55 (or 56??) Wasp

[GTV]

Found this old girl Sunday at the swap meet. Cheap, and all original. Just how I like them.

I sorted out the bent seat post, swapped some Fat Franks on from another bike, and dropped the neck a little. Still needs going through, but I like it. Nice and simple. The S2's are shot, but they'll work for this, a back up girls bike.

I also scored a SA 3 speed with coaster brake for $15 for my '59 Traveler

 

[dougfisk]

I loves me some Schwinn ballooners.

 

[CCR]

Good looking bike, I'd love one just like that for a back-up rider. Tires look great on there too.

 

[GTV]

Yep, it's perfect as a back up for the missus, or if we have company over we can all ride
When I plug the serial number I get this:

So which one is it?!

 

[dougfisk]

Yep, it's perfect as a back up for the missus, or if we have company over we can all ride
When I plug the serial number I get this:

So which one is it?!

It's really hard to tell on a Wasp. Being a heavy duty paper boy (girl) model, they stayed very constant over the years and didn't get cheapened down as much as the other models. There is a site with Schwinn catalogs posted in detail, You might find a clue by studying them.

To my eye, the fundamental styling of these is as good as it ever got for a girls bike. If this is her backup what is her first string? :shock:

http://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1951 ... 55_16.html

http://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1951 ... 56_06.html

 

[GTV]

If this is her backup what is her first string? :shock:

viewtopic.php?f=21&t=57452&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=Broad

 

[dougfisk]

I don't know where you live, but you got yourself 2 products of Chicago ...from an era that is gone forever.

 

[GTV]

Not far from you... 7th Ave & Indian School. Whereabouts are you?

 

[dougfisk]

Not far from you... 7th Ave & Indian School. Whereabouts are you?

Holy crap, I had no idea! I live near 52nd St and Indian School near Arcadia High School. Did you find that Wasp here??

 

[GTV]

Very cool! We should get together sometime.
I found both of those bikes at the GCC swap held the first Sunday of every month.

 

[heyslugger]

I sold that same color similar condition same year chain guard on ebay early this summer for 280+ bucks. I couldnt believe it. I still can't...I mean I spent the money so I mean I CAN but still. You get ready to unload it think about ebay. There is at least one other person out there who was willing to pay 279 for it! :shock: And those tires MAKE that bike. Nice refresh on that one.

 

[GTV]

That would make for a nice flip! This one will stay though... At least until I find something better

I need to unload a few bikes then I can pull this one apart and polish it up, give her the attention she deserves

 

[heyslugger]

See? Pretty close, right? Sorry to throw all these pics on your thread.

 

[MBP]

Found this old girl Sunday at the swap meet. Cheap, and all original. Just how I like them.

Lol Dan. Congrats.

 

[kscheel]

Nice score, I really like that dark blue color. One of their opalescent colors I think

 

[GTV]

Thanks guys! When I first bought it I considered flipping it but its just too nice not to keep it.