Gilson

[Mountain Gote]

I picked up a Gilson the other day and I am going to restore it hopefully...
It's lacking a chain guard and it looks like the motor is not OEM. Actually I am not 100% on what it might be missing and what it has..
It does have a rear fender but no front fender is present. The tires, to me seem small, but who knows.
Anyway, here is the start of my project.
Thanks Scottessey for the start..

 

[mmisterbungl]

GILSON MINIBIKE

 

[jrzmac]

Gilson made bikes for Montgomery Ward. they also had their own line.

I dont see one without front shocks.
i think it might be a Montgomery Wards 323?

 

[Scottessey]

Great to see you in here, Brian. I'm looking forward to seeing your project come together. :thumbsup:

Jrzmac, would the 323 also have come with the shocks that he has? :shrug:

 

[jrzmac]

Great to see you in here, Brian. I'm looking forward to seeing your project come together. :thumbsup:

Jrzmac, would the 323 also have come with the shocks that he has? :shrug:

i dont know but that frame is the exact same as the 323! i guess someone could've put a set of shocks on the back. it looks like they had metal bars bolted on back there. seems like an easy switch. plus the Gilsons all had shocks in the front.

 

[jrzmac]

heres one thats almost the same.

 

[Mountain Gote]

Wow, the MW 323 looks a lot like my bike.. Awesome find!! I have never seen the Montgomery 323 ad before. I love it...The features they have in common like the front rigid forks looks to be to similar to be coincidence. My bike has one original grip and a newer grip, the older grip on my bike looks just like the one on the MW catalog page. Another similar trait, no front fender, just the rear.
Jrzmac, hmm interesting observation, someone could have upgraded the rear stays with shocks.. Very possible..

Thanks guys for the info and discussion points.:thumbsup:

 

[jrzmac]

Jrzmac, hmm interesting observation, someone could have upgraded the rear stays with shocks.. Very possible..

I dont see why not. the rods are only bolted on with a few screws!

 

[Mountain Gote]

Here are a few cool pictures I found of the Montgomery 323.. God I hope to find a chain guard for this project. Even if I can barrow one I could probably duplicate it.

This warning sticker is awesome.. Pretty funny..

 

[jrzmac]

Here are a few cool pictures I found of the Montgomery 323.. God I hope to find a chain guard for this project. Even if I can barrow one I could probably duplicate it.

This warning sticker is awesome.. Pretty funny..

yeah, thats the bike! someone just put a pair of shocks on the back thats all...

 

[Truckasaurus44]

Nice bike. If you ever want to delete the shocks to make it more original, let me know. I'm looking to get rid of the posts on mine for a set of shocks.

 

[Big Jim]

They turn out nice!!:thumbsup:

 

[flyweed]

Big Jim..that's super nice!! I am picking up a Gilson this Saturday..complete with headlight, taillight, shocks on front and back...I CANNOT WAIT!! It's my dream minibike, as I had one as a kid!

 

[Mountain Gote]

OK, I fianlly got off my arse and grew a pair and tore down my Gilson/ MW 323.. Thanks Scottessey for the push. After sifting through what I have, what I am missing, and what I don't know I am missing or have, I sent my frame and misc parts to paint. I got them back this morning. I had imediate mixed feelings about the color. This color has now grown on me since.:thumbsup: I like it. Here is it is in all its glory after powder coat. Stay tuned...:wink:

 

[Square_Chopper]

Should be a really fun project. FWIW, I'd keep the shocks on the rear unless you're going for a complete resto. IMO, they look better and I'm sure they'd ride nicer. Just my 2 pennies. Color looks great!

 

[Mountain Gote]

Square:

I'd keep the shocks on the rear unless you're going for a complete resto.

Absolutely!! Thanks for your opinion.. I was planning on it.. I am looking forward to a little bump absorption. and yep, they sure do add a nice detail/ feature to the bike.

 

[bayareaburrito]

Brian
I saw that in the back of your shop tonight..
That came out looking SWEET!!!
Can't wait to see the finished product..:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

 

[Clayon]

OK, I fianlly got off my arse and grew a pair and tore down my Gilson/ MW 323.. Thanks Scottessey for the push. After sifting through what I have, what I am missing, and what I don't know I am missing or have, I sent my frame and misc parts to paint. I got them back this morning. I had imediate mixed feelings about the color. This color has now grown on me since.:thumbsup: I like it. Here is it is in all its glory after powder coat. Stay tuned...:wink:

That shade of blue looks great, and the rims are real good looking too. Can't wait to see it all together. :thumbsup:

 

[Scottessey]

That color is killer! :thumbsup: Looking forward to seeing it as a roller.

 

[Mountain Gote]

I examined the original axles today and noticed the threads were pretty worn down in spots and one axle was not spinning 100% true. So I fabricated some new ones on the lathe.:hammer: