First build. Marin Klunker/casual Klunker '52 Schwinn Hornet

[sunvalleylaw]

Always wanted to do some Klunker build, maybe kinda like the Marin bikes, particularly Gary's (though I am not worried about being pre-war) and kinda like, meaning close enough. Not exact. But also, kinda want to keep a more vintage vibe, and maybe use the original fenders when it is wet. Here is my platform.

I'm not going to use the skip tooth, and will probably use a 36t cloverleaf the seller has. In the rear, was thinking about trying to affix a 1x9 derailleur with an emergency hanger, but don't really think I want to have to bend the frame to fit a MTB hub. So I guess I may get a S/A three speed hub. May also use a drum brake hub in the front. If there was a way to use a drum brake hub in the back, and hang a derailleur, without having to bend things up much, I might do that. I am also figuring that as long as I keep it a 1x, I can still use the chainguard, which I think I will do for now. But won't be an issue if I stay internal gearing.

Will use nicer tires. Probably Rene Herse or some WTB's that roll on pavement well but can go on a gravel road or easy trail. Won't do any hard core mountainbiking or even longer gravel rides on this. I have modern bikes for that. A little klunking around town that may include some dirt will be about what it will see.

This is all in the contemplative/planning stage. Will go pick up the bike in Portland in a week or three.

Give me any and all thoughts and advice for me to consider. Thanks for letting me join!

Cheers! Steve

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

that's a nice bike. I'd be inclined to keep it as close to original as possible, and preserve the patina. As difficult and expensive as it is, I'd set my goal on keeping it a skiptooth. Re-doing the seat with new foam and vinyl would make it more enjoyable to ride.

 

[Pondo]

Klunker build, maybe kinda like the Marin bikes, particularly Gary's (though I am not worried about being pre-war) and kinda like, meaning close enough.

Welcome to the RRB forum, Steve! It's a great place to hang out. Alan Bonds is one of the original Marin county Klunker crowd from back in the day who still builds klunkers the way he did back then. His website is invaluable when doing one of these builds:
http://clunkers.net/
Lots of good tips there for building an early style klunker. But there is no wrong way to do it since it's a custom bike built to the owner's needs and desires.

@Bike from the Dead recently built a klunker along the lines of what you have in mind that you may like to check out:
https://ratrodbikes.com/threads/kasual-klunker.117264/
There are tons of great klunker builds on this forum and also over on the CABE which is another great resource if you haven't encountered it yet.

don't really think I want to have to bend the frame to fit a MTB hub. So I guess I may get a S/A three speed hub.

If there was a way to use a drum brake hub in the back, and hang a derailleur, without having to bend things up much, I might do that.

There are early drum brakes, generally found on old tandems, that will fit your current frame rear triangle with little or no bending to fit and also fit external gears. They are getting hard to find but Union and Atom were the hubs of choice back in the day. Sturmey Archer hubs, both internal geared and external, were also common so a 3 speed would be a good choice. This set would fit a 5 or 6 speed freewheel and might work well for your build:
https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/sturmey-archer-dynohub-and-rear-brake-drum.225533/It's probably the correct width too. If you do a 3 speed you can get a cog that will fit the Sturmey 3 speed hub which converts it to skip tooth, so that's an option too.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/325287181038

I'd be inclined to keep it as close to original as possible, and preserve the patina. As difficult and expensive as it is, I'd set my goal on keeping it a skiptooth.

It would be pretty easy to do the klunker build you want with this bike without doing any major mods to the frame so that you could return it to original any time you like. Great project, looking forward to seeing how it goes!

 

[sunvalleylaw]

that's a nice bike. I'd be inclined to keep it as close to original as possible, and preserve the patina. As difficult and expensive as it is, I'd set my goal on keeping it a skiptooth. Re-doing the seat with new foam and vinyl would make it more enjoyable to ride.

I will at least keep all the original stuff (though it is not all original to that bike). I will get a period correct head badge of some kind after looking for a while. Keep the Patina, though I may protect it and brighten it with some clear wipeable poly as I saw a guy do on the same paint scheme in a youtube vid somewhere. And I will be very conservative if I spread the rear at all to accept a derailleur. Am thinking now drum brake hubs and a 1x such as Gary did on this bike. Going to leave the fork and bars as is. Will set the seat aside or sell it to someone who can use it on a full restoration project.

