Just popped for a Schwinn chopper; pix and questions!!!

[bunnyman666]

A lot of you own these or had previously owned one. Is the headset a 1 1/8”? How wide of rear axle spacing? What BB do I need?

 

[bunnyman666]

Man- there are resources for everything EXCEPT for the BB. I can buy a turnkey kit for a 24” rear wheel, for motorised or non. I can turn it into a motorised bicycle. I can buy a 24” front with disc brakes installed. Solid aluminium seat posts so I can mount a real seat.
I am thinking of mounting a skinny 650c front wheel to give it a drag look. Or not. First, I need to figure out if I will go Candy Gold, polished/raw or primer colour. Part of me is thinking rat rod and part is thinking customised hot rod. The only thing with powder coating is the inability to pinstripe it.

 

[bunnyman666]

This is what’s coming to me:

 

[bunnyman666]

These forks WILL work:

 

[bunnyman666]

Thinking of buying a fat tyre hub and lacing a regular 24” BMX rim so I can run Hookworms on it (with a dropout kit I’d buy or have made). Then I would run a 26” MTB front with either drum or disc brake.

 

[bunnyman666]

Or I *could* run 24” wheels with hookworms on both ends.

 

[Captain Awesome]

Or I *could* run 24” wheels with hookworms on both ends.

Provided the rake and trail work out so the whole thing sits right, that would be cool

 

[bunnyman666]

Provided the rake and trail work out so the whole thing sits right, that would be cool

I can’t remember if my Triple adjusts on the legs. If not, I suppose a taller wheel would be in order.

 

[bunnyman666]

I have made the decision to go more stock with wheels, with the exception of painting the rims red and rebuilding the front wheel to be a disc brake. Knowing now that the frame is steel, I can remove the paint and go for either clear coat or linseed oil. Not certain of handlebars, yet.

Of course this all could change when she arrives.

 

[bunnyman666]

I think the local machine shoppe could hook me up with said plates or better- have a local welder weld up some plates to extend that rear end. I definitely want to stretch out that bike a bit. Details to come. I see her tomorrow...

 

[bunnyman666]

It’s a shame those G’d awful decals are hidden under clear. The paint is GORGEOUS!!!!
Is there some way I could make the fork work? I am thinking there is some piece to add a bit of steer tube; otherwise, I may have to go to a plan B...

 

[bunnyman666]

I guess I will start with a $9.99 part... As long as I can pre-load the headset somehow. Where there’s a will, there is a way!

 

[Kevin B]

I really like the frame, even the decals. A skull or 8 ball where the big "S" is might set it apart.

 

[bunnyman666]

I really like the frame, even the decals. A skull or 8 ball where the big "S" is might set it apart.

The Skull is a go with my plan. I will likely reinstall the Schwinn badge, maybe age it.

I did just buy a fork yoke. Maybe a bent back handlebar. I am going for a minimalist look, which is why so many items will be shaved on the frame. The fork legs may just have to be done custom. They won’t be chromed.

 

[bunnyman666]

First plan with the yoke is to see if the legs from the original triple fork won’t slot in first. If they DO, then I will likely fit them into the Yoke. If not, then back to the drawing board. It would be VERY surprising if they do not as I think they may WELL be from the same maker, I have a funny feeling. The Chinese tend to use the Ford philosophy: make many things compatible to keep costs LOW.

 

[bunnyman666]

This will be the first thing I attempt to age:

 

[bunnyman666]

I think the $9.99 part on the original triple fork will work just fine. I have started stripping paint. I have wrapped the bike in plastic bags to avoid the stripper drying out. After the stripping is completed, I will throw a light coat of mineral oil onto the frame whilst waiting to get time to shave all of the unnecessary bits and bobs from the frame.

I haven’t heard from the fellow who sells motor kits, new triple forks, etc. when it comes to a few parts I have bought from him and I placed my order last Wednesday. I think he won’t be getting my business for the extended drop outs. I may end up in his grille on his FB page. I will post pics of everything soon.

 

[bunnyman666]

Paint is coming off according to plan. I think everything will work out well.

Rear wheel is delivered today!!!!

 

[bunnyman666]

Nope, it was the Triple. Rear wheel is some other place...

 

[bunnyman666]

Update on the fellow who sold me cranks, hub, etc.: I phoned him and he explained that he was waiting for the cranks. I wish he would have sent an email stating what was going on instead of me having to phone. To his credit, he picked up on the second ring