Help: 1958 Schwinn American Klunker Build

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astein2006

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Hi all. Super new to anything related to fixing or building a bike. I got a 1958 Schwinn American frame with cranks I want to make into a Klunker. I have a few questions and need recommendations. From what I know this frame takes the Schwinn S7 rims. Will any standard 26” x 1.75 rim fit this frame? Also will it handle a 26” x 2.125? I don’t plan on using fenders.
As far as forks, will Tange 26” fit the frame? Not sure if the front end post is standard with BMX type forks. Any other recommendations for chrome forks other than Tange. I’m not a label snob but just want something that works and is solid. Also need recommendations on handlebars and headset that will fit this frame. Thanks all for your help and recommendations and help
 
This is a 58 Schwinn made into a Klunker.
1689642160596.png


The standard size 26" wheels and tires fit, the S7's are just a tad larger. 2.125 size tires fit well. Your frame is probably a middleweight. Schwinn middleweight cantilever frames remained unchanged for years. I put standard wheels with a 3 speed coaster brake on my 1980 Typhoon. You'll probably want coaster brakes or drum brakes.

erd63c.jpg



Here's another 58 Schwinn using BMX forks:

1689642379027.png



On my 53 Schwinn, I added a springer fork and 57mm rims with 26 x 2.125 tires:
Schwinn 53 2.jpg
 
@Wildcat "The standard size 26" wheels and tires fit, the S7's are just a tad larger. 2.125 size tires fit well."
To be clear, running 2.125 tires required a different rim right?
I find the tire selection for S7 rims pretty slim these days.

Abraço
 
Right, S7 rims are obsolete, and require an S-7 tire. That's why it's best to get a standard 26" wheel, usually a 26 x 1.75 rim with a 26 x 2.125 tire. Plenty of good selections for those rims and tires. I like the 57mm alloy rims best, with a 2.125 tire.
25 apr 22 ride.jpg
 
I’m debating on whether to use the original forks or not. If I use the original forks then using BMX style handlebars won’t work for the aesthetic. I’m thinking of going BMX bars and forks. What brand and size do you recommend for my American? Do you need 26 x 2.125 rims for those larger tires? Also I’m considering using the original cranks since the are in good condition. Or would you recommend a three piece?
 
Screen Shot 2023-07-17 at 11.04.33 PM.png


This is what I use. A lot less expensive than the name brand BMX forks and it looks the part just fine. You will need to cut the steerer tube down to the proper length. I don't have the headset diameter memorized (I'm sure someone else does), but you can pretty much pull a headset off any Chicago built Schwinn. One of my favorite sources is a 10 speed varsity. People think they are trash and if you're patient you can find one for about $35 on CL. The parts on the varsity polish up super nice. Especially the headset and hubs. The only problem is, you then have a varsity frame you want to build. and that's how it starts....
 
I used the original forks with BMX bars and it looked okay, but the BMX fork would look better.
I used a conversion kit to add a 3 piece crankset to my Hawthorne, same bottom bracket as your Schwinn. I liked how it was rigid with no flex but you need to get a whole new crankset plus the kit. Your original cranks are 58 Schwinn like these?

1689667807147.png



3 piece conversion on my 42 Hawthorne:
DSCI0091.JPG


As for rims, the width doesn't have to match the tire, as I have used the standard width rims of 26 x 1.75 inches with the 2.125 tires. Tires 1.50 wide and up to 3.0 will work on those rims.

2.125:
2qwoea8 - Copy.jpg


1.50 tires:
53 CWC final - Copy.jpg


26 x 3.0 inch wide tires on the same 1.75 rims:
1917905_214634536736_2158834_n - Copy.jpg
 
Wildcat said:
I used the original forks with BMX bars and it looked okay, but the BMX fork would look better.
I used a conversion kit to add a 3 piece crankset to my Hawthorne, same bottom bracket as your Schwinn. I liked how it was rigid with no flex but you need to get a whole new crankset plus the kit. Your original cranks are 58 Schwinn like these?

View attachment 241528


3 piece conversion on my 42 Hawthorne:
View attachment 241536

As for rims, the width doesn't have to match the tire, as I have used the standard width rims of 26 x 1.75 inches with the 2.125 tires. Tires 1.50 wide and up to 3.0 will work on those rims.

2.125:
View attachment 241531

1.50 tires:
View attachment 241533

26 x 3.0 inch wide tires on the same 1.75 rims:
View attachment 241535
Click to expand...
Yes that is my crankset. Im still debating whether to use it or not. If I do BMX fork and handlebars then using a three piece would complete the look. But I do like the original crank set look. Not sure how they function.
 
Would all modern BMX forks need a conversion kit? Any recommendations brand wise for handlebars and stem? Doesn’t have to be the best on the market. I just want it to work and look decent.
 
There's a lot of great info on klunker building on Alan Bonds' website:
http://clunkers.net/He's one of the original Marin county guys and has built a lot of great traditional klunkers.

