1942 CCM Rambler

Submitted by Wayne on Fri, 07/05/2013 - 08:45

Hello all,

I am the proud owner of a 1942 CCM Rambler that belonged to my uncle, that makes me the second owner. The bike was in pretty rought shape when I got it so I did a complete restoration on it. New chrome, new tires, new paint, new chain, new pedals and a new seat. I wish that I didn't have to replace the seat and the pedals but they were destroyed.I want to find out how the original pinstripe was done, did this bike come with a chain guard, and the proper size of the original tires. Any help would be appreciated.

11 Comments

Submitted by rusty wheels on Fri, 07/05/2013 - 18:24.

Hello, and welcome to the forums!  You have come to the right place for info for your bicycle.  It sounds like the restoration is well under way.  It would be great to see some pictures if you have any.  

All of the bikes I have seen from that era with original paint look like the pinstripes were done by hand.  I have not seen two that are alike.  The tires should be 28 x 1 1/2 "Canadian Size".  Not to be confused with the English 28 x 1 1/2 tires.  Modern 700 x 38C tires fit well to replace the Canadian size ones and are easy to find as long as you do not mind the looks.  

Erik

Submitted by Wayne on Fri, 07/05/2013 - 21:33.

I thought I had the wrong tires on the bike but according to you they are correct, just a bit cracked so I'll replace them. I also found out through the forum that it is actually a 1942.

Submitted by Old-Bikes on Sat, 07/06/2013 - 22:30.

Hi Wayne, the 700 x 38 tires will fit but you should be eable to find canadian size 28 x 1 1/2 tires from your LBS. I think they're made by IRC but I would have to check.

and for the chainguard, lots of bikes did not come with it. I think it was an option.

Submitted by bikedenis on Sun, 07/07/2013 - 05:53.

Yes old-Bikes...for the chain-guards was an option for many bikes CCM included ;)

Submitted by DJWC on Mon, 07/08/2013 - 22:12.

Hello Wayne,   Very nice job on the restoration!

Submitted by T-Mar on Thu, 07/18/2013 - 16:21.

I don't have a 1942 catalogue but my 1941 literature shows it without a chainguard.

28 x 1-1/2" tires are also available from Vee Rubber. These are quite inexpensive.  The last time that I ordered them they were $11.50 MSRP..

It's interesting to note that that you have a 1942 model, as I have a price shedule, with an effiective date of September 1941, that lists the Rambler Motorbike among the models to be discontinued for the duration of the war. FYI, the price at that time was $46.50.

Submitted by Wayne.Gillies on Thu, 07/18/2013 - 18:57.

Ramblers were a lower price model as  the att 1941 catalogue shows, therefore had no chainguard' as standard equip't         http://s917.photobucket.com/user/dobie45/library/

Submitted by Wayne.Gillies on Thu, 07/18/2013 - 19:00.

OOPS..I sent the whole deal.  Just scroll down the sub albums on the left to 1941 CCM Catalogue

Submitted by Wayne on Sun, 08/18/2013 - 15:28.

I looked at the 1941 catalog and the one that looks my Ramble is called the CCM Motorbike. I got from my uncle without a chain guard, but it looks a bit more finished with the one that I installed. Just threw a new set of tires on it today and took it for a spin!

Submitted by Wayne on Sun, 08/18/2013 - 15:43.

The serial number looks to be ZH5386, does that make sense? The ZH is hard to make out.

Submitted by Wayne.Gillies on Sun, 08/18/2013 - 19:32.

Include a pic of of the serial. Many were mis stamped so #s look like letters.   If it is a 42 there should be a "F" e.g. XFXXXXX.