Difference between Prewar Schwinns (rangers, packards, aces)

[IRMB]

I'm looking for a frame to build a proper clunker and am finding all these variants that look like Schwinn DX frames - but many have different brand and model names that I havent heard of.

is a 1939 (for example) Mead Ranger, Packard, Ace all the same thing? Are these all just re-branded Schwinn DX's?

Thanks!

 

[41DX]

Not an expert but, don't get caught up with the head badges. 39 looks different than the 40/41. All three look pretty cool. There are Schwinn catalogs that can be found through google and plenty of online examples.

41 DX in front. C frame in rear:

 

[B607]

Other companies made very similar frames. The Monark Rocket frame looks a lot like a Schwinn DX. Schwinn put a hundred different badges on the prewar bikes. Look at the pic 41DX posted. The closer bike. Look how smoothly the top tubes blend in with the head tube. If you don't see that, it isn't a Schwinn.
There are 3 prewar DX boys frames. The '39 has a straight down tube. The '40 has a slightly curved downtube, and the '41 has an even more curved downtube. Also, the prewar frames came in 3 sizes...16", 18", and 20". Frame size, not wheel size. Measure from the center of the BB to the top of the seat tube. The 18" was standard. Gary

 

[B607]

Not an expert but, don't get caught up with the head badges. 39 looks different than the 40/41. All three look pretty cool. There are Schwinn catalogs that can be found through google and plenty of online examples.

41 DX in front. C frame in rear:

Beautiful paint job and that DX. Gary