Welcome to the RRB forum, Steve! It's a great place to hang out. Alan Bonds is one of the original Marin county Klunker crowd from back in the day who still builds klunkers the way he did back then. His website is invaluable when doing one of these builds:
http://clunkers.net/
Lots of good tips there for building an early style klunker. But there is no wrong way to do it since it's a custom bike built to the owner's needs and desires.

@Bike from the Dead recently built a klunker along the lines of what you have in mind that you may like to check out:
https://ratrodbikes.com/threads/kasual-klunker.117264/
There are tons of great klunker builds on this forum and also over on the CABE which is another great resource if you haven't encountered it yet.


There are early drum brakes, generally found on old tandems, that will fit your current frame rear triangle with little or no bending to fit and also fit external gears. They are getting hard to find but Union and Atom were the hubs of choice back in the day. Sturmey Archer hubs, both internal geared and external, were also common so a 3 speed would be a good choice. This set would fit a 5 or 6 speed freewheel and might work well for your build:
https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/sturmey-archer-dynohub-and-rear-brake-drum.225533/It's probably the correct width too. If you do a 3 speed you can get a cog that will fit the Sturmey 3 speed hub which converts it to skip tooth, so that's and option too.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/325287181038
It would be pretty easy to do the klunker build you want with this bike without doing any major mods to the frame so that you could return it to original any time you like. Great project, looking forward to seeing how it goes!

Thanks! Those are great tips and are super helpful. I DO want to be able to take it back to original type set up if I want. I think for now I will just save the original parts I don't use. I think I will go pretty full in on a Marin inspired build, but may keep the chain guard if I can get away with out needing a front derailleur as a chain guide (maybe I can sneak some type of chain guide under the chain guard if I need one) and as said hope to be able to use the fenders at least when it is wet. So it may be a little hybrid.

But I like the idea of finding the drum brake hubs (front and rear) that require little to no frame spacing adjustament and using a derailleur in the back. And I will probably spend a little too much on motorcycle brake handles too. Hoping to get away with a basic thumb shifter, maybe 80's era, for the shifting. Fork will stay as is. It does not have the bars and I don't care. This will be for easy klunking around on street and a little easy dirt. Won't be stressing it too much. Will likely get a brooks saddle and save the old one, or sell it to someone as I probably won't use it even if I go back to original on the bike.

Should be fun!

 

[Pondo]

Welcome to the RRB forum, Steve! It's a great place to hang out. Alan Bonds is one of the original Marin county Klunker crowd from back in the day who still builds klunkers the way he did back then. His website is invaluable when doing one of these builds:
http://clunkers.net/
Lots of good tips there for building an early style klunker. But there is no wrong way to do it since it's a custom bike built to the owner's needs and desires.

@Bike from the Dead recently built a klunker along the lines of what you have in mind that you may like to check out:
https://ratrodbikes.com/threads/kasual-klunker.117264/
There are tons of great klunker builds on this forum and also over on the CABE which is another great resource if you haven't encountered it yet.


There are early drum brakes, generally found on old tandems, that will fit your current frame rear triangle with little or no bending to fit and also fit external gears. They are getting hard to find but Union and Atom were the hubs of choice back in the day. Sturmey Archer hubs, both internal geared and external, were also common so a 3 speed would be a good choice. This set would fit a 5 or 6 speed freewheel and might work well for your build:
https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/sturmey-archer-dynohub-and-rear-brake-drum.225533/It's probably the correct width too. If you do a 3 speed you can get a cog that will fit the Sturmey 3 speed hub which converts it to skip tooth, so that's and option too.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/325287181038
It would be pretty easy to do the klunker build you want with this bike without doing any major mods to the frame so that you could return it to original any time you like. Great project, looking forward to seeing how it goes!

Sounds like a good plan. I really like that bike of Gary's. I've got most of what I need to do a similar build. Now I need to learn to build wheels. Is that Charlie Kelly's book? That's a great resource too.

