SCHWINNG

[sdframe]

I've been sorting through a rather cumbersome stash of parts for several weeks prior to May 1. The parts I picked dictated what style of bike I would build: It turns out it'll be a street strandie/klunker/bomber type of build. I had a choice of three frames, each of which is interesting in its own right:

A really fluid, curvy GT cruiser frame; OR

This powdercoated 1953/54 Monark Super DeLuxe beauty; OR

this very complete, highly original 1953 or 1957 Schwinn Spitfire, which has languished untouched in my storage unit for the past two years

Since it's just been sitting for so long, it's my choice for this buildoff. I will save all the original parts for its next owner. I'm super excited about this build, hence the name: SCHWINNG! Gotta strip it down now.

 

[GuitarlCarl]

Nice bike! My research shows '53 Spitfires have a curved middle bar (like the Monark) and skiptooth. It's what I'm building and different from your straight bar. Maybe you are correctly guessing '57.

Carl.

 

[sdframe]

Thanks! The serial number appears in both years. 1957 was a great year for automobiles.

 

[OddJob]

SD is in the house! Really like your frame choice (and a pretty good 2nd and 3rd option too!) and your build idea.

Watching this one.... RaT oN~!

 

[sdframe]

Thanks, OJ. I just gave the frame the BLO treatment. It'll be fun not worrying about scratching the paint as I put it together. I think I have some great parts for this build.

 

[sdframe]

Stripped down and BLOed

 

[sdframe]

After bombing down a hill, I'll need to go back up. I'll just kick back once, she'll drop into "low," and pedal back up. Thank you Bendix, for enabling me to do so, for keeping my SCHWINNG cable-free, and for bringing back fond memories of my '59 Chevy Biscayne with Powerglide.

 

[ParkRNDL]

After bombing down a hill, I'll need to go back up. I'll just kick back once, she'll drop into "low," and pedal back up. Thank you Bendix, for enabling me to do so, for keeping my SCHWINNG cable-free, and for bringing back fond memories of my '59 Chevy Biscayne with Powerglide.
View attachment 93995

I have a '65 Impala with a Powerglide, and I just built up my first bike with a Bendix kickback and I love it. I totally agree; the kickback is definitely a similar experience to the Powerglide.

 

[Indyjps]

Funny. My dad has a 65 impala with PG, I built him a Schwinn with Sturmey kickback he specifically wanted a 2 speed hub like he used to ride.

Dont mean to clog your thread. I always follow your builds. Good stuff to come Im sure.

 

[G-Matt]

This is looking good , all three frames are cool but I think you made the right choice. I almost went with a Klunker build my self . But a week before the build off I found a pretty cool bike so change of plans .


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[MazdaFlyer]

Schwinn frame talks to me then the Monarch.


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[LukeTheJoker]

Very cool choices!
Frame looks good with BLO...

 

[sdframe]

Powerglide; sounds like a good name for a build.

Anyhow, I have some good parts choices for this project:

Bought this a year or so ago, and I just added the original Schwinn grips

Now I have to use a stem with a detachable clamp. This should work fine.

Bought this leather saddle cheap on eBay a couple of months ago. They lied, it aint leather, but good enough. The attached seat post is a dandy from eBay; 13/16" to fit an old Schwinn with a 7/8" top to fit modern seats.

The only difficult choice for me is "which fork?"

 

[LukeTheJoker]

I love BMX style forks on vintage frames, but a rat trap is cool too, can't go wrong with that selection!

 

[sdframe]

The rat trap has been sitting too long in my inventory. I've decided to put it to use.

 

[sandman]

The rat trap has been sitting too long in my inventory. I've decided to put it to use.

That would be my first pick .

 

[sdframe]

Yeah, it looks good and goes with the vibe of the build.

Of course, Schwinn had its own proprietary head set size, so I had to work through that. Finally found the right caged bearings at our local non-profit bike shop. Ran into another forum member, Whizzeltooth (Eric,) who was picking up vintage parts. He said he may be joining us. I hope so.

 

[sdframe]

It's shaping up. Nice meaty 26 by 2.35 on rear, less meaty 26 by 2.125 on front. New chain, 39T chainwheel to gear it a little lower and the bars and stem look right (to me.)

 

[cayman]

That looks great. I really like that GT frame. I think I will look for one to build in the future.

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

Looks like it’s gonna be a really comfortable rider.
I dig it!


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