1976 Schwinn Varsity

Vintagebikelover24 · Oct 28, 2014

Guy at my mom's work asked me to do this one for him. I personally love the way it came out. 22 hours of labor and around $36 in parts
How I received it

After sanding it to bare metal, priming it, and multiple coats of paint and clear coat. This was my first time restoring a road bike and wrapping handlebars. I don't think i did too poorly lol

MaxVarsity67 · Nov 3, 2014

VERY COOL! Great Job!

Iverider · Nov 3, 2014

Heck, the paint wasn't that bad! End result looks good too though. I just picked up a Continental for free today. These are great little riders!

Vintagebikelover24 · Nov 4, 2014

Thanks for the kind words. This was my first road bike restoration. Never did gearing or anything like that before; it was a fun process to learn.

eddy45 · Nov 4, 2014

Nice paint

Great job

Goldenrod1 · Dec 18, 2014

Just a thought. I bought a 27 inch Schwinn La Tour 1985 made by Panasonic. This one had straight handlebars and not a skinny petrified banana seat. That is why I bought it. My chuggies are on the bar when I stand on the ground but my 20 other lightweights don't compare.

rhenning · Dec 18, 2014

For what it worth that is a 1977 model bike. The headbadge build date of 3576 means it was built on the 357th day of 1976 and by that time Schwinn was making 1977 model bikes. It was built on the day before Xmas 1976 (12/23/1976). You did a nice job on it. Roger

morton · Dec 18, 2014

Fine job especially for a first timer!

One safety suggestion....those orangish brake pads are most likely orginal, hard as a rock, and won't stop you very well.

Our LBS carries unexpensive ($10 for 4) shoes that are black, but look like originals (see photos)

Chrome wheels don't do a good job of helping you stop quickly, but new pads/shoes will help a lot.

Vintagebikelover24 · Jan 7, 2015

rhenning said:
For what it worth that is a 1977 model bike. The headbadge build date of 3576 means it was built on the 357th day of 1976 and by that time Schwinn was making 1977 model bikes. It was built on the day before Xmas 1976 (12/23/1976). You did a nice job on it. Roger

So that means it was made in 1976 but was a 1977 model? A Christmas Eve bike too! Thanks for the all information and the kind words Roger.

Vintagebikelover24 · Jan 7, 2015

morton said:
One safety suggestion....those orangish brake pads are most likely orginal, hard as a rock, and won't stop you very well.

Our LBS carries unexpensive ($10 for 4) shoes that are black, but look like originals (see photos)

Chrome wheels don't do a good job of helping you stop quickly, but new pads/shoes will help a lot.View attachment 186245

Thank you for the kind words and for showing me those brake pads. I put newer pads on it for the guy so I think he's good for now. If he asks for new pads I'll contact you for those!

1976 Schwinn Varsity

Vintagebikelover24

Look Ma, No Hands!

MaxVarsity67

On Training Wheels

Iverider

Cruisin' on my Bluebird

Vintagebikelover24

Look Ma, No Hands!

eddy45

Finally riding a big boys bike

Goldenrod1

Finally riding a big boys bike

rhenning

I live for the CABE

morton

I live for the CABE

Vintagebikelover24

Look Ma, No Hands!

Vintagebikelover24

Look Ma, No Hands!

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