64 Westfield Columbia Newsboy Special

[ozzie]

Now that’s a pro level test ride report. You’ve done a killer job on this bike. Enjoy it with pride.

 

[Miq]

Thanks @ozzie ! I really appreciate all the encouragement over the past month from you guys. Everyone’s comments have given me inspiration. This has been a fun bike to learn about and put back together. It’s still all there, every piece (except the grips, vinyl seat cover, and tires). It was pretty well preserved when I got it. Just needed a month of TLC.

 

[GTs58]

As much as you ride, I’d be concerned about the pedals. are the ones on it equipped with ball bearings or just the metal disks?

 

[Miq]

Seems like ball bearings but I can’t get them open. They spin really well but they make a clicking sound.

 

[ozzie]

If originality doesn’t bother you, try a pair with of a Odyssey Twisted PC pedals. Inexpensive, big and comfy under your feet.

 

[ozzie]

Re the clicking sound, double check the pedals are tight and there isn’t any play in the cranks

 

[GTs58]

Mike, I went back and looked at the pictures of your pedals and it appears they have a large dust cap like the old union pedals Schwinn used in the 50s and early 60s. My buddy Andrew that lives in Scottsdale didn’t like the way that I suggested to take them caps off so he figured out a better way than using a screwdriver and a hammer and tapping them off. you have a vice so here’s how to take those caps off.
Andrew’s how to thread.

Easy Schwinn bow pedal cap removal | All Things Schwinn

I have found a very easy solution to remove pedal caps. No more frustrating prying, poking and scratching with knives and screwdrivers. Set the pedal cap in a bench vise as shown and slowly and gently tighten vise (this takes very little force.) While tightening, gently rock the pedal back and...

thecabe.com

 

[Miq]

Yes I saw that thread and tried that method with the vice. I was really hoping it would work but the caps won’t budge.

 

[ricobike]

I haven‘t seen a flamboyant red one with cleaned up paint yet. I bet yours was sweet.

Ask and you shall receive. Here's one that I had for many years. All original bike. Had it been black I probably wouldn't have sold it. I'm not much a fan for red.

Nice job on the restoration!

 

[Miq]

Wow @ricobike thats sweet. OG paint, grips, and truss rod caps. That’s a survivor. Thanks for posting it!