Sadly I've moved back to Washington State due to a divorce after 18 years of being married. Anywho, a buddy of mine owns a LBS and has me helping out, and is returning the favor. He pointed out a 1961 Schwinn Corvette hanging from the rafters in his shop after hearing about my new found "love" of old bikes. I did not get any pre-work pictures, but it was all there except the rear wheel. Fenders are an absolute mess, as well as truss rods/ rack mount.
Step number 1 for me, a rear wheel. Buddy says there is a 4 speed Nexus hub (with drum brake) in a 24" hoop hanging in the "museum" I can have. Find it, install it. DONE.
Step number 2, axe the stock handlebars .... Insert stupid huge apes here. They lasted just over 24 hours. Replaced with department store stem and flipped Mt Bike bars. Hooked up cables for rear end, ride, smile, remove. He had me "recycle" a Raliegh from the rafters, I found a really neat set of bars. (in my opinion) Install and smile again
Step 3, front hub and wheel. Matching front drum brake hub is in there somewhere in the ceiling ... the hunt is on! Wheel is found, hub gets removed from 24" wheel quicker than a jackrabbit searching for a mate. He (LBS owner) hands me a 26" double wide front wheel to lace to the hub. A couple of lacing mistakes later I got it! I finished the front wheel yesterday, complete with a fresh blackwall tire from out local J&B importer warehouse. (same day delivery) :mrgreen:
Step 4, rear wheel hoop replacement. Tear down and cleaning .... boring. I made a mistake while lacing runs #2 and 4. Buddy has me take it apart and do it again. Hey, I am learning. On hand spokes are a touch too long, going to have a set custom cut by local wheel builder / guru. I was frustrated, but it is the best move. Large flange with a matching rear double wide hoop. Waiting will be the best for final product.
Up to date at this point.
Bill
Step number 1 for me, a rear wheel. Buddy says there is a 4 speed Nexus hub (with drum brake) in a 24" hoop hanging in the "museum" I can have. Find it, install it. DONE.
Step number 2, axe the stock handlebars .... Insert stupid huge apes here. They lasted just over 24 hours. Replaced with department store stem and flipped Mt Bike bars. Hooked up cables for rear end, ride, smile, remove. He had me "recycle" a Raliegh from the rafters, I found a really neat set of bars. (in my opinion) Install and smile again
Step 3, front hub and wheel. Matching front drum brake hub is in there somewhere in the ceiling ... the hunt is on! Wheel is found, hub gets removed from 24" wheel quicker than a jackrabbit searching for a mate. He (LBS owner) hands me a 26" double wide front wheel to lace to the hub. A couple of lacing mistakes later I got it! I finished the front wheel yesterday, complete with a fresh blackwall tire from out local J&B importer warehouse. (same day delivery) :mrgreen:
Step 4, rear wheel hoop replacement. Tear down and cleaning .... boring. I made a mistake while lacing runs #2 and 4. Buddy has me take it apart and do it again. Hey, I am learning. On hand spokes are a touch too long, going to have a set custom cut by local wheel builder / guru. I was frustrated, but it is the best move. Large flange with a matching rear double wide hoop. Waiting will be the best for final product.
Up to date at this point.
Bill
