This will be my final update on this thread.
There were three things I wanted to do before I call her good. First, I wanted to position the rear wheel in closer. It was important to me that the rear wheel is centered within the fender opening. Trying to get the right fit, I ended up using a different chain, removing a link on one or adding a link on another, I was able to bring the rear wheel in, centering the wheel properly. No more gaps. Soaked the chain overnight with degreaser, cleaned thoroughly, and lubed.
Second, correcting the drop stand position. My last visit with
@mr.cycleplane, I wanted to see how the drop stands on his prewar Schwinn bikes were setup. On Tyler's prewar Schwinn double diamond, I noticed how the lines of the drop stand was in line with the top vertical fender brace. "What a good look." I told Tyler. "I love it." I definitely wanted to replicate that look on Cochina. And after some minor adjustment without any modifications, the stand is now in line. Also by doing this, the rear wheel sits higher off the ground. I think it looks so much better now, wheel centered and drop stand lined up.
As you can see, the rear wheel is not centered
Picture of Tyler's correct drop stand position on his '35 Schwinn DD
First time I setup the drop stand (before)
Rear wheel now centered and correct drop stand position (after)
And lastly, decided to change the handlebar. CABEr and friend offered me a very patina' d killer wide 30” Torrington steer horn bars, thinking this is an excellent match. I’m such a big fan of wide bars, no different from my other vintage riders. Removed the original 26" Torrington bars and mounted these; matched perfectly I'd say. So a big thanks to
@ballooney. Thank you Steve. And by the way, had to raise the bars up a bit. On these first year straight back cycle locks in '36, one needs to turn the bars almost 90 degrees to engage the lock. Well with these wide bars, had to raise to clear the seat. Worked out anyway; the position is where I wanted.
Still looking for the correct "footed" Schwinn head badge. Using this Excelsior badge as a temporary place holder.
I’d say this Cochina project is done.
I’ve done a few old bike projects, but for some reason, this one was more fun for me. Maybe it’s because the project went without any complications, or maybe it’s because of how she looks, uncleaned, not shiny, no worry, and lastly the “as is” condition look. She’s like our “Sissy”, my old ’54 Chevy 3100. I foresee this old girl, this ’36 Schwinn DBR, will become my new favorite rider. So fun.
I want to thank our friends here, those who were a part of this project. Paul
@rustyjones, Tyler, mr.cycleplane, Gary Quail, master wheel builder, Gary,
@PlasticNerd, Bob,
@bobcycles, and lastly, Steve
@ballooney. Thank you gentlemen for your contribution and help making this project so fun for me. Eddie
A friend mentioned prior picture is too dark. Adding this one. Better lighting.