I finally broke down and got this Murray built, Sears distributed bike. The front brake caliper has been replaced with a weinmann as the original was messed up but other than that it looks to be mostly original. I might have to contact sears with the part number to find out the year. Original owner parted with it a few months ago and I got it second hand.
333 shimano 3-speed hub
Troxel, Moscow TN seat
Wald bow pedals (maybe NOS replacements
as the person has a good source for vintage NOS bike parts)
NOS western flyer EA-3 tire replacements with some minor cracks but it is obvious they have never been on the road.
Sears metal headbadge
Remote chance of getting the owners manual if the guy can find it
Had a flawless chrome NOS Nammax Corp headlight
still in the box thrown in on the deal.
The frame looks like it has some sort of plastic coating over the chrome that is missing in some spots but doesn't come off.
This bike sure has some WOW factor to it and is in excellent shape considering the age. Especially since the whole thing is gleaming in chrome. I would love to take it for a ride but with the salt on the roads this bike isn't going out anytime soon. I can't wait to try this hand-grip shifter set-up out.