Schwinn Corvette question

[Chips_Mahoy]

I got the chance to look at a Schwinn Corvette today along w/ an old Hawthorne. I dont know much about the Corvettes. I've looked around on here and other sites for info and have found some good sources. One thing I've noticed is the diferences in the Corvette model over the years. I couldn't find anything online about which, if any, Corvette might be more rare, desireable or valuable. The owner is contemplating selling both bikes and I'm wondering which one is better, less desirable, etc. It's in good shape overall. The wheels & chain guard chrome are rusted some but everything else is great. The tires are flat but I'm not surprised. If I havent made this too confusing, what should I be looking at for a good price?

Edit: One thing I was intrigued by was the 3 red stripe hub and the arm said BENDIX AUTOMATIC. I've never seen or heard of that before.

 

[axsepul]

How about some pictures of the hawthorne

 

[Chips_Mahoy]

How about some pictures of the hawthorne

Here's the only 2 I got. Dark barn w/ a flashlight. It's missing its front wheel, fender and handlebars.

 

[axsepul]

That is awesome. Can't really tell but it might be a snyder built frame. Will make an awesome project bike. If its a skiptooth it will be even better but that is just my taste

The corvette equals skinny tires which I don't like

 

[Jpromo]

That sure does look like a Snyder built frame.

Some important things of value with the Corvette would be if it has stainless steel fenders (should be pretty obvious as they'll be the only thing with 0 rust), the bendix kickback it has is always desirable, and original paint. Early years are always good but all years are excellent bicycles. Also, look for a Sunburst headbadge which was used only for a couple years (61-63?) Those always have good collectibility because they were plastic and didn't hold up well and they weren't used very long.

Hard to say value without seeing pictures but I'd say if it had the SS fenders, original paint along with the kickback hub, if his price is 200$ or less, pick it up. There's no way you'd lose money at that price.

 

[Chips_Mahoy]

That sure does look like a Snyder built frame.

Some important things of value with the Corvette would be if it has stainless steel fenders (should be pretty obvious as they'll be the only thing with 0 rust), the bendix kickback it has is always desirable, and original paint. Early years are always good but all years are excellent bicycles. Also, look for a Sunburst headbadge which was used only for a couple years (61-63?) Those always have good collectibility because they were plastic and didn't hold up well and they weren't used very long.

Hard to say value without seeing pictures but I'd say if it had the SS fenders, original paint along with the kickback hub, if his price is 200$ or less, pick it up. There's no way you'd lose money at that price.

I have 1 pic of it but its worse than the Hawthorne pics. Its fenders are SS and are perfect. The paint and all the pinstriping and/or decals are about perfect. The rear fender reflector housing is there but the reflector itself is gone. The seat w/ the crash bar (is that right?) is good but the bar has some green oxidation on it. It also has a front rack thats aluminum instead of steel and isnt round. Its more of a flat oval shape and not consistent in its diameter. The only rust is the wheels, sprocket and the chrome on the chain guard. I hope my recollection is correct.

So this has a kickback hub?

 

[Tychevelle]

Yeah by the sounds of it the corvette has a 2 speed kickback hub, the corvettes had front aluminum racks... you should buy it and sell it to me, ive been looking for a corvette but they dont seem to exist around here

 

[Chips_Mahoy]

If its a skiptooth it will be even better but that is just my taste...

Yes it is a skip tooth.

 

[Chips_Mahoy]

Yeah by the sounds of it the corvette has a 2 speed kickback hub, the corvettes had front aluminum racks... you should buy it and sell it to me, ive been looking for a corvette but they dont seem to exist around here

I hope to hear the price for both of them anytime. I was just curious about the Schwinn since it seems some people think they're worth their weight in gold. And I hate it when the owner says "what do you think its worth" or "make me an offer". Drives me nuts!! Just name a price and we'll go from there!

The headbadge is missing on the Schwinn.

 

[B607]

You can tell if it's the older style Corvette by the chainguard. If it's a hockey stick type, it's the older model. The newer style guard has a triangle shape just behind the chain ring. With the aluminum rack and kickback hub it's probably an early 60's bike. If it's all there and original it's at least a $100 bike. Gary

 

[Chips_Mahoy]

You can tell if it's the older style Corvette by the chainguard. If it's a hockey stick type, it's the older model. The newer style guard has a triangle shape just behind the chain ring. With the aluminum rack and kickback hub it's probably an early 60's bike. If it's all there and original it's at least a $100 bike. Gary

I wish I had writtin down the serial number..... The chain guard is a (or looks like a) painted piece over a chrome piece. The painted piece doesn't cover the chrome piece completely and leaves the forward part of the chrome piece exposed........Clear as mud isn't it?

 

[Jpromo]

Yeah, I'd say offer him a hundred bucks, gauge his reaction and try 150 or up to 200 if it's nice and rideable. It sounds like an original bike with the deluxe options; two things collectors love. Early-mid 60s with the chrome/painted chainguard and yes, the "kickback" bendix automatic is named so because you shift gears by a slight backpedal and then resuming your forward pedaling 8) Good luck!

 

[Chips_Mahoy]

Well.......... I got them. Yea!!! Got them both for a $50 bill! I'm stoked! I'll pick them up tomorrow or Tuesday. Once I get them home I'll get some good pics of them both & will post them in the Fresh Finds section. I cant wait!!!!

 

[axsepul]

You are lucky

 

[Jpromo]

:shock: Nice! The Kickback hub alone sells for 75$ any day of the week.

 

[Chips_Mahoy]

Thanks to all! I cant wait to get it home & clean it up. I'm in need of a sunburst badge if someone has an extra. I'll even take a repop for temp use too.

 

[Chips_Mahoy]

Posted pics of them both in the NEW FINDS section.

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