Schwinn Speedster - FINISHED!

[MR_Moto]

My first build on this forum!

I'm starting with a frame that most wouldn't consider very desirable, a Chicago made 1967 Schwinn Speedster that I found on ebay. I was the only bidder.

The goal is to make something good out of a frame that not many people would want. I've done this before when I built this fixed gear out of an old Ross Grand Tour.

I'm going to build the Speedster California Cruiser style. http://bmxsociety.com/topic/38162-cal-cruisers/

 

[Motopecane]

Re: Schwinn Speedster

can't wait to see what you come up with!

 

[deorman]

Re: Schwinn Speedster

This is THE place for people who WOULD consider it desirable. 8)

 

[Galtbacken]

Re: Schwinn Speedster

I really like those frames, sweet lines!

 

[TheFlyingDingo]

Re: Schwinn Speedster

Awesome Bike!

Those pictures you shared-I didnt know my nope was prettymuch already done. :roll: That makes me feel quite original...haha.

 

[gowjobs]

Re: Schwinn Speedster

Cal Cruiser? Klunker? Whatever you call 'em, I dig 'em. I've been thinking for a while now about building up a Speedster/camelback frame, but I picture one with 650 deep V's, disc brakes and a single speed.

 

[rich56]

Re: Schwinn Speedster

I had the same thing in mind with a 3 spd version but people wanted a lot of money on CL. Found a $100 Trel Classic instead. Can;t wait to see yours.

 

[Beau]

Re: Schwinn Speedster

The old Schwinns are nice actually. A bit heavy but comfy. I built this out of one of the semi-rare curved tube sprints. I used gun blue for the finish.

 

[MR_Moto]

Re: Schwinn Speedster

Since I got the frame, I've collected most of the parts I'll need to finish it and here they are. My colors will be a white frame with blue and chrome pretty much every thing else

The wheels are blue anno cruiser wheels from Bicycle Wheel Warehouse.

I bought both blue and black tires, and after mounting both, I decided to go with the blue. It gives that 80's BMX look I'm after.

The forks are chrome Sunshine BMX style 26"

I wanted vintage BMX cruiser bars, but I saw these 1974 Hodaka Dirt Squirt bars and figured they would be perfect.

The rest of the parts are 80's BMX style that I got mostly from Porkchop BMX.

I'm using the cranks that came with the frame because they cleaned up nice and look great with the new parts.

I haven't decided on the seat yet. The SE Blitz has the look I'm after but is hard plastic and isn't much good for cruising over to the Ale House , The Troxel look seat will be more comfy and will look correct. I'll decide on that later...

I stripped the frame and did a quick mock up. You can kind of see where this is going.

I've decided that because it's a cruiser and not a BMX bike that I'd leave the kickstand mount on the frame so I don't have to lean it up against a wall.

Now it's time to drop the frame off to the bead blaster. More later.

 

[MR_Moto]

Re: Schwinn Speedster

Hey Beau, I like your bike, very cool, especially the double chain! I had no Idea Schwinn made a frame like that.

 

[Beau]

Re: Schwinn Speedster

I like yours! That thing is awesome looking! I never thought of using a frame like that for a BMX/MTB build.

Way cool.

 

[Robertk]

Re: Schwinn Speedster

Any updates on this build?

 

[masterpoop63]

Re: Schwinn Speedster

8) me likes it,especially the blue part :mrgreen:

 

[MR_Moto]

Re: Schwinn Speedster

Due to my being slammed at work, Christmas, and the rainy weather here in Cali, I haven't done much on it since I have to paint it outside. It's not supposed to rain this weekend so I'll be able to at least prime the frame. All it needs is paint and I can put it together. I just have to find the time...

 

[MR_Moto]

Re: Schwinn Speedster

Update!

Frame painted and partially assembled.

 

[MR_Moto]

Re: Schwinn Speedster

Update! Finished!

I never thought I'd finish it, but it's a rider! It's only missing the kickstand, the old one was too crusty to put back on so I'll have to get a new one. It rides as good as it looks!

It turned out way better than I thought it would. My favorite bike so far!

 

[snydur]

awesome! still collecting parts for my frame, but i love the way yours looks.

 

[Rat Rod]

Wow...looks awesome!

Would love to know more about the wheel set and the handlebars. :mrgreen:

 

[Oak Tree]

Sweet ride. very similair to what I got going on with the White Rooster.

 

[SCHWINNRAY69]

Cool 8)

A good name would be "Cool Blue" :mrgreen: