52 Phantom Fork questions

[Butch from Houston]

Hello! I am almost done getting my 82 year old cousin's Phantom back on the road. The front wheel is giving me a major headache! I can't remember how I got the original wheel out, but it was toasted anyway. I found a centennial wheelset to replace the old wheels.
I'm new here and i'm sure you all know this, so forgive me for going the long route: the drive side of the fork has a hole to insert the axle into. Is there a trick to this? I have found thinner nuts for the axle, but I can't make it happen.
Please help! I'm almost done!

 

[GTs58]

I assume you're trying to install the wheel with a closed axle hole. Check this thread out, open up the quote. https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/need-advice-with-schwinn-front-springer.40371/#post-224580

 

[Freqman1]

Hello! I am almost done getting my 82 year old cousin's Phantom back on the road. The front wheel is giving me a major headache! I can't remember how I got the original wheel out, but it was toasted anyway. I found a centennial wheelset to replace the old wheels.
I'm new here and i'm sure you all know this, so forgive me for going the long route: the drive side of the fork has a hole to insert the axle into. Is there a trick to this? I have found thinner nuts for the axle, but I can't make it happen.
Please help! I'm almost done!

Hello! I am almost done getting my 82 year old cousin's Phantom back on the road. The front wheel is giving me a major headache! I can't remember how I got the original wheel out, but it was toasted anyway. I found a centennial wheelset to replace the old wheels.
I'm new here and i'm sure you all know this, so forgive me for going the long route: the drive side of the fork has a hole to insert the axle into. Is there a trick to this? I have found thinner nuts for the axle, but I can't make it happen.
Please help! I'm almost done!

I believe one side should be open and one side closed on earlier bikes and both open on later bikes. Here is a pic of the earlier fork

 

[Butch from Houston]

I assume you're trying to install the wheel with a closed axle hole. Check this thread out, open up the quote. https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/need-advice-with-schwinn-front-springer.40371/#post-224580

Man! Thanks so much. I knew there had to be a way- I appreciate your quick response.
Butch

 

[Tim the Skid]

Hello! I am almost done getting my 82 year old cousin's Phantom back on the road. The front wheel is giving me a major headache! I can't remember how I got the original wheel out, but it was toasted anyway. I found a centennial wheelset to replace the old wheels.
I'm new here and i'm sure you all know this, so forgive me for going the long route: the drive side of the fork has a hole to insert the axle into. Is there a trick to this? I have found thinner nuts for the axle, but I can't make it happen.
Please help! I'm almost done!

Loosen the springer pivot bolt to spread the legs. And click on the link that GT posted and read it. Lots of info there.