Schwinn springer help

[Daddyar]

I recently acquired an older Schwinn springer fork in a trade. I went to install it on a 1959 cruiser frame, and the steering tube is too short. I don't think the tube has been cut, it has plenty of threads on it, I've done a little research, and I've read that pre war Schwinn frame have a shorter head tube than post war bikes. Does anyone know if this is true? I really want to use these forks, they have a nice patina to them.

 

[Uncle Stretch]

Just the design of a springer will limit it to the neck length it was made for. You can lengthen the tube pretty easy , but the legs wouldnt be long enough.

 

[gowjobs]

Just the design of a springer will limit it to the neck length it was made for. You can lengthen the tube pretty easy , but the legs wouldnt be long enough.

Depending how short it is, you may be able to trim the headstock on the bike down until the cups are right against the tubes, lengthen the head tube on the fork to make up the difference, and then modify the angle of the spring mount to compensate for the shorter legs. It's a lot of work unless you're married to that particular fork. I'd consider saving it for the next project and looking for another fork for the cruiser.

 

[B607]

Don't mess with lengthening it. It's probably a prewar springer for a boys bike and they are fairly scarce. There are two different styles, '37-'40 and the '41. You could probably trade it for TWO postwar springers.
Does it have the lock and key? Trade, sell, or find a prewar frame to put it on. Gary

 

[Daddyar]

Thanks for the input!

It's definitely a 26" fork, as I have fit a baloon wheel and tire on and the legs are long enough. I'm not keen on trying to lengthen the steerin tube either. It's not a locking fork, but that isn't a big deal to me. I might try looking for an older frame, or just hang it back on the wall of my garage.