Prewar Excelsior (Or Elgin?) Motobike.

[MazdaFlyer]

I traded with a fellow RRB member for this bike. It is purported to be s ‘33 Excelsior. The headbadge was removed but the profile is still evident. It’s been painted a few times and frame had a weld repair. I’ve been looking for this style frame for a while. Another project and at least a trade doesn’t increase the inventory count.

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[MazdaFlyer]

I changed out the bars, removed the fenders and added some used replacements. Also added some Goodyear tires. I wanted to see what the stance looked like before proceeding any further. I’ll probably strip it down to the metal and repaint as a base color with dart accents. The replacement bars are pretty ratty but they are in keeping with the vintage style.

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[MazdaFlyer]

I’ve ordered a repop headbadge. Looks like I need to shorten the chain or add a larger chainring. That should help center the wheel up in the fender radius. A couple of the fender braces need replacing also due to extreme bends.
Since it had the ape-hanger bars it’s possible that someone may have replaced the chainring to the smaller one on it for easier pedaling.
If only bikes could talk.

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[MazdaFlyer]

New Departure front hub and Morrow rear hub. They will need inspection and servicing but seem to be working fine after being awakened with some WD40. Bottom bracket and chain seem to be functioning reasonably well as is but will be serviced. This bike was kind of a leap of faith not knowing what all I would find with it. Everything had come loose easily so far. Almost everything had been painted over so it either stays as is or there is a lot of strip work to do. It still has slotted head screws and square nuts.

To Be Continued...


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[TroutFishingInAmerica]

I'm curious how the bike was dated as a 1933. I have a 1933 possible 34 Schwinn frame. I know s/n records were lost in a fire, so numbers are just a guess. What determined it was a 1933? My frame is a little different then yours so it sparked my interest.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

I'm curious how the bike was dated as a 1933. I have a 1933 possible 34 Schwinn frame. I know s/n records were lost in a fire, so numbers are just a guess. What determined it was a 1933? My frame is a little different then yours so it sparked my interest.

The person I got it from is a big time Schwinn collector with endless information on details. At this point taking I’m taking his word on it. I’ll see if I can pick his brain for some details.

 

[RustyGold]

Does either bike fit this chart?

Jason

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

I think all that’s needed in addition to the headbadge is the proper chainring and a long spring saddle. Then ride it until the tires fall off....which looks like it would take a while


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[MazdaFlyer]

I think all that’s needed in addition to the headbadge is the proper chainring and a long spring saddle. Then ride it until the tires fall off....which looks like it would take a while [emoji4]


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So what’s the proper chainring? The sweetheart style?
I have a Persons seat, maybe ‘40’s but not with long springs.


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[TroutFishingInAmerica]

Does either bike fit this chart?

View attachment 84458
Jason

Nope, not mine. That's the prob using prewar s/n, that list is not "Schwinn" as the Schwinn records were lost in a fire. I was told mine was a 33-34, my s/n is 5 numbers with no letters. I really dig the frame but I'm not 100% sure the year, it dosen't matter that much although it would be nice to know.

 

[RustyGold]

Nope, not mine. That's the prob using prewar s/n, that list is not "Schwinn" as the Schwinn records were lost in a fire. I was told mine was a 33-34, my s/n is 5 numbers with no letters. I really dig the frame but I'm not 100% sure the year, it dosen't matter that much although it would be nice to know.

I had read that the 35+ info on that list was unreliable...but, was hoping the 6-digit number stuff was...this seemed like a good opportunity to test with two data points (I should have jotted down the SN of the possible '33 I looked at last weekend...but, didn't).

Thanks,
Jason

 

[TroutFishingInAmerica]

This is how mine differs from yours, the two lower tubes meet right at the head tube, and the space between the top 2 tubes looks closer. Like I said, not sure about anything, I dig the frame and the price was right.

 

[TroutFishingInAmerica]

Just found a 1933 Schwinn catalog on line, both frame styles (like yours and like mine) were available in 1933, mine being a larger frame. No help here. You have a sweet ride there, didn't mean to hijack your thread, just looking for a pos id on mine.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Just found a 1933 Schwinn catalog on line, both frame styles (like yours and like mine) were available in 1933, mine being a larger frame. No help here. You have a sweet ride there, didn't mean to hijack your thread, just looking for a pos id on mine.

No problem, I like knowing the facts myself. I’d be interested in seeing the catalog link.
I haven’t checked the SN yet.

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[MazdaFlyer]

Found this link to old catalog stuff...still no definitive answers. http://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1893_1940/index.html

 

[MazdaFlyer]

To muddy the water a bit more the previous link 1933 catalog cuts show two size frames in the Motorbike offerings. Thus two different head tube connections, a model B9 with 18” seat post and a model B1-1/2 with a 16” seatpost I’m assuming mine is the latter. Balloon tires were introduced in 1933 by Schwinn.

 

[TroutFishingInAmerica]

https://bikehistory.org/catalogs/1933.html

 

[MazdaFlyer]

https://bikehistory.org/catalogs/1933.html

Thanks, notice the two frame versions resulting from 2 frame sizes.
Interesting that Coaster brake is listed as optional.

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Very cool bike!

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Still mocking up this bike revitalization. When making the trade for this, I also traded some pedals for a rebuilt Persons saddle. I had to dig through my parts to find a seat post bracket that allowed me to place the saddle. I also clamped the bars so the crossbrace tabs inside the bars could be tightened up. So far so good.
I dug through my parts stash and pulled out an old Bevin bell and an Klaxon oghaa Horn. I also put on some temporary grips. The rear wheel got centered up a couple of days ago.

My old recycled flat fender braces came today so thats the next modification on the clock. They came from Boris on the CABE. Also found I had a set of block pedals for it.


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