 

[sunvalleylaw]

Sounds like a good plan. I really like that bike of Gary's. I've got most of what I need to do a similar build. Now I need to learn to build wheels. Is that Charlie Kelly's book? That's a great resource too.

Yes, that is Charlie's book. I love it. And thanks for the input and encouragement. .

Welcome to the RRB forum, Steve! It's a great place to hang out. Alan Bonds is one of the original Marin county Klunker crowd from back in the day who still builds klunkers the way he did back then. His website is invaluable when doing one of these builds:
http://clunkers.net/
Lots of good tips there for building an early style klunker. But there is no wrong way to do it since it's a custom bike built to the owner's needs and desires.

@Bike from the Dead recently built a klunker along the lines of what you have in mind that you may like to check out:
https://ratrodbikes.com/threads/kasual-klunker.117264/
There are tons of great klunker builds on this forum and also over on the CABE which is another great resource if you haven't encountered it yet.


There are early drum brakes, generally found on old tandems, that will fit your current frame rear triangle with little or no bending to fit and also fit external gears. They are getting hard to find but Union and Atom were the hubs of choice back in the day. Sturmey Archer hubs, both internal geared and external, were also common so a 3 speed would be a good choice. This set would fit a 5 or 6 speed freewheel and might work well for your build:
https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/sturmey-archer-dynohub-and-rear-brake-drum.225533/It's probably the correct width too. If you do a 3 speed you can get a cog that will fit the Sturmey 3 speed hub which converts it to skip tooth, so that's an option too.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/325287181038
It would be pretty easy to do the klunker build you want with this bike without doing any major mods to the frame so that you could return it to original any time you like. Great project, looking forward to seeing how it goes!

I like the idea of using that old S/A set. I am not worried about insisting on an atom or Union set, even though that was what was typically used back then as I understand. As long as they work for the basic purpose that I’m talking about. I will not be descending Repack or similar.

I am not that familiar yet with these sorts of brakes and hubs. Is the Dyno hub the front one and it also acts as a drum brake? Sorry for my ignorance, but I’m new to this. Thank you for the help!

 

[Pondo]

Is the Dyno hub the front one and it also acts as a drum brake?

I'm still pretty new to this yet too. You're right, it looks like that dyno front hub does not have a brake so that's not going to help there. This set has drum brakes front and rear but is a good bit more expensive:
https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/sturmey-archer-drum-brake-hubs.223301/
There's also a cool Atom rear on the auction site right now. Prices on these things have really gone up a lot in the last few years.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1757160676...15a3Jwxt/UGgrJKLnI1VOXy2YB|tkp:Bk9SR9a768eBYg

 

[sunvalleylaw]

I'm still pretty new to this yet too. You're right, it looks like that dyno front hub does not have a brake so that's not going to help there. This set has drum brakes front and rear but is a good bit more expensive:
https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/sturmey-archer-drum-brake-hubs.223301/
There's also a cool Atom rear on the auction site right now. Prices on these things have really gone up a lot in the last few years.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1757160676...15a3Jwxt/UGgrJKLnI1VOXy2YB|tkp:Bk9SR9a768eBYg

Cool. Do you know off the top what the spacing is on these frames? I have asked the seller but not heard back yet. I see maybe one more cheaper, less cool looking, modern S/A option. If they fit.

The chrome ones look cooler though.

 

[Pondo]

I think the old Schwinns are around 90mm up front and 110mm in back. They will flex in or out a few mm no problem. It looks like the hubs you are looking at are 100mm on the front and 115mm on the back. There's some good info on spacing here:
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html
You might take a look at these if you're thinking of using modern drums:
https://ratrodbikes.com/threads/26-wheels-with-sturmey-dyno-hubs-20.116810/
I think the modern ones are good. Cheaper and still look the part, plus they work pretty well. I have some of each but they won't get used until I learn to build wheels.

The vintage Sturmey front hub I have fits the old Schwinn forks perfectly:

The modern Sturmey I have is a drum/dyno unit. It will fit with a little filing on the axle to fit into the fork slots and flexing the fork legs out a bit. I haven't tried this but maybe someone who has will chime in with their experiences.

