Stoked in the 70's

[RatSchwinn]

So this is what I was able to piece together. A Black 1978 26" Schwinn Spitfire. Messenger seat, and suburban handle bars for looks not comfort. New wheels, hubs, tubes, chain, and tires. I cleaned and greased all the bearings. Rides super rigid but looks fresh to death.

Shortly after …I felt it still looked too OEM, so I went back to the drawing board. Making this possible.

Since the last photo, I switched to Pixie Apes, these bars are so rad.

Oh yeah... bobbed fenders and vintage reflectors too

You better ask somebody!

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Looking good!

Luke.

 

[franconuevo]

So this is what I was able to piece together. A Black 1978 26" Schwinn Spitfire. Messenger seat, and suburban handle bars for looks not comfort. New wheels, hubs, tubes, chain, and tires. I cleaned and greased all the bearings. Rides super rigid but looks fresh to death.

Very Nice Indeed

?? I have a 24" girls Spitfire, 1957...I want to run 26" tires on it...
It's too squat. I just want 'regular' wheels, rims...get rid of the S7s
Might have to do some cutting or something, but can't I just jam any rim on it?
You know , just need an easy answer, I looked up all of the stuff on S7 rims last night, and I get it, the mm...the width, the bead, etc...
Waaay too much information..

 

[RatSchwinn]

Very Nice Indeed

?? I have a 24" girls Spitfire, 1957...I want to run 26" tires on it...
It's too squat. I just want 'regular' wheels, rims...get rid of the S7s
Might have to do some cutting or something, but can't I just jam any rim on it?
You know , just need an easy answer, I looked up all of the stuff on S7 rims last night, and I get it, the mm...the width, the bead, etc...
Waaay too much information..

I have two ideas that may provide a solution to your dilemma.

First idea is simple, switch the fork with a 26" fork.

Next idea will require some custom metal fab work.

Axle displacement brackets... and a fender mounting bracket.





Hope this bit of information helps.

-RATSCHWINN

 

[franconuevo]

I have two ideas that may provide a solution to your dilemma.

First idea is simple, switch the fork with a 26" fork.

Next idea will require some custom metal fab work.

Axel displacement brackets... and a fender mounting bracket.





Hope this bit of information helps.

-RATSCHWINN

Brilliant. Thanks Rat.
very helpful indeed....

 

[RatSchwinn]

Looking good!

Luke.

Thanks, I'm totally stoked.

 

[RatSchwinn]

Brilliant. Thanks Rat.
very helpful indeed....

Right on!

 

[RatSchwinn]

Brilliant. Thanks Rat.
very helpful indeed....

Any luck with the mod? I was thinking and I'm sure it came to you as well... once the axle is relocated, you'll need a longer chain.

 

[franconuevo]

Any luck with the mod? I was thinking and I'm sure it came to you as well... once the axle is relocated, you'll need a longer chain.

Hey Rat...haven't gotten to this one yet...but that frame keeps calling me, that's for sure.
( oh yeah, I get the fork and chain thing...that's understood)
I get confused a lot about tire sizes...I think the S7 Rim and tire thing bugs me, so I just stare for a while, then move on to something else. And, I don't have a lot of $$ to buy expensive tires and rims, I just collect whatever tires I can. I'm into found 'art'.
Just got to try jamming any old tire on it..I guess, see if it works

On a different note , I've been fixing up a bunch of BMX bikes lately that are flipping nicely on CList. You know, now that winter is almost over in Florida, and people can get outside again...

 

[RatSchwinn]

Hey Rat...haven't gotten to this one yet...but that frame keeps calling me, that's for sure.
( oh yeah, I get the fork and chain thing...that's understood)
I get confused a lot about tire sizes...I think the S7 Rim and tire thing bugs me, so I just stare for a while, then move on to something else. And, I don't have a lot of $$ to buy expensive tires and rims, I just collect whatever tires I can. I'm into found 'art'.
Just got to try jamming any old tire on it..I guess, see if it works

On a different note , I've been fixing up a bunch of BMX bikes lately that are flipping nicely on CList. You know, now that winter is almost over in Florida, and people can get outside again...

I see... I didn't feel like spending $300 on Schwinn wheels, so I'm rolling on cheap swap meet wheels and tires. There's a BMX cruiser in my toy collection, 24" GT Robinson. I'll bring it out for a ride and snap some pics. Share with you soon.

 

[RatSchwinn]

Updated post

 

[Muttley]

That bike rules.

 

[RatSchwinn]

Redondo Beach Pier Cruise Date

 

[Brunson67]

Great looking black 78 Schwinn!

 

[RatSchwinn]

Great looking black 78 Schwinn!

Thanks, Brunson

 

[scorpion1]

Nice work!

 

[RatSchwinn]

Nice work!

Thanks, bud!..