Murray bike serial numbers serial numbers#
Murray bike serial numbers serial number#
Murray bike serial numbers series#

In 1977, again following a youth trend, Murray introduced its BMX model.Дuring the 1980s, in an attempt to overcome declining sales, Murray began selling its bicycle line in lower-cost mass market stores and discount chains such as Target, K-Mart, Woolworth, and Wal-Mart.

Murray bike serial numbers series#

A series of models followed, including the Eliminator, Firecat and Hotshot. The Wildcat was also styled by Schreckengost, who gave it his own interpretation of a chopper motorcycle, with high-rise handlebars, a tall sissy bar, and a flared rear fender. Youth bicycle production received a boost with the 1965 introduction of Murray's version of the small-tired, banana-seat, wheelie bike pioneered by Schwinn, the Murray Wildcat. It later became a UAW plant (1991), and produced both bicycles and lawn and garden equipment. One of its more famous former employees is former Senator Fred D. Originally a non-union plant, the Lawrenceburg facility began operations in 1956, and over the next few decades, the complex grew to become one of the largest facilities of its type in the United States: 42.7 acres (173,000 m 2) under roof. Like its competitor, American Machine and Foundry (AMF), Murray left Cleveland in the 1950s and moved its factory and assembly plant to the American South, choosing a factory site in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, with corporate headquarters located in Brentwood, Tennessee. By modifying chain guards, luggage carriers, lighting, handlebars, and truss rods, Schrekengost gave each bicycle a distinctive look while retaining the same welded tube frame design. Schrekengost styled more than 100 mostly youth bicycles for Sears, Western Auto, Firestone Tire, and other retailers, including the Spaceliner, Western Flyer, and Firestone. These low-cost parts and materials undercut the prices of Murray's competition, selling millions of bicycles (often with retailer names) to department stores, hardware stores, and general retailers. Most Murray bicycles were for the youth market, often featuring one-piece steel Ashtabulacranksets and internally brazed frames using inexpensive seamed or straight-gauge steel tubing. This occasionally brought Murray into legal conflict with competitors, as when Schwinn filed against Murray for duplicating a Schwinn knurling and machining process on its rims. manufacturers, including Schwinn and AMF. Since the 1930s, Murray had been producing bicycles that, while stylistically different, imitated designs by other U.S. It was produced only in limited numbers until 1942, when the war stopped consumer bicycle production.ДЄfter the war, Murray became known as a manufacturer of low-cost bicycles, and placed its own brand on some products. However, the Mercury was an expensive bicycle, and sales were few. Styled by the industrial artist and designer, Viktor Schreckengost, the streamlined machine, with an elaborate diecast metal headpiece, was finished in black, chrome, and polished aluminum, the deluxe version of the Mercury Pacemaker line. In 1939, Murray introduced its Pacemaker Series Mercury bicycle at the 1939 New York World's Fair. From 1939 through 1942, Murray made the body parts for the Crosley automobile. Until 1939, Murray manufactured all of its products for branding and sale by other manufacturers, especially Sears, Roebuck & Co. Other products included pedal cars and electric fans. In the mid-1930s, the company began production of bicycles, mostly for the youth market. The company was founded in Cleveland, Ohio, and the Cleveland factory was unionized by the United Auto Workers (UAW) and AFLвЂ“CIO. Murray Ohio Manufacturing Company was founded in 1919 to make fenders, fuel tanks, and other automobile parts. Western Flyer was the brand of Western Auto Supply stores. Researching Western Flyer BIcycles I found that there was not just one Company making them through the years.

Murray bike serial numbers serial numbers#

The serial numbers on the frame under the crank is K58846.After these 3 digits was a 2 or 3 digit model number followed by and X and a 1 or 2 digit number that I will discuss momentarily. Some 65 bikes had an MO5 which stood for Murray of Ohio 1965.

Murray bike serial numbers serial number#

In 65 they were changing there serial number style and by then they were on the left rear dropout.

The serial number on the side of the housing between the fork and the handlebars is M02503 12. Murray Westport - Serial number? Just bought to use - a 26' woman's model bike. The corporate brand is a descendant of the Murray Ohio Manufacturing Company, which manufactured bicycles and lawn and garden equipment. Murray was an American company whose assets are now owned by Briggs & Stratton and Dorel Industries.