51 Schwinn garage hanger

[sludgeguy]

I just was given this, according to serial number and the original owner, 51 Schwinn straight bar.

He was given it for Christmas in 1951 when he was 9. He lived on a farm and he and the bike had went through everything together. It has some mismatched parts, which he explained. The fenders look as though they went through hell and back together.

I had promised him that I would keep it, enjoy it and ride it. I'm planing to clean it up, polish the chrome, rebuild the hubs and bottom bracket, mount some new rubber and ride the wheels off.

My first Schwinn, I will need to locate a rusty rear rack for my lunch bucket and I think that will be about it.
Which color tires would make it look the best? Cream, Brick, whitewall or black?
Thanks for looking

 

[Wildcat]

Looks like a standard. I like your plan for it. Maybe a couple coats of clear after you clean it up would look good too.

 

[A.S.BOLTNUT]

Just like I like to find them , classic cruiser ,I'd throw on some black tread too keep the look,,
Curious lookin Chain ring.

 

[sludgeguy]

That is my plan Wildcat, and I'd say you're correct about the standard. Thank you for the catalog page! A.S.Bolt the chain ring was one he took off of another bike "so it would pedal easier". I would like to put a sweetheart ring back on it.

 

[horsefarmer]

Blackwalls and boiled linseed oil...

 

[Scribble]

Blackwalls and boiled linseed oil...

Thats exactly what I did with my 48 DX

 

[sludgeguy]

It's getting there. Knocked out some of the dents and spent a lot of time cleaning. Opted for the cream tires, sorry but I love the way they looked on it. They are on the way. Scrounging through the parts for a head badge, sweetheart sprocket and a wedge for my stem. It's coming along though. I talked with the original owner the other day again. He certainly has some wonderful memories on this bike!

 

[A.S.BOLTNUT]

Thanks for sharing, great story , cool bike ,
That's what it's all about .

Rafael

 

[sludgeguy]

Well its back in one piece!
Still on the look or for a few parts. Took it down and showed the original owner and boy did he smile!
It rides really well too!

 

[Scribble]

Looking good, would you sell that OG seat that was on it?

 

[sludgeguy]

Looking good, would you sell that OG seat that was on it?

Nope, but thanks for asking.