Complete Original Schwinn Motorbike Find!

[jeffstepek]

Just picked up this original complete Motorbike from the grandson of the original owner. I’ve had my eyes open for a find like this for 25+ years. Quite excited. Any thoughts, suggestions on whether to restore or any other input appreciated.

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[fordmike65]

To me all it needs is a light cleaning, a full service, tires and some grips. It would be a shame to wipe away all that wonderful history! Congrats on a great find!!!

 

[jeffstepek]

To me all it needs is a light cleaning, a full service, tires and some grips. It would be a shame to wipe away all that wonderful history! Congrats on a great find!!!

Thanks Mike. Think I will just give it a good cleaning/service as you said. The chrome is just so bad tho.


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[jeffstepek]

Thanks Mike. Think I will just give it a good cleaning/service as you said. The chrome is just so bad tho.


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Can u tell what year it is, considering springer?


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[John G04]

WOW awesome find! My guess is 38/39, very nice patina. Make sure to post lots of pictures during and after the clean up

 

[fordmike65]

Thanks Mike. Think I will just give it a good cleaning/service as you said. The chrome is just so bad tho.


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Check out some of the bikes here in this thread. You'll be surprised how much more popular a crusty original is than a restored bike. Best thing is you don't have to invest much dough into getting it back on the road. Just a lil elbow grease, new rubber and any mechanically worn parts. No paint, chrome, prep ,etc. You can always go back and do a full resto if you end up changing your mind...Just a thought. The bike is yours to do what you wish. Have fun and enjoy.

So who prefers to "Preserve the Crust"? | General Discussion About Old Bicycles

I've been seeing more & more bikes left "as found" lately, and wondering if this is a growing trend or simply more are being posted up & ridden? For me, it started with the Crusty Merc. Paint was too burnt to clean up, plated parts were all rust & bare metal, so OA or steelwool/WD40 weren't...

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[John G04]

I agree with fordmike, just a light clean up on the paint, wd40 steel wool 0000 and maybe some wax and just sell the chrome parts and buy better ones. Might be able to help you on the bars and spring

 

[hzqw2l]

Very cool. You will be surprised how the painted parts come back to life with a careful cleaning.

The chrome parts can be replaced but og paint is a ONE time proposition.

Congrats.

 

[Kramai88]

Great find. Clean it up some and leave it as found. Congratulations on a really nice bike.


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[SJ_BIKER]

If the rust bothers you there are some good products to remove that. As for the paint....if it were mine id go easy and wash around decals and wash carefully around brittle or chipped paint otherwise luke warm water and mild dish soap will do wonders. Not much should hurt the paint with the latter method...it is lead paint so clean your hands after or better wear gloves...if you disassamble be prepared for frozen bolts/ nuts so soak the stuff with a wd-40 or equivalent for days so the stuff goes to work to reduce harming threads. Newer tires and good used grips weathered ones will blend well. Have fun with your new toy...remember these things are not ours....we simply get to take care of them for the next guy or next generation.... Glad you found it....most went to bicycle heaven...