This is my current project. Hopefully will be a daily rider for me and my daughter. I wanted a vintage styled cruiser and this 52 Schwinn popped up. Serial number F12812. It's currently on unrestored white S-7 rims. It has on it presently a cloverleaf sprocket and if i'm to believe the seller, it was initially on a skiptooth sweetheart sprocket. I do have the sweetheart sprocket (unrestored with minimal rust) and chain to go with it. The springer fork is a little rough and was painted poorly, much like the rest of the bike, with Rustoleum according to the seller.The rubber bushing is totally shot and was painted over since it was never disassembled prior to painting. The fork itself is crooked, but rides nice enough. Personally, i would have bought it rusted and never "saved" as he put it. Handlebars are unrestored, but pretty clean and i hate them. Seat is faded, but in good shape aside from some weak springs (or maybe i'm just a fatbody). Grips are intact, but a bit crusty.
My questions so far:
1. Does a skiptooth sprocket and chain work with regular sprockets and such? Do i have to track down a new rear wheel hub or will this chain work with what i've got?
2. What should i look for as far a chain guard if i get one to replace the current? I would need one that fits the sweetheart, right?
3. Is it possible that the springer fork isn't actually crooked, but may need adjusting? I am only familiar with the springer on my other bike and it's dead-on straight and a lot firmer spring than this one. Is this a common ailment?
4. How the heck do i get these grips off the handlebars?
5. Is it possible to remove the cover on the seat to upholster with something else and keep the current cover intact?
6. I have a spoke or two missing. Is there any value in original spokes or should i feel free to replace them with new ones? Is there a walkthrough on how to line them up somewhere?
7. Is there a good comprehensive walkthrough on regular maintenance for a bike of this age?
My plans for this bike:
Large as i can find, cheaply, ape hangers.
Color coordinated grips, pedals, accessories (headlight, mirrors, etc.)
If i find a tank with a horn i might try that, otherwise i'm going to drop a wood panel in it's place and match that up.
Black the bike out aside from white wall tires.
Add a babyseat so my copilot has a primo spot to sit with her Daddy while we cruise. I might taylor the color scheme to whatever seat i get. Was thinking a vintage bike seat would be cool, but they usually seem to be lacking safety straps.
I really do want to keep it simple. I don't want a lowrider, but i do want a nice Stingray kind of look/feel to it. If anyone has any resources, thoughts, ideas, tips on how to get a new bushing for the fork on the cheap, etc. please post up or get in touch. The bike is 100% rideable and aside from a seat adjustment and some air in the tires i can take her out any old time.
I've also included a picture of my Krate clone that i picked up from Toys R Us a few years back. I love the bike, but i'm not the same size i was when i bought it so i kind of feel a little silly on it. I'm pickin it up this week to service it and get it back in riding shape and maybe swap out a few things. Wish someone had not stolen the headlight. That was my favorite addition.
Thanks for checking my post out!
My questions so far:
1. Does a skiptooth sprocket and chain work with regular sprockets and such? Do i have to track down a new rear wheel hub or will this chain work with what i've got?
2. What should i look for as far a chain guard if i get one to replace the current? I would need one that fits the sweetheart, right?
3. Is it possible that the springer fork isn't actually crooked, but may need adjusting? I am only familiar with the springer on my other bike and it's dead-on straight and a lot firmer spring than this one. Is this a common ailment?
4. How the heck do i get these grips off the handlebars?
5. Is it possible to remove the cover on the seat to upholster with something else and keep the current cover intact?
6. I have a spoke or two missing. Is there any value in original spokes or should i feel free to replace them with new ones? Is there a walkthrough on how to line them up somewhere?
7. Is there a good comprehensive walkthrough on regular maintenance for a bike of this age?
My plans for this bike:
Large as i can find, cheaply, ape hangers.
Color coordinated grips, pedals, accessories (headlight, mirrors, etc.)
If i find a tank with a horn i might try that, otherwise i'm going to drop a wood panel in it's place and match that up.
Black the bike out aside from white wall tires.
Add a babyseat so my copilot has a primo spot to sit with her Daddy while we cruise. I might taylor the color scheme to whatever seat i get. Was thinking a vintage bike seat would be cool, but they usually seem to be lacking safety straps.
I really do want to keep it simple. I don't want a lowrider, but i do want a nice Stingray kind of look/feel to it. If anyone has any resources, thoughts, ideas, tips on how to get a new bushing for the fork on the cheap, etc. please post up or get in touch. The bike is 100% rideable and aside from a seat adjustment and some air in the tires i can take her out any old time.
I've also included a picture of my Krate clone that i picked up from Toys R Us a few years back. I love the bike, but i'm not the same size i was when i bought it so i kind of feel a little silly on it. I'm pickin it up this week to service it and get it back in riding shape and maybe swap out a few things. Wish someone had not stolen the headlight. That was my favorite addition.
Thanks for checking my post out!