Hey all - how do I contact Jim Melton? I recently purchased a JMC frame/fork combo and would like to know when the thing was built.
Thanks!

jmc1bmx (at) centurytel (dot) net

List the serial # here and we'll be able to help you oiut with some of the details.

3852 - it's a 17" top tube, which is a lot shorter than I hoped for. Still, I got a good deal on it so I am quite happy about the whole thing.

It sounds like a shadow, the serial #- are there any letters? You can go to bmxmuseum.com and look at the JMCs there and find one like yours. A pic would be nice. Should look like this:
Click to view attachment

I have been wondering the same. I have been looking on ebay to purchase a "birth certificate" and I have'nt seen the listing for a while.

It looks like it has all the original stickers, and they are not shadow stickers...for whatever that's worth.

euro bb? maybe its a 3.1

Here are a few photos.

This is what I purchased:






Here is what it was before being parted out:




It's a shorty, so I might keep the forks and sell the frame if I am not into it when it arrives. I really want a long frame from 1979-80.

Ahhhh, sorry Jim. I can't believe I didn't catch that

That is awesome. It looks like about 81? Guessing? box BB spacer. No seat clamp. I would keep the fork with it since they came together and are the same era (maybe purchased together).

Nice find.

Bummer that it was parted out as it was a really original survivor. The guy found it at goodwill. He's a into road bikes, so did not have interest in this thing. It's a bittersweet victory that I won it. I wanted an early-ish JMC for 30 years, and now I have one. However, I wanted a long frame...and this one is short.
Still, I might keep it when I actually have it in my posession.

Ok, looks like a 79-80 Standard long. Very nice find Heres my 78.
Click to view attachment

It has a 17.25" top tube (center of head tube to center of seat mast). This would be a "short," not a long, correct?

BITD we called them Standard or long. There was no short frame. That's odd to me.

My guess is a standard. Shadows had a K in the serial and 3.1 Had XL before the number, I believe.

The shape of the DT is also an indicator (teardrop or aero).

thats a st'd short - judging by the serial i'd say late 81 - that was a good purchase for the fork alone at the price ......

i was watching it too - just no desire to own a short model

Click to view attachment

80 long......

A 1978 JMC does not have a square bar behind the bottom bracket.

Yes, short.

It's def. a standard short. Probably mid-1980, based on the SN and the box behind the BB. As someone said above the Black Shadows have SNs that start with K and the 3.1Xls, an XL. Cool little bike, but they are small. Still it would be cool to build up.

The 1979 models have a larger aero downtube and a more oval "box" behind the BB.

unless your under 5'8" I doubt you would comfortable on any jmc form that vintage, however just having one will most likely be enough for you when you get it!!

It's a great find. Who doesn't love a JMC??

Mang! That is a pitty that the fella' had to part that bugger out. What a classic! Sweet score! I've pretty much quit collecting (said that before!) except for an early JMC. I used to have one of Darrell Young's old Shadows, but I sold it and have been kicking myself ever since. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!

I agree with what others have said about the size. None of 'em are gonna' do the trick and that one really does look sweet.

JP