The Atom front brake I have is the right width but the thicker axle would have to be filed down to fit the fork slots:

 

[sunvalleylaw]

Hmm. Thinking I may go with something like that vintage set of S/A

 

[Bike from the Dead]

What do the axles look like on the inside of the S/A hubs? I've found on regular modern freewheel front wheels that you can swap out the modern bearings and thicker axle for an older, thinner axle and the bearings/races that come with it. It's literally just a bolt-on swap. I don't know if that's doable for these S/A hubs though, as I've never messed with them before.

You've got a good starting point for your klunker there! Looking forward to seeing it all come together!

 

[Wildcat]

Whatever you do will work and be a cool klunker.

I would just use the bare frame, keep everything else stored so you have the original bike.
Then one tough bike could be made;
3 piece cranks, good wheels and tires, Tange fork, Brooks saddle, Nexus hub. Good quality components all around.
Then you won't worry about breaking down if you ride it rougher than you planned.

 

[Pondo]

Whatever you do will work and be a cool klunker.

I would just use the bare frame, keep everything else stored so you have the original bike.
Then one tough bike could be made;
3 piece cranks, good wheels and tires, Tange fork, Brooks saddle, Nexus hub. Good quality components all around.
Then you won't worry about breaking down if you ride it rougher than you planned.

I really like this build plan!

 

[sunvalleylaw]

Whatever you do will work and be a cool klunker.

I would just use the bare frame, keep everything else stored so you have the original bike.
Then one tough bike could be made;
3 piece cranks, good wheels and tires, Tange fork, Brooks saddle, Nexus hub. Good quality components all around.
Then you won't worry about breaking down if you ride it rougher than you planned.

Where would I find one of the Nexus hubs? I have almost pulled the trigger on those S/A hubs Pondo found.

 

[Wildcat]

Cool. Do you know off the top what the spacing is on these frames? I have asked the seller but not heard back yet. I see maybe one more cheaper, less cool looking, modern S/A option. If they fit. View attachment 232033View attachment 232034

The chrome ones look cooler though.

These look like a good deal. 3 speed with drum and front drum. I looked at Nexus on Amazon and I think SA is a better bet.

 

[sunvalleylaw]

Got myself a Brooks B72 from that auction site that looks serviceable and that will fit in with the patina. Starting to come together slowly in terms of parts. Also struck a deal on those vintage S/A drum brakes @Pondo found. I like the idea of using them. The seller took a look at my thread over at Cabe's and says they will be perfect for my project. I now have more money into the brakes and that basic bike, but that's ok! Pics of the brakes are up above at a link.

 

[Pondo]

Got myself a Brooks B72 from that auction site that looks serviceable and that will fit in with the patina. Starting to come together slowly in terms of parts. Also struck a deal on those vintage S/A drum brakes @Pondo found. I like the idea of using them. The seller took a look at my thread over at Cabe's and says they will be perfect for my project. I now have more money into the brakes and that basic bike, but that's ok! Pics of the brakes are up above at a link.

View attachment 232196View attachment 232197View attachment 232202View attachment 232204View attachment 232205

Nice! That B72 is perfect and those brakes are going to be great on this build. Does the rear take a 5 speed freewheel? That's a great start to a really cool klunker!

 

[sunvalleylaw]

Nice! That B72 is perfect and those brakes are going to be great on this build. Does the rear take a 5 speed freewheel? That's a great start to a really cool klunker!

Should work. May have to jigger a thing or two. But I will figure it out. Excited for the project!

 

[sunvalleylaw]

Won the auction for these, at less than the cost of two of the ovals, and so can have some rotating head badges to fit my mood. I don't really care if I am not period correct (the ovals would be). Excited to put on that Speedway one.

 

[sunvalleylaw]

Here is another of Gary's bikes, using a Fram that looks a lot like mine, with a swept fork like mine. Pretty cool, but I am staring to want that straight fork on the other bike. or not.

http://clunkers.net/garyf/garyf.html