WD-40

DFB · Mar 15, 2001

Re: WD-40/Bikes

PaulB,

I am into old bikes
My oldest is a 1933
All are old fashioned one speeds

Sounds like quite a collection./w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif

Check this out. Another WD-40 project I've got on the back burner is this bicycle.(take a look at the attached pic)

The nameplate just says WAVERLY, and I know its been around at least since the 40's. I haven't been able to find any other info. I've talked to some different people about it, one guy who operated a cycle shop and advertised restoration work said it was "Pre War" and made in France. Conversely a purveyor of old collectibles (aka junk) who did own a fine Allis-Chalmers suggested it was sold thru a large distributor such as Sears or Montgomery Ward. Outside of that not much else. After reading your post about old bicycles I'd like to ask if you might know something about it. Maybe you have heard of WAVERLY?

DFB

RobertN · Mar 15, 2001

Thomas,
It's good on dirtbikes. Spray the the underneath of the fenders before you go in the mud; it will wah off easier and make cleanup simpler

RobertN in Shingle Springs Calif

GlueGuy · Mar 15, 2001

Re: Waverly bicycle

DFB,

I did a little surfing & found out there was a "Waverly Bicycle" company in Indianapolis Indiana in the 1890's. Check out this: http://www.vintagepostcards.com/i/i6170.jpg

whoops....

Here's another Waverly bicycle company in Framingham Massachusetts: http://www.framingham.com/histnarr.htm

Ahh. Part of the mystery is solved. Seems they were in Mass. for a while, then got to Indiana somehow. They were better known as Waverly Electric, making electric cars, then bikes later on. Here's another http://www.parkwayjars.com/cars/b0006.htm

hmmmm....

The GlueGuy

RobS · Mar 16, 2001

Re: Waverly bicycle

"Waverly Bicycle" company in Indianapolis Indiana in the 1890's

Good thing my tractor took all my available money /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif Being a bike enthusiast AND a native of Indy AND somewhat of a collector I'd be tempted to start a new collection. I think my wife would also kill me if I brought another bicycle home. Good research GlueGuy! Better hang on to that bike DFB, it may be worth something /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

DFB · Mar 16, 2001

Re: Waverly bicycle

GlueGuy,

That's some neat stuff you found there. Thanks for taking the time.

I think it can ascertained that it is an american bicycle albeit not a well known marquee. I had referenced the book The American Bicycle which had no listings for Waverley. It is interesting to note how it is spelled both with and without the e in the same article.

There once were Waverley motorcycles (England 1920's), and interestingly Pope also made motorcycles in the first part of the 20th century too. Being that that the first motorcycles were nothing more than bicycles with combustion engines adapted to them adds an interesting curve to it.

RobS,

Maybe it's worth something, maybe not./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif It is a plain jane compared to some of those later Schwins. There is a display of several Schwins and a Cyclone? at one of our local supermarkets. I have to say some are quite impressive with their wide handlebars, all chromed fenders, and springer forks. Not at all like those bikes with apehangers and bannana seats we used to chop when we were kids. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

DFB

poorboy · Mar 16, 2001

For what it's worth my parents use the stuff on arthritic joints. They swear by it. A doctor they ran into even suggested it, although he also added a disclaimer. Go figure.

I have often played around with the thought of the addition of a drive in alimite on the knee my clutch leg after stackin a bunch of hay. Power reverser would have been nice!

s1120 · Mar 17, 2001

Re: Waverly bicycle

. Not at all like those bikes with apehangers and bannana seats we used to chop when we were kids.

Boy I miss that old stingray I had./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif three speed shifter on the top tube and all.

fishman · May 8, 2001

WD-40 also works very well as a starting fluid for gas engines. A mechanic friend warned me not to use starting fluid because it breaks down the lubrication in the motor as you crank it. WD-40 doesn't have that problem. I've used it several times for this purpose, primarilly in an old truck and on outboards.

Boondox · May 8, 2001

When I was single and in my late 30s I used it as deodorant. Figured since most of the single women my age were divorced with homes and cars in need of repair, smelling "handy" was a good move! /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Pete (now happily married)

www.GatewayToVermont.com