Hello from the West Coast

[okozzy]

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!

[pd]

Welcome Oscar .

Have you asked Wayne if he has an M motor ?

Do you have a frame # ? That would help with the year .

Pete .

[okozzy]

No, he does not and no frame number that I can find, my (newbie) understanding is that numbers came 53 forward.

[okozzy]

Pretty cool I believe, if that is in fact what remains of the original servi-cycle decal...

[okozzy]

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.

[oil-lamp]

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.

[oil-lamp]

And welcome to the forum.

[pd]

Like Reese says :



And , this might help :



Pete .

[okozzy]

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.
 

[oil-lamp]

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.

[pd]

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 :



Sorry , I don't have a better pic .

Pete .

[pd]

Dang my eyes .

You have a rocker frame .

Pete .

[okozzy]

Mine are straight, I see how the ones on picture you provided flare outward making the rear triangle wider.

[pd]

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 .

[okozzy]

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.