1940's schwinn lasalle

[macatakk]

I found this Schwinn The serial number reads F56392 Thanks I'm new to this forum.

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[Rat Rod]

An amazing score for $100.

 

[user 135]

Some of these serial numbers conflict. Where was the serial number found on the frame? You may need to pull the crank or stem to date the bike too.

Definitely not a Phantom as it does not have the cantilever frame. More likely a Panther or Deluxe Hornet, though they had different lights and a tank. Can you tell if there was ever a tank installed?

Possible this was upgraded back in the day with a fork,

 

[macatakk]

The serial number is on the frame under where the crank goes through. There are marks that lead me to believe there was a tank at one time. From everything I've read that's where the serial number is supposed to be. The code corresponds with 1952 dating and looking at all the schwinn ads for bikes that year the only one it seems to look like is the phantom. I'm certainly no expert but this bike is cool but it's real hard to nail down what it is! Anyone with any input would be greatly appreciated. Any clue what it may be worth?


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[user 135]

Not a Phantom as it is the wrong frame and missing the integrated fenderlight. Could be a basic bike with upgrades. Maybe @B607 or @Jpromo can help

 

[B607]

I think Clancy nailed it. A Deluxe Hornet with the wrong light. Should have a Rocket Ray light...but who's counting? Nice find for $100. Find a tank and you're in business. Gary

 

[B607]

The more I think about it, this bike could be older than the "Hornet" name. I don't know what year the Rocket Ray came out but this bike might also have been built before the Rocket Ray. Torpedo may be correct. Maybe a very early version of the Hornet? You might check TRFindley's catalog site and see if you can find it. Gary

 

[Chief]

Painted fenders (not a Panther), no integrated light in the front fender (not a Phantom), rear rack with evidence of a tank--leads to a Hornet (wrong front light).

 

[deorman]

I'd have pulled out that hundred so fast that Ben Franklin got friction burns.

 

[macatakk]

I'm seeing that paint scheme on bikes from the 40's. Looks allot closer than the 50's models. The painted fenders. The colors and scallops look allot closer but still no real match. The head badge reads lasalle not schwinn. Does anyone know what years they did that? Did the placement of where or the angle of the wheel lock change? Thank you all so much for you're input. It's greatly appreciated.

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[user 135]

Lasalle could be your answer. Schwinn often rebadged their bikes for Hardware stores and local bike shops, so this could of been a special order by Lasalle.

If you are unsure of the date still ; pull the handlebars or the crank and check for a 2 digit date.

 

[macatakk]

Okay thanks. Do you happen to know what kind of business lasalle was? I'm only 35 this is all long before my time.


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[user 135]

I found these elsewhere.

Prior to World War II, Schwinn utilized distributors to get their products into the hands of retailers and customers. Some distributors such as Chicago Cycle Supply would also sell their own branded versions of Schwinn bikes and/or contract to "make" private label brands for sale by larger retailers.


LaSalle" is simply a one of several names used on bicycles distributed by Chicago Cycle Supply Company (NOT Chicago Bicycle Company- a different organization). It was not a re-badging, but merely the ORIGINAL badge installed from new. It was a common policy of Schwinn and most other bicycle companies in the classic era to allow distributors, dealers, etc. to use their OWN badges and decals and names. Thus there are hundreds of names for such bicycles. This does not ALWAYS mean that, for instance, a Schwinn with a "LaSalle" name will be identical to a factory Schwinn model in a Schwinn catalogue.. It might have slightly different features or color availabilities.​

 

[macatakk]

That's really cool. Thanks man. That says they did that pre-war. I wonder if that continued after the war and when they stopped doing that. Thanks for you're help.


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[77XLT]

Looks like a DX, aside from the chain ring and guard.

 

[The Renaissance Man]

Great looking bike! I think you'll be amazed by how well that paint will come back to life. Do a little research in the 'How To' section on paint restoration tips before you get too far into it. There have been some guys on here that have shined up far worse bikes than this one. There's nothing like original paint if it's done right! Good luck.

Is this your first vintage bike?

 

[macatakk]

It is my first vintage bike but I've restored cars and boats before, and I think you're right. With a little fine tuning this bike will clean up real nice. 77XLT I think you're right. The DX has the exact same paint scheme and looks the closest to what I have than anything else I've seen. Anyone know of a good bike historian in the Chicagoland area I could take this thing to and find out what it is exactly? I would love to find out for sure. My curiosity is definitely peaked! Super stoked though, looking forward to bringing it back to its former glory.


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[The Renaissance Man]

Cool. Let us know a little about yourself in the INTROS section.

 

[user 135]

The DX frames had a curved middle bar while yours is straight.

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[Jarod24]

Defiantly post war, my guess would be late 40s. Defiantly not a DX model.