Most combinations of parts have been tried. There are some amazing bikes in these threads, great inspiration:
https://ratrodbikes.com/threads/show-us-your-klunkerz.23538/https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/post-your-klunker-pics-here.133268/
Depending what you're interested in doing the simplest and cheapest way to get going might be to buy a cheap used 26" cruiser for parts. That could get the wheels, tires, forks, possibly cranks and seat, maybe bars, etc. Then you could get other parts to suit from there. Have fun!
 
astein2006 said:
Would all modern BMX forks need a conversion kit? Any recommendations brand wise for handlebars and stem? Doesn’t have to be the best on the market. I just want it to work and look decent.
Click to expand...
If you use a 1" threaded fork you don't need the conversion. Just match the headset and stem sizes to the fork you'll be using and match the handlebar to the stem size. Style is just based on what you like. There's lots of options, sky's the limit!
 
Can someone recommend chrome BMX handlebars, stem and forks that would fit my frame? I don’t need the best brand. Just something well built and looks the part. Brands and models would help. Definitely want to go the BMX look. Thank you
 
The Capt is right, the choices are endless. And that's part of the fun!

You mentioned Tange forks and that's a great choice for a vintage klunker:
https://www.porkchopbmx.com/tange-trx-1-threaded-180mm-steer-tube-26-old-schoo.htmlThe 7" steer tube may fit your frame as is or may need to be trimmed a bit depending on the length of your head tube. It uses a 26.4 mm crown race and takes a 21.1 mm stem.

Probably the best headset for this is the Tange AW27 which is what builder's used in the '70s and early '80s on these old Schwinns:
https://www.porkchopbmx.com/tange-aw-27-bmx-bicycle-headset-1-threaded-w-327mm.htmlThis is for the 1" threaded steer tube & 26.4mm crown race. It also has the 32.7mm bearing cups that will fit your frame.

For BMX bars I like an old style bar that is tall and wide like the SE Racing Big Honkin':
https://www.porkchopbmx.com/se-racing-big-honkin-6-rise-cruiser-bmx-bicycle-ch.htmlIt has a 22.2mm clamp area which I think is standard for BMX bars.

This chrome Suntour stem has a 21.1mm quill which would fit the forks and is a good price:
https://www.porkchopbmx.com/suntour-style-old-school-211mm-quill-bmx--46157395.html
The above mentioned Sunlite fork has a 27mm crown race diameter so would need a different headset. I think this one would probably work:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AO9Q0...N77&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1&psc=1Select the one for 21.1 x 32.5 x 27mm

Your cranks will work fine. When you get wheels make sure the hub width is the same. If you get a wider hub you will have to spread the rear of the frame to fit which isn't too bad of a job but I don't know if you want to tackle that on your 1st build. A coaster brake hub will likely be the right width as will some 3 speed hubs. Same on the front wheel. A cruiser wheel will probably fit a stock vintage Schwinn fork but a mountain bike hub will be too wide. Conversely a cruiser front hub may be too narrow for a BMX fork but a BMX or MTB hub/wheel would fit. So measure before you buy if you can.
 
Last edited:
Pondo said:
The Capt is right, the choices are endless. And that's part of the fun!

You mentioned Tange forks and that's a great choice for a vintage klunker:
https://www.porkchopbmx.com/tange-trx-1-threaded-180mm-steer-tube-26-old-schoo.htmlThe 7" steer tube may fit your frame as is or may need to be trimmed a bit depending on the length of your head tube. It uses a 26.4 mm crown race and takes a 21.1 mm stem.

Probably the best headset for this is the Tange AW27 which is what builder's used in the '70s and early '80s on these old Schwinns:
https://www.porkchopbmx.com/tange-aw-27-bmx-bicycle-headset-1-threaded-w-327mm.htmlThis is for the 1" threaded steer tube & 26.4mm crown race. It also has the 32.7mm bearing cups that will fit your frame.

For BMX bars I like an old style bar that is tall and wide like the SE Racing Big Honkin':
https://www.porkchopbmx.com/se-racing-big-honkin-6-rise-cruiser-bmx-bicycle-ch.htmlIt has a 22.2mm clamp area which I think is standard for BMX bars.

This chrome Suntour stem has a 21.1mm quill which would fit the forks and is a good price:
https://www.porkchopbmx.com/suntour-style-old-school-211mm-quill-bmx--46157395.html
The above mentioned Sunlite fork has a 27mm crown race diameter so would need a different headset. I think this one would probably work:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AO9Q0...N77&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1&psc=1Select the one for 21.1 x 32.5 x 27mm

Your cranks will work fine. When you get wheels makes sure the hub width is the same. If you get a wider hub you will have to spread the rear of the frame to fit which isn't too bad of a job but I don't know if you want to tackle that on your 1st build. A coaster brake hub will likely be the right width as will some 3 speed hubs. Same on the front wheel. A cruiser wheel will probably fit but a mountain bike hub will be too wide so measure before you buy if you can.
Click to expand...
Great write up. Sitting in an airport on my phone didn’t have the bandwidth to deep dive 😂
 

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