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1950s straight bar tank bike

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HBSyncro

Finally riding a big boys bike
Hello, new to the forum. I picked up this bike off CL. Serial B58705. I have quite a few bikes, but I am not an expert on everything Schwinn. I am definitely interested in what I have purchased, but probably will ride it as is with maybe a few minor changes here and there. Looks like it has been painted (and not very good), weird (but cool) rack, repop fenders? What do you experts think? The bike fits pretty good and is a smooth ride. I'm not sure if I like the saddle fit and might change it out. Eric

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Forgot to say that the horn works, I repacked front hub and disassembled New Departure rear hub which now works great in forward and braking.
 
Looks like your ride is an early 50's model, not a 1957 like that serial number slot machine look up says. I assume the SN is on the left rear drop out? If it's under the crank it would be an early post war model. If it's on the drop out you have your choice and can pick your year since that number was used three times. Since it's a balloon model it's not a 1957 so your choice is either 1952 or 1953.

03/04 to 03/31/1952--- B33999 ----- B78697

The 1953 list is just a little messed up but it can be fixed. As printed.

10/01 ----------------- B31401 ------------------ B34649
10/02 to 10/07 ------- B34650 ------------------ B49435
10/08 to 10/10 ------- B49436 ------------------ B36857 <--------------- Whoopsie, someone mixed up a couple numbers
10/15 to 10/16 ------- B63858 ------------------ B75256
10/17 to 10/19 ------- B75257 ------------------ B82212
10/20 ----------------- B82213 ------------------ B91376
10/21 to 10/22 ------- B91377 ------------------ B99999
10/23 to 10/30 ------- C00001 ------------------ C39165

Fixed!
10/01 ----------------- B31401 ------------------ B34649
10/02 to 10/07 ------- B34650 ------------------ B49435
10/08 to 10/10 ------- B49436 ------------------ B63857 <--------------- Flipped the three and six
10/15 to 10/16 ------- B63858 ------------------ B75256
10/17 to 10/19 ------- B75257 ------------------ B82212
10/20 ----------------- B82213 ------------------ B91376
10/21 to 10/22 ------- B91377 ------------------ B99999
10/23 to 10/30 ------- C00001 ------------------ C39165
 
Thanks. The serial is on the BB and I was guessing 1952. I was thinking about trying to get a correct rack, plus maybe someone is looking for the rack that is on my bike? The head badge is missing a screw and it does not seem like there is a hole in the steerer tube where the screw is missing. Do the saddle and bars seem correct? Any more help appreciated. My goal is to learn more about what I have rather than restore it to all original. Thanks!
 
Well I'll be....Just measured it and Obi whatcha know! The straight bar is same diameter, so I guess it is "fat". Learnt something new. The other straight bar I have (F213308) which I believe is a '49 has a smaller diameter straight bar then the top. I saw something about head badge hole spacing so I will investigate that next. The head badge is missing the lower screw and there does not seem to be a hole in frame where the head badge hole is. Kinda scared to break off the upper screw when I have a look.
 
Cruuuuiser!! I’m sure that’s a good riding bike as it sits, esp with the modern alloy wheelset. This would be considered a resto-mod. I would ride the heck out of it as is, or possibly fix the missing paint on the tank, and maybe some Schwinn aftermarket decals for tank and chain guard. To properly restore would take a lot of money and time. Now that you’ve gotten the bug, you will be finding other vintage bikes, or sometimes they find you. CABE is the gold standard forum for vintage bike fans, so welcome.
 
The wheels are stamped Schwinn Tubular S2. They are painted an off white/cream color and to me they look original except maybe the paint. Thanks for all the help....I knew this was the place to go. Hoping to join in on some Sunday rides in my area and maybe get some eyes on the bike too.
 
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