1967 CCM ?Rambler with different size wheels

This is the bike

I've never heard of a CCM with unequal wheel sizes. Do you have a photo with a straight side view you can post here?

Sure, the forks have obviously been replaced. Another oddity is that the handlebars are identical to the 73 apache that has 24" wheels. They seem far too narrow for the bike

Are you sure this is a Rambler 500 and not an Imperial 700?  The Rambler 500 had white fenders while this has chrome, like the Imperial 700.

Regardless the front wheel is the wrong size and the fork is not CCM. While CCM did make some models with unequal wheel sizes, they were hi-riser model, such as the Marauder. During this period 28" wheels were used on the standard (adult) Ramblers and Imperials, while 26" was used on the junvenile models. 

The Rambler 500 and Imperial 700 were both produced from 1966-1967. The J-code indicates 1966 manufacture, though it could be a 1967 model manufactured in late 1966. However, it's somewhat irrelevant, as the respective models were identical for both years.

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Were the 26" and the 28" frames the same? Is it possible the bike was originally a 26" wheel and someone changed the rear to a 28"?

Looks like the rear wheel fits perfectly. If it is a 28", the bike is a 28".

If the front is a 26" and fits that fork. The fork and front wheel are 26"

As mentioned, the fork isn't a CCM fork so the fork and front wheel are not for

that frame.

They fit and work fine so no issue using it that way.

If the frame was for 26" wheels the 28" rear wheel would not fit.

If the frame was for 28" wheels, there would be a noticable gap between

 the fenders and the top of the tire looking at the bike from the side view.

Bottom line is that the fork and front wheel are not correct for the rest of that bike.

Not correct fork.

26" CCM front wheel from another bike on that 28" CCM bike.

Easy to find a 28" fork and wheel.

Come to the bike swap meet Feb 19th in Brantford.

You may find them there or find someone who has them at home.

Possibly someone reading this has them and will bring them to the swap for you.

Good luck !

I live in Victoria. A bit far to travel im afraid

I agree !

You can put a note in the wanted section of this forum.

You will find a fork and wheel.

I have an extra fork but it's from a tall frame bike. I can't measure it right now. Can you measure the height of your bike's head tube?

Brian, according to the 1966 parts & Accessories catalogue, almost all CCM frames of this era used a 5" head tube that employed a fork with a 6-7/16" steerer tube. The only exceptions were the Cyclet and Buccaneer.  The use of a single size head tube and fork steerer was a cost effective design that simplified both manufacturing and parts stocking.

Good to know! My extra fork is from a 1947 men's tall frame. Maybe it's not a good match for his bike? It probably has the wrong style of curve in it. Besides that, would it fit?

Can you take a photo of it? Im also looking for a 28" F13 wheel

a 28" F13 wheel whould be easy to find

in my summer cleaning , I probably trashed 6 of them ... there are a lot of them and hold no real value

everything post 1960 went in the bin, frames, forks, wheels, rims, bars, actually all the loose parts

only kept 4 complete bikes

Be careful when you say F13. Technically, F13 refers to a Westwood style wide rim with a 622mm bead seat diameter for use with 28" (Canadian) tyres. However, CCM continued to use the F13 designation for the equivalent size Endrick rims, even though they should have been labelled EA6. The Endrick rim has flat sidewalls for use with a caliper brake, while the Westwood does not and must be used with hub or stirrup brakes. Supposedly the F13 designation was retained so that the consumer would know that the new Endrick rims were compatible with the old Westwood style, in terms of tyre size. There was also a hybrid version, typically called Dunrick, which CCM used in the late 1950s. It had the flat sidewalls like a Endrick, but retained the centre hump of the Westwood. So, when you're talking CCM and F13 rims, you need to clarify whether you're looking for Westwood, Dunrick or Endrick rims, to ensure you get the correct style. 

Brian, I'm not sure of all the varaitions in the forks from the two respective eras but there is one very visible difference. The rake on the 1966 starts on the upper portion of the blade, as opposed to the lower. So, a 1948 fork on 1966 frame would be obvious to a CCM collector.

There may also be differences in the actual dimensions for rake and trail but I'm not sure.  A tall, old frame, would use a much longer steerer tube, so it would have to be cut to length and threaded.  However, it should be compatible with the headset. To the best of my knowledge, CCM's standard headset remain unchanged after 1923, with the exception of a small change to the upper cup, circa 1959. 

For the OP's reference, I'm attaching some photos of a excellently preserved 1966 Imperial 700, courtesy of K. Martin. Note the rake starting on the upper portion of the fork blades. Also note the chrome fenders, like the OP's, as opposed to the white used on the Ramblers of this era.

Thanks for the rim info. I would say they are endrick rims on the bike. 

Well nobody came up with a fork or wheel so.....

I would have left the 24" on it.

If you like it, than that's all that matters !

Enjoy the ride

If you want an original 28" CCM of that vintage your best bet is to keep your eye out for another bike. If you like the 2-speed hub, you could always swap it into your new frame when you get it. I see these bikes come up on Kijiji all the time. You're in Victoria, retirement capital right? Maybe there are many vintage bikes in garages out there waiting to be found.

If you have a local Community Spokes at your university/college or a local Bikes for Humanity chapter, both sell these 28 inch vintage bikes as "Flower pot bikes" so they can be picked up for peanuts. I've bought 4 so far for $25 or less.

I found another one for sale. Its almost identical except it looks to have white fenders and triplex cranks. I have asked for the serial number to see if i can determine the year of manufacture