1949 Schwinn DX

[MBP]

I just purchased this gem. It is currently a "Frankenbike" of sorts, but I'm hoping to restore it to some degree of it's original grandeur. Unfortunately, nothing appears to be original. so I'm not even sure what it may have looked like in it's day. Not even sure how far to take the restoration.

Your comments/suggestions/ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[boybluela]

Looks great, You have all you need there for a full resto or a rat... from what I could see the only thing not original is the seat, grips, and maybe the wheels "cant really tell" they look mis matched in the pic, but the rear does look like and Original S2... none the less it looks like a great project.. heres a pic I pulled from the web, hope it helps!



and here is my 1948 DX "Work In progress"

[MBP]

Thanks so much for posting the pictures - and the comments. Love, LOve, LOVE your '48!

I'll have to break mine down and give it a restorative paint job. Can't say I'm too fond of the olive drab. I have, however, been asked if it was a former Army bike. lol.

I'm leaning towards a springer fork, but thinking the original fender (if it is original) won't accept the truss rods. Were your truss rods original, or did you add them later? Also, what is the apparatus clamped to your front fork? I've seen them before, but have no idea what it is.

Sorry for the endless barrage of questions. I have LOTS to learn!

Thanks again!

[boybluela]

You're welcome, I'm glad I could help in any way... The truss Rods are not orginal to this bike, I did add them when I bought the bike, and they will fit, minor issue is they will slightly bend the fender where they squeeze but its no big deal... since you want to repaint, I would keep an eye out for a front truss/springer fender in the for sale section.. if not you could do it my way..lol..

From the looks of it, your bike looks pretty original to me, except for what I mentioned earlier.. the paint is what throws it off..lol..

The thing hanging from my fork is actually a Persons Majestic Bicycle Siren.. I have another one on my 49 Straightbar..
here is a vid I shot of it in action...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UKtoZ2IvMQ&context=C40bf131ADvjVQa1PpcFMNqF4NUhHvTjDBSn6DPB9qUdQwVlX9Y4I=

[MBP]

LOL.... thanks so much for the clip. Totally love the Persons Majestic Bicycle Siren! Awesome stuff.

Sure beats the playing card I was fixing to add to mine. "Ffffffffffttttttttttttt...."

I can see how vintage bikes can become an addiction. It all started in February when I tried to find a vintage rack to put on my not-so-vintage '98 Raleigh. During my search I happened upon all kinds of fabulous vintage rides! Once I bought the rack... I couldn't stop looking. Now, four weeks later, I own two vintage Schwinns and am consumed with thoughts of restoring them. Sorry Raleigh!

Thanks again!

PS) I think a saw the picture of the straight bar on another thread. Fabulous bike!

[schwinner]

if your lookin for answers and good people.youve found the right place.we all love bikes here and theres no worry of bein laughed at or put down for any bike you have.welcome aboard and you got a nice bike to start your addiction with.you posted a pic of yours to my 49 straight bar build and i had to come to your page and say youve got a real nice bike.

[MBP]

Thanks so much Schwinner! I'm having a ton of fun and learning A LOT!

At first, I was under the impression that the Straight Bar and DX were the same. It didn't take long to see the obvious difference.

I was happy to learn from Boybluela that most of the bike appears to be original. I was under the impression it was possibly slapped together with a bunch of spare parts from a scrap heap. So happy it wasn't.

I've started to order parts and anticipate their arrival! It's funny... I don't think I've had this much fun checking the mailbox - EVER. Who knew??? It's even better than Christmas!

Thanks again!

[scott brownsey]

you have a very nice ol DX a very good start to what ever direction you decide to go with it. i have 2 DX a 1940 and a 1941 good luck and enjoy your bike build

[MBP]

Thanks Scott!

[MBP]

Just brought this bike home today. I believe it is a 1948 - possibly a Majestic? I'm not sure what models were available in 1948. Also not sure what the "bulb" is on the front fender. Guessing it was used to replace the original fender light. The rear rack and reflector were also MIA. I pumped up the back tire and it held air, but the front tire is blown. I'm thinking it was a great buy @ 55.00.

[scott brownsey]

u can paint both up the same his n hers

[MBP]

u can paint both up the same his n hers

Good idea! Thanks again Scott

[scott brownsey]

do you have any progress pictures

[MBP]

do you have any progress pictures

Not yet Scott. Trying to get all of my projects in order before I start tearing down and sandblasting. I've got parts coming in from all over, but still looking for a nice set of Schwinn springer forks for the 49 DX.

Picked up an old rusty Tornado this afternoon... as if I needed another project to add to the list. I always wanted to build a green Hornet. (laughs)

[deorman]

Perfect parts pile for the posted subject

I'm thinking it was a great buy @ 55.00.

ditto.