79 SCHWINN SPITFIRE 5

[Rat Rod]

This bike popped up yesterday on FB locally and at first I didn’t think I could make the hour drive to pick it up. Last night I decided to contact the seller to see if it was still available and it was. Drove over this morning to get the bike.

The seller said it came from the estate sale of an elderly man who passed away. Apparently he bought the bike in 79 at Tri City Schwinn in Hurst, TX and never rode it.

Appears to be in fantastic original condition. Should turn out mint after a little magic Texas water treatment. [emoji4]

 

[A.S.BOLTNUT]

A.S.BOLTNUT likes this !

 

[Robertk]

Wow!
Now that is a fantastic find! Congratulations!!!

 

[Robertk]

Just need some blue Schwinn grips, and you’re good to go!!!

 

[deorman]

I'm not jealous...

 

[Robertk]

Me neither

 

[Rat Rod]

Discovered that these tires are no longer rideable. Tried to air them up to 30lbs and scary things started happening. [emoji15]

I’m pretty sure Schwinn brand tires were the poorest quality tires on the market. Every pair I’ve ever found are always falling apart.

 

[Robertk]

Discovered that these tires are no longer rideable. Tried to air them up to 30lbs and scary things started happening. [emoji15]

I’m pretty sure Schwinn brand tires were the poorest quality tires on the market. Every pair I’ve ever found are always falling apart.

Bummer!

 

[A.S.BOLTNUT]

Schwinn atom drum brake , it was also used on the "Krate " bikes ,but on the front wheel .

 

[Rat Rod]

Gave it a bath...

 

[A.S.BOLTNUT]

Just Wow!

 

[Mikes_70]

I watched your video on Instagram , you never cease to amaze me how you find these things . Very nice dig .

 

[Rat Rod]

Waiting on a set of Cheng Shins from Clyde James Cycles and then I'll finish the detailing process.

Still need to pull all of the bearings and clean and repack them all.

 

[macncheese]

Thanks for the info! But sadly,I just found out that the spoke size on my motorbike wheels is 9 gauge,which is Humongous in the bicycle world....ugggh..oh well

Not sure if there's any difference but the schwinn tandems have this rear drum brake too. The tandems have some beefy spokes but I dont think 9 gauge!

 

[user 135]

This bike popped up yesterday on FB locally and at first I didn’t think I could make the hour drive to pick it up. Last night I decided to contact the seller to see if it was still available and it was. Drove over this morning to get the bike.

You have obviously forgotten about using the Fresh Finds Code. http://ratrodbikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/just-got-a-new-bike-please-use-following-code.3536/

 

[Rat Rod]

Got some new Cheng Shin white walls from Clyde James Cycles and threw them on. Still need to tear the bike down and overhaul all of the bearings at some point.

 

[Robertk]

Looking sharp!

 

[Jsparks]

Great looking bike.

 

[Davo1970]

Nice score for sure...i just scored one also in black. It's also made in 79. Original tires are also shot. Split all the way around the tire. On the plus side it came with black Oakley 1's in great condition. I'll post a before and after pic once I clean it up.

 

[Crazy Nick]

Sweet ride!! I have a lead on blue 1980 five speed that's super clean too. One of my clients has hanging up in his garage..