1976 Schwinn California Cruiser

[larock65]

I spent some time cleaning up the bike, and it turned out very nicely! I will work on saving the wheels another day. The original Union chain had just the right amount of grime on it to reveal a nice original finish after some cleaning and lubrication. The cranks and stem are stamped 75; the bars I had are stamped 77, but they are the same profile as the 76 bars. I will look for some 76 bars and replace these when that time comes. I also added the cool hula girl bell for fun. Evaporust does such an amazing job on good old Schwinn chrome!

 

[larock65]

E


Exactly! Not sure what is meant by so many variations other than the earlier sprocket/wingtip guard with script top bar and later sprocket/spitfire style guard with block letters top bar. Besides that, all should have 76 stamped parts including pedals. Uniroyal tires. Side stamped S2’s, 76 stamped Japanese Chair front hub. 76 stamped lower typhoon/hollywood style cruiser bars. Slim line grips. Head badges are usually stamped a little later than frame. I’ve only seen and owned red, black, and blue. Guys like me and you and a few others here in SoCal search high and low for these and the other odd color cruiser frames. This one here is totally real and to say it’s fake is crazy. Especially not knowing how we roll as far as collecting. I’m not sure which ones he claims to be real since he’s bashed both chainguard styles. I’d sure like to see one.

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I'll have to bring over my red & blue for a group shot!

 

[sarmisluters]

Here are my Black and Red California Cruisers. .

Enjoy !

 

[larock65]

Here are my Black and Red California Cruisers. .

Enjoy !

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I remember both of those bikes very well! Glad they ended up with you, my friend!

 

[larock65]

@Sr505 & @sarmisluters, we should get all 7 of them together for a serious group shot!

 

[koolbikes]

E


Exactly! Not sure what is meant by so many variations other than the earlier sprocket/wingtip guard with script top bar and later sprocket/spitfire style guard with block letters top bar. Besides that, all should have 76 stamped parts including pedals. Uniroyal tires. Side stamped S2’s, 76 stamped Japanese Chair front hub. 76 stamped lower typhoon/hollywood style cruiser bars. Slim line grips. Head badges are usually stamped a little later than frame. I’ve only seen and owned red, black, and blue. Guys like me and you and a few others here in SoCal search high and low for these and the other odd color cruiser frames. This one here is totally real and to say it’s fake is crazy. Especially not knowing how we roll as far as collecting. I’m not sure which ones he claims to be real since he’s bashed both chainguard styles. I’d sure like to see one.

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Just to add to the dated parts are the Bendix Brake Arm and the Union Chain is also dated.

 

[larock65]

Just to add to the dated parts are the Bendix Brake Arm and the Union Chain is also dated.

I’ll check the brake arm when I attempt to clean the wheels, the chain is too small for my old eyes! I’ll try though.

 

[rockabillyjay]

Looks fantastic! I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for one of the MANY versions (two..two is many apparently) hoping one would pop up

 

[larock65]

Looks fantastic! I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for one of the MANY versions (two..two is many apparently) hoping one would pop up

Thanks for the good words, Jay! If another one pops up and it's not black, I'll let you know!

 

[Xlobsterman]

E


Exactly! Not sure what is meant by so many variations other than the earlier sprocket/wingtip guard with script top bar and later sprocket/spitfire style guard with block letters top bar. Besides that, all should have 76 stamped parts including pedals. Uniroyal tires. Side stamped S2’s, 76 stamped Japanese Chair front hub. 76 stamped lower typhoon/hollywood style cruiser bars. Slim line grips. Head badges are usually stamped a little later than frame. I’ve only seen and owned red, black, and blue. Guys like me and you and a few others here in SoCal search high and low for these and the other odd color cruiser frames. This one here is totally real and to say it’s fake is crazy. Especially not knowing how we roll as far as collecting. I’m not sure which ones he claims to be real since he’s bashed both chainguard styles. I’d sure like to see one.

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Thanks for proving my point with the 3 pictures you posted, as they show 3 different variations of the CC.................!