What can I expect to pay?

[skillsthebarber]

Hey, I'm ready to start gathering parts for a pre war build. I was wondering what is fair market value for a pre war schwinn dx frame and forks. Im pretty sure original paint in good condition will cost more. But i'm not expecting to find anything like that so I guess im asking for the price of a frame that will need to be striped and repainted.


Thanks in advavce

 

[CCR]

I would guess $50 for a frame/fork/guard. At least thats what I try to stick to. Knock some $ off for a missing guard or junk fork.

just my opinion.

 

[skillsthebarber]

So like 100 for just the frame is overpriced

 

[CCR]

im not gonna say thats overpriced, but i think you could find a project frame for less. Just depends on whats out there, who has it and what they will let go of it for. Just as a general rule, I dont pay more for a project frame set than $50 (plus shipping). There are some exceptions I would make (something hard to find /nice paint/etc..), but thats my general rule and I dont expect everyone else to follow it :mrgreen:

 

[vibr8shun]

As an owner of a prewar Schwinn DX, I spent 1 1/2 years looking for a frame that wasn't either re-welded, bent, rusted through, or over priced. Living in the big city doesn't help also because everything has been picked by knowledgeable collectors/pickers/builders. I cant tell you how many times I lost a frame to higher bidders on Ebay. A 26" Schwinn DX frame usually average about $140-$200 plus shipping depending on condition on Ebay. If I could find a prewar DX in good condition for $50-$100, I would be all over it without haggling over the price. I finnaly got my frame from a fellow RRB and didn't think twice over the price...and yes it was very much over $100. no regrets

I really dont have access to small countryside barn finds or rural small time prices

 

[Tailwinds]

I was going to chime in but vibr8shun pretty much nailed it. I've been on the hunt for a DX for a little while, decent Ebay ones have been consistently selling for WAY over $100.

 

[vibr8shun]

Don't get me wrong, you may find that great deal from an old lady cleaning out her basement or barn...believe me, when Bigcam59 scored that awesome Mercury on CL, it made me sick knowing that I saw the same ad but was too late to respond But I'm glad that a fellow RRB got it than someone on the Cabe...

 

[Tailwinds]

Don't get me wrong, you may find that great deal from an old lady cleaning out her basement or barn...believe me, when Bigcam59 scored that awesome Mercury on CL, it made me sick knowing that I saw the same ad but was too late to respond But I'm glad that a fellow RRB got it than someone on the Cabe...

It's just inconceivable that the thing sat on CL for 3 days, especially in an urban area.

 

[vibr8shun]

It's just inconceivable that the thing sat on CL for 3 days, especially in an urban area.

There are times I would check 3 or 4 time a day for weeks and find nothing...and wouldn't you know, the few days I give myself to get my head straight from a bunch of disappointing prospects or lack there of... I guess the stars weren't aligned for me at that time. :roll:

 

[Tailwinds]

im not gonna say thats overpriced, but i think you could find a project frame for less. Just depends on whats out there, who has it and what they will let go of it for. Just as a general rule, I dont pay more for a project frame set than $50 (plus shipping). There are some exceptions I would make (something hard to find /nice paint/etc..), but thats my general rule and I dont expect everyone else to follow it :mrgreen:

I like the self-imposed $50 limit, but I also think that's very achievable here in the corn-belt. Norcal on the other hand, I know the competition is very stiff.

 

[CCR]

I will admit, I'm in an area best described as a mud-hole between a corn field and some soy beans, so my perspective is likely off a bit from someone living in more populated area :lol:

 

[outskirtscustoms]

I'm in Indiana and I'd say you can get a decent frame fork depending on what you want for anywhere from free to $100, depends where you go and how lucky you are, I have gotten some nice stuff from the scrapyards for a few bucks, or there's craigslist people at the $50-insane range, then there's Ebay people that are ......Hmmm......... NUTS! :mrgreen: