the rear wheel is on the left side and it is an Auotmatic, no front brake, two gas caps, no
 goose neck. Bill Marcum

[Ricks]

RickS or Driver,
The VIN number is 11035 I do not have a engine number. The belt that goes to the rear wheel is on the left side and it is an Auotmatic, no front brake, two gas caps, no
 goose neck. Bill Marcum

Bill, see above.

[Mike Sal]

I also vote 1955.  Probably late 55 (from our guess of how many they made per year, & that the anniversary bike is #08815).
Mike Sal

[Driver]

Anniversary Bike?

[Mike Sal]

1955 was the 20 year anniversary for Simplex.  Special tank decals were used.  From one of Rick's earlier emails in another thread, he mentions one in which he knows the frame number.  Maybe he can comment on it further.
Mike Sal