1940s servi-cycle dating

[henrylr]

Just rubbed a few wheel spokes and part of rim and only seems to be years of dust and grease. No rust on paper towels.

[henrylr]

Doesn't seem there is to much action on this site. Is there another site where it may be easier to sell my bike?

[Ricks]

This is the only site for Simplex.  This is a limited hobby for sure, as most of the older guys that owned these as youngsters are dying off.  Sort of like the cars from the 1920's to late 1950's are loosing there luster,and value, as that generation dies off. 

For a reference, I have bought 4 automatics in the last 5 years, none running but mostly complete.  I have paid from $700-1400 for these non running bikes. 

I think you need to put a value on it, and go from there.  If not, eBay is always an option.


BTW, that is the Wico magneto they used from 1940 until they changed to the Phelon sometime in 1955-56.  The breaker plate for that magneto needs to be replaced.

[henrylr]

Thanks Rick. I'm over 70 years old and appreciate your reply. I'll give a little time on this site then put it on ebay.
 

[henrylr]

Rick, what part is the breaker plate and why does my breaker plate need to be replaced?

Thanks,
henry

[Ricks]

Rick, what part is the breaker plate and why does my breaker plate need to be replaced?

Thanks,
henry

Breaker plate holds the points, coils, condenser.  It is missing a piece, broken off.

[henrylr]

Rick is this the broken plate you are reffering to?



Thanks,
henrylr

[Ricks]

Yes, I can't see the whole plate, but that is missing a hunk.  It would still probably work fine, but I wouldn't use that on a restored bike, unless absolutely necessary.

[pd]

I 'repaired' the plate on my '57 with JB Weld .
Before :


After ( sorry , no close up ) :


Pete : )

[Ricks]

Pete, did you have the broken piece or did you build it up out of JB weld?

[pd]

Good question , Rick .

The piece was missing , so the 'gap' was simply filled with JB Weld . I used tape for supports , inside and out . I had to apply it twice as the first time I tried too soon and the JB was really thin and runny . The second time I let it set up a bit before placement .
When I was forming the cured JB , I got a little too aggressive and formed a little flat spot on the outer edge . I left it .
The 'patch' seems to be holding nicely after more than 3 years .

Pete .

[henrylr]

I appreciate all the feedback but really want to sell it as is. I've got about 26 new close-up pics that show no rust on almost everything. If anyone is interested please contact me.

Thanks,
henrylr

[henrylr]

Hi all,
I still haven't found any info on the marking on the handle bar mounting upright.The post appears to be a casting and the marking looks like it was in the mold. The marking reads PAT. No. 99301. Here is the photo. Has anyone seen a marking like that on other handle bar posts? Will it help narrow in on the make date?

Thanks,
henrylr

[Ricks]

Henry, some of the early Simplex parts were made in England.  Maybe that is why your patent search didn't show anything.

[kartjockey]

patent numbers can go for years.  I found pictures of a 1940     G1040.  If the "G" started in April of '40 and maybe the heel brake ended in Dec. of '40.  this is most indubitably as close as you can date your Simplex without producing some form of document.  If yours is G1244 then you can deduce what month it may have been manufactured in.  The next number I have for a 'G' G3641.  marked as a 1941.