I completed the assembly of this deluxe black & ivory 1948 Schwinn Admiral B6/Autocycle and did so with 2 goals in mind...
1. To assemble the bike using only correct original parts, colors, and plating inside out from the frame to the cad and nickel plated hardware that holds it all together.
2. Secondly, to return the bike to "like new" condition as if you walked into a Schwinn dealer in 1948 and this is what would be seen.
*I feel I came close to achieving my goals. To the best of my knowledge, I was able to find all original parts, except the brake cable, and water slide decals. Also, the B1 Mesinger saddle was professionally recovered & restored like original by the legendary Bob U
@bobcycles. Additionally, the bike was repainted, but I did my best to paint with accuracy and precision.
* As with my other bike projects, this project required a lot of time, work, study, research, and a long scavenger hunt for parts. I had to be patient throughout the project. It was a fun learning experience!
* Special thanks to the Bob U
@bobcycles, who has been such a big help throughout all my bike projects. I also want to thank several of you from the Cabe, and the OBC (Old Bikes Club) for helping me whether it was with parts, knowledge or valuable information.
*Bike Highlights...
-Original fenders with cad plated braces riveted like factory
-Beautiful Bob U recovered B1 Mesinger Delux saddle with cad plated hardware, original chassis and springs.
-Rare and hard to find one year only (1948) Non-knurled Schwinn Tubular S2s beautifully rechromed with well preserved stamping
-Rare and hard to find US Royal Master tires in good rideable condition even though they have been around since the 1940s
-Original battery-operated toys (front fender light tray, and Delta tank horn) are in good working order.
- Beautiful NOS Torrington 10 pedals
-Torrington 2 sided double butted spokes & long 3/4" nipples
-Original Schwinn Front drum brake hub assembly
-New Departure Model D rear hub in original chrome and cad
-Original rear deluxe reflector and rear rack reflector
-Beautiful NOS Admiral head badge
-NOS Diamond Chain
-Original front fenderlite with original "STIM" stamped lens
-NOS Schwinn oval grips
-Cycle lock with original brass Schwinn/Yale key set and instruction card