Asbury Park, NJ
Taking a break from pinball shop jobs to work on a family heirloom of sorts. The bicycle below was the delivery bicycle for Trossback’s in Hackensack, NJ. Trossback’s was a butcher shop & market owned by my wife’s grandfather Nick. Shop closed in 1985. Nick passed away about a decade ago at the ripe old age of 96. His wife Italia who worked by his side at the shop passed away 20 years before.
The bike, a J.C. Higgins, has been in storage for decades. Last bike registration plate says 1961. I’m not sure of the bike’s vintage. Estimating 1948-52. Still researching.
J.C. Higgins were German-made, and sold through Sears Roebuck & Co.. The bike is solid, and well made.
Anyhow, I’m planning to preserve much of the original patina and wear on the bike. There will be no painting, or high buff polishing. Rusted parts, including all the wheel spokes, will get a bath in EvapoRust, and scrubbed a bit. The only coating will be clearcoat, and likely a matt finish, or satin. Will be doing some research on this. Otherwise everything will get a full cleaning and it will be mechanically as perfect as I can make it.
Here’s a pic of Nick at his shop. Going to estimate late 1970’s.
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And now the bike. Front fork is bent in, and will be repaired. Bike is complete, minus the headlight that was removed for the basket. Will need to track one down.
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