Enjoy tinkering with my bikes. Sell a few to slowly upgrade for better personal bikes.
So, I just obtained a 1956 (3/21-3/28 1956 to be exact, hehe) man's black three speed racer. It's very complete minus the rear fender reflector. I have a few Chicago Schwinns but this is the first this old. Frame for seat post has Arnold Schwinn Co and the top hat logo. Im loving some new (to me) discoveries like the cast brass (?) seat post clamp. Even the bolt head has "AS" rather than just an "S" in it. Paint is rough with chips and rust. Chrome will clean up nice and its all functional. The kick stand surprised me. I expected the welded on one. Not yet in 56? Is it supposed to look like this, pictured below. What's up with the top hat, any more desirable or valuable? I did read about the WW1 flying squadron etc. My first thought was strip and re paint. Now I don't think I want to lose the old original logos with Arnold and the hat. Rough value range? Ride her as is?
Brand new to the forum, be gentle.
thanks in advance.
So, I just obtained a 1956 (3/21-3/28 1956 to be exact, hehe) man's black three speed racer. It's very complete minus the rear fender reflector. I have a few Chicago Schwinns but this is the first this old. Frame for seat post has Arnold Schwinn Co and the top hat logo. Im loving some new (to me) discoveries like the cast brass (?) seat post clamp. Even the bolt head has "AS" rather than just an "S" in it. Paint is rough with chips and rust. Chrome will clean up nice and its all functional. The kick stand surprised me. I expected the welded on one. Not yet in 56? Is it supposed to look like this, pictured below. What's up with the top hat, any more desirable or valuable? I did read about the WW1 flying squadron etc. My first thought was strip and re paint. Now I don't think I want to lose the old original logos with Arnold and the hat. Rough value range? Ride her as is?
Brand new to the forum, be gentle.
thanks in advance.