Need help with the year of my Simplex

[RonR]

I want to start rebuilding this bike but would like to know what year it is. I found by reading other post that a frame # may help. I found a number underneath where the frame and front forks meet. #01532.

[Ricks]

I'm fairly certain that frame # would be a 1951.  Did it have any engine with it when you got it?  The engine plate that is attached now is not simplex, but it looks like it was just welded on top of the stock plate.  Post a couple of close ups of the engine mount so I can see better.  

Ron, what part of the country are you from?

[RonR]

Thanks for responding! Here you go for the picts.
Looks to be original mount. Has bolt through frame and weld, like it was meant to be?? I know nothing of these bikes and would appreciate all the help I can get in restoring this.

[RonR]

Sorry no engine! what you see here in the picts is all I have. My bought it in a garage sale over 30 years ago

[Ricks]

That plate is not original, but looks nicely done for a different engine.  The small plate underneath is the original mounting plate.  The shaft coming out the side is for the kick starter to attach to.  Finding engines for these bikes is very hard, as many were converted to something else when the stock engine  quit running.  Look around here http://www.simplexservi-cycle.com/index.php?board=12.0  for ideas.  Restoring a bike like this to stock is very expensive with so many missing parts and would probably be a better candidate for a conversion to a modern engine.

[RonR]

Ok Thanks! I will do!

[Mike Sal]

Agree that it's probably a '51 model....definitely pre-'53.

With that large plate attached, you'll be able to trim it down to fit just about any kind of power plant that will fit between the bars.
Mike Sal