Odd Schwinn....what is it?

[SimpleMan]

I picked up this Schwinn single top bar Sunday and have been wondering what it may be. It's post war, based on the drop outs and built in kick stand. I'm guessing it's pre '48 due to the serial # being on the bottom of the crank tube and not on the Schwinn serial # lists I've seen on the internet (starts with a J). I haven't taken out the crank yet to look for a date code. The Morrow hub on it is dated April 1945 ( O 4 ). It is painted a very dull and old gray and appears like it never had a head badge. Looks to have a Huffman style stem. Not sure if all parts are original but it has been in this configuration for a very long time. Grips for sure and possibly bars are parts that seem newer.

 

[Rat Rod]

Reminds me of Hooch's 55 Flying Star.

 

[rico]

don't have any info. on it but GREAT FIND Jeff :!:

 

[SimpleMan]

Thats what I thought it was at first also. The Flying Star is a middle weight with a bolt on kick stand...this one is attached. The seat stays are also shaped different than a middle weight from the rear, in between the fender brace and where it attaches to the seat tube. This is definitely a heavy weight due to width of the rear stays. Looks like Panther style stays.

Reminds me of Hooch's 55 Flying Star.

 

[dumpster_diver]

I think they made that style for a year....hard to find frame! Cool!

 

[stretch]

very rare frame, very cool, im saying you keep it ratty!

 

[SSG]

Interesting bike. Maybe a mix of parts? Looks like bladed forks? Didn't they mostly use those on lightweights and middleweights?

 

[B607]

Bladed forks were correct for ballooners. I'd be looking close at the frame and see if someone didn't remove the lower top bar. If Schwinn made that style for a year, I'd like to see a pic of it in a catalog because I've never seen one like that before. I suppose it's possible. The "upside-down" neck is a type that was used on prewar Schwinn DX bikes. Gary