1960 Schwinn Boys Panther 3

[Mr. Monkeyarms]

I kinda went by year. It said up to 1965. What designates a middleweight bicycle?

Ballooners have 26"x2.125" tires compared to 1.75" width on middleweights. Basically they are slimmed down balloon tire bikes. Many have scaled down size accessories like fenders, tanks, racks, etc.

 

[Picker10]

Thanks. Good to know which category they fall into

Ballooners have 26"x2.125" tires compared to 1.75" width on middleweights. Basically they are slimmed down balloon tire bikes. Many have scaled down size accessories like fenders, tanks, racks, etc.

 

[Mr. Monkeyarms]

Thanks. Good to know which category they fall into

No problem. I forgot to add that the middleweights are much easier to ride as well due to lower weight/less rolling resistance.

 

[GTs58]

I kinda went by year. It said up to 1965. What designates a middleweight bicycle?

Tire size designates a middleweight. It’s not a balloon tire bike. It is a Schwinn, so you can post it in the Schwinn section. Just a thought.

 

[ODDER]

Wish I had your tank. They don't appear to be readily available. Lol

I’ll send ya a pic. I don’t know if I’ll ever build it.

 

[Rivnut]

Middleweight tire sizes can be deceiving. A 26 x 1-3/4 IS NOT the same size as a 26 x 1.75. That Schwinn S7 Tubular rim is unique to Schwinn bicycles and Uses the 26 x 1-3/4 tire. They are NOT interchangeable. Read Sheldon Brown‘s article on bicycle tire sizes - you can find it by Googling it.

 

[GTs58]

Today's find: Serial # L042292 indicates 11/29/1960, Panther 3. To me it looks correct and complete minus the tank. I am no expert, so any input appreciated. A bit weathered. I wondered if there are lenses available for those lights if it turns out that is all they need? They are plastic lights. Thanks for your help

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Are you planning on refurbishing this Panther III?

Here's the scoop on that one so you'll know what year it is and just in case you may be selling it in the future and want to be accurate. This is actually a 1961 model, and it was also built in 1961. The 1960 model had the name Panther II and this is a Panther III. The serial number was stamped on the drop out Nov. 29, 1960, and then that drop out was used later to build a frame. This has the one year only 1961 Stem with the vertical chinch bolt that was used randomly on various 1961 models. If you tear it down for a clean and re-lube, check out the date on the crank.

Schwinn did not build Christmas bikes with serial dates this late in the year or with their normal ongoing models. Only some newly introduce models like the Tornado, Black Phantom, middleweight Jaguar, Racer and possibly a few others were built for an early debut for Christmas sales.

 

[Picker10]

Are you planning on refurbishing this Panther III?

Here's the scoop on that one so you'll know what year it is and just in case you may be selling it in the future and want to be accurate. This is actually a 1961 model, and it was also built in 1961. The 1960 model had the name Panther II and this is a Panther III. The serial number was stamped on the drop out Nov. 29, 1960, and then that drop out was used later to build a frame. This has the one year only 1961 Stem with the vertical chinch bolt that was used randomly on various 1961 models. If you tear it down for a clean and re-lube, check out the date on the crank.

Schwinn did not build Christmas bikes with serial dates this late in the year or with their normal ongoing models. Only some newly introduce models like the Tornado, Black Phantom, middleweight Jaguar, Racer and possibly a few others were built for an early debut for Christmas sales.

I don't think I will refurbish it. Will soon sell it as it is . I enjoy finding them, cleaning them up a bit, making a few minor repairs and learning about them. Thanks for the clarifications. I really appreciate it.

 

[coasterbrakejunkie1969]

Wish I had your tank. They don't appear to be readily available. Lol

Here is half of it

Vintage 1950's green Schwinn panther Peanut tank horn side half 26" mens bicycle | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vintage 1950's green Schwinn panther Peanut tank horn side half 26" mens bicycle at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[coasterbrakejunkie1969]

Pricey but at least both sides

https://www.ebay.com/itm/255759871406?campid=5335809022