1953 Monark

[Judson]

Hello, so my Monark finally arrived, here it is, just starting to clean it up.

Obvs the pedals are wrong and its been painted over, but what else is missing?
Also, how do I tighten the headset?

Thanks, Ollie
8)

 

[Terry66]

Nice....Monarks are my favorite vintage bike. They have tons of style. Be sure to add yours to the Monark/Firestone thread...

viewtopic.php?f=70&t=22536

 

[sgrace2121]

I have to agree the Monarks and Hawthornes are the most beautiful of all bikes. And yours is no different. Great bike my friend.

 

[Judson]

Thanks chaps, am very pleased with it.

 

[dirtytoes]

Havnt seen a monark with that springer before

 

[Judson]

Havnt seen a monark with that springer before

Does it not look like the right one? I'm new to all this so any advice gratefully received.

Anyway I've started cleaning it up and regreasing the hubs and headset, under all the much its actually pretty good!

Got some new balloon tyres for a great price too.

 

[Wildcat]

Looking good! Here's a pic of a 53 Monarch Holiday, looks like the same springer.

 

[Judson]

Looking good! Here's a pic of a 53 Monarch Holiday, looks like the same springer.

I was just doing some research and was about to post up that I thought it looks like a Holiday, can anyone confirm or deny this? Where would I find serial numbers or frame numbers on the bike?

 

[Judson]

Right, model number is 640, serial number is A41501148. Anyone know what model this bike is, and if I can expect to find any more original paint on the frame?

Have also found what I assume is original paint under the blue on the mudguards... White stripes and maybe some red on the front, red and gold stripes on the back...

:shock:

 

[Judson]

Making progress on this. Once I figured none of the original decals were left on the main frame I have decided to get it powdercoated. Expecting it back this week.

Have also got the rear fender looking how I want it, and won these on ebay. Although not correct, they were cheap and can be adjusted at a later date if I feel like it.

Just need to decide what to do with the front fender now as the striping on it doesn't match the rear.

Pretty pleased how it is working out, even managed to get new headset and BB bearings from my local bike shop. Win!

 

[sleepy]

Real nice bike! 8)

 

[Judson]

So its back from the powdercoaters...

Looks so different! 8)

 

[Judson]

My first ride today, it feels super smooth, except for the crappy pedals. If anyone has a set they would like to sell me please get in touch.

 

[Judson]

So the rat Monark is finished for now. Am awaiting on a tank and chain guard and decals from the US, but until then I'm calling it finished.

Thanks to you guys who have helped me out and messaged me regarding spec. And apologies for the pedals, I will sort them out once I find something more suitable!

 

[Judson]

Nice addition via Tim at Roadhouse here in the UK

 

[outskirtscustoms]

Vintage bikes and Volkswagens! You are living in my paradise. What else you got hiding back there besides the 4 bay windows?