what the heck is it???

[huskerfan]

Hello,

So my kid comes home with this a couple nights ago, all of a sudden it's 1970 all over again! Can someone please tell me something about it?

Thanks,

Mark

 

[derekbmn]

It's a Gilson.

 

[huskerfan]

wow, cool....so what is a Gibson? Whay year appx.? where can i see more of them?

Thanks

 

[derekbmn]

Gilson - Old Mini Bikes Photo Gallery

 

[TomH]

might be a gilson but it is sure looks similar to a sears roper

 

[derekbmn]

Nah....on a Sears bike the entire motor plate is part of the swing-arm/ rear suspension.

 

[Jeff Clark]

Nah....on a Sears bike the entire motor plate is part of the swing-arm/ rear suspension.

Yep!! and they wiggle waddle when you ride them pivot point WAY to forward... :scared:

 

[Scottessey]

Derek got it. :thumbsup: Here's a pic of my brother's (gilson) Wards. It's in a state of slow progress. :laugh:

 

[huskerfan]

so these were sold by Wards? about what years?

 

[TomH]

Thanks guys, for clewing me in. Learn something everyday round here:thumbsup:

 

[Scottessey]

U bet, Tom! :thumbsup: Although, I don't get too many right. :laugh:

Gilson made bikes under their own name and from what I understand also made them for Montgomery Wards and Allis Chalmers. I think the frames are common but have variations like whether they came with rear/front suspension. Their are some brochures that I've seen that have the different models. I'll have to look and see if I can find one or if someone else will post 'em up.

 

[Scottessey]

 

[huskerfan]

so what would be a good place to find a brake assy.?

 

[Scottessey]

Try putting up a post in the wanted section and see if one turns up. Is yours missing? Also, I can't tell from the pic, did yours come with the coveted chain guard? Gilsons are nice bikes. Good score! :thumbsup:

 

[huskerfan]

Chain guard is there(?), but nothing for clutch (primary chain?). Yep, for 50 beans its hard to beat!

 

[Scottessey]

Score!!! People pay a lot more than that just for the chainguard! Put up a pic o the other side when you can. Oh yeah, welcome to the forum!

 

[buckeye]

Welcome to OldMiniBikes.
That is one heck of a nice bike for 50 clams.
You should be able to bring that baby back to life.

 

[huskerfan]

Thanks,

We’ve been burning up the cul-de-sac and neighborhood with it the last couple nights. Made an air filter for it from a GM cartage type oil filter. Fresh gas and a new plug, runs great.

I notice it’s go a Briggs and Stratton engine not a Tecumseh, has that been replaced?

Also, how would I find what year it was made? I can’t find a serial number.

Is there any swap meets for these things? I live in Rockford, IL

Thanks,

Mark