1947 Schwinn DX (with mods) from CL

[VonFink]

Unknown find off Craigslist, purchased today: -----(just edited post to add best guess to thread title)----

Here's my post in the Bike I.D. section--- viewtopic.php?f=62&t=56799

 

[BackWoodCycle]

Re: Unknown Blue Balloon Bike from Craigslist

Sprocket is monark

 

[Crassly]

Re: Unknown Schwinn (?) Bike from CL

Looks like a late 50's Schwinn with the wrong chain ring.

 

[VonFink]

Re: Unknown Schwinn (?) Bike from CL

It's got a few Schwinn parts on it. Schwinn stem, Schwinn S-7 rims. I am wondering if it is a bike Schwinn made for another brand. The number on the BB isn't on the Schwinn lists.

 

[heyslugger]

Re: Unknown Schwinn (?) Bike from CL

Looks like a late 50's Schwinn with the wrong chain ring.

Yep. I am looking at a set of fenders off an American right now, striped just like those.

 

[Jpromo]

Re: Unknown Schwinn (?) Bike from CL

Most definitely a Schwinn but this was before the Schwinn fire consumed the serial number records in '48. I'd put it as a '47 DX. It doesn't look like it does, but if the kickstand tapers, then it's a '46, the first year of the built in kickstand. Somewhere in its life, somebody updated the driveline to use a (now) standard chain when it was originally a skiptooth, balloon tire bike. They got Schwinn S-7s but put a Monark 1/2" chainring on it. And now, you own this bike which looks to have a lot of history behind it!

 

[VonFink]

Re: Unknown Schwinn (?) Bike from CL

It looks as though the chainguard must be Schwinn as well. It's the same style as a Traveller, Corvette, etc. There is a fitting on the chainguard that looks like a cable clip---which I have seen mentioned in an ebay ad. Another puzzling detail!

 

[Frankthetank]

Re: Unknown Schwinn (?) Bike from CL

One thing I've come to realize is only schwinn cruisers have the most perfectly, beautifully curved bottom tube. All other manufacturers are totally different. I do believe you have a schwinn with some mix match parts.

 

[Slikdaddy71]

Re: Unknown Schwinn (?) Bike from CL

Its a Schwinn DX!! I have a 47 frame, mine is badged ACE.

 

[Floyd]

Re: Unknown Schwinn (?) Bike from CL

I saw that in the morning on CL for an unbelievable low price. Glad you got it!

 

[VonFink]

Re: Unknown Schwinn (?) Bike from CL

Great info everybody, thanks!

To sum up:

Originally (best guess) a 1947 Schwinn DX
Evidence:
• serial number on BB tube only, predates known Schwinn serial number records
• welded-on, un-tapered kickstand- first year is 1947
• frame, fork, stem, handlebars, kickstand, fenders all believed to be original equipment

Bicycle subsequently rebuilt or modified by later era components & repainted
Evidence:
• Non-standard 1-color paint scheme
• Later-era Schwinn components: S-7 wheels, chainguard
• Non-Schwinn components: grips, seat, crank, pedals & sprocket
• Missing components: tank, head badge

Conclusion:
• Could keep & ride as is (needs tires)
• Could keep & customize
• Could part out (possible)
• Could restore (probably not a reasonable option)

 

[Frankthetank]

Re: Unknown Schwinn (?) Bike from CL

I'd keep it just the way it is, maybe clean it up and call it a day. It's a good looking bike as is.

Great info everybody, thanks!

To sum up:

Originally (best guess) a 1947 Schwinn DX
Evidence:
• serial number on BB tube only, predates known Schwinn serial number records
• welded-on, un-tapered kickstand- first year is 1947
• frame, fork, stem, handlebars, kickstand, fenders all believed to be original equipment

Bicycle subsequently rebuilt or modified by later era components & repainted
Evidence:
• Non-standard 1-color paint scheme
• Later-era Schwinn components: S-7 wheels, chainguard
• Non-Schwinn components: grips, seat, crank, pedals & sprocket
• Missing components: tank, head badge

Conclusion:
• Could keep & ride as is (needs tires)
• Could keep & customize
• Could part out (possible)
• Could restore (probably not a reasonable option)