First Schwinn, is it a 1954 or 1956?

[Crunchysock]

Hi all. I just bought this Hornet today. I ran the serial number before purchase and it appears to be either 1954 or 1956. I’m hopi g some of you educated types can tell me which. I know there’s a ton of incorrect parts on it, and that’s not really a concern, I’m just hoping to know the year for sure. Thanks.

I can take more pictures if it’ll help with identification.

 

[GTs58]

Are there holes in the front fender for a light? Can you take a picture of the seat stays from near the fender bridge and bottom of the seat?

 

[Crunchysock]

Are there holes in the front fender for a light? Can you take a picture of the seat stays from near the fender bridge and bottom of the seat?

I had to take my daughter to her volleyball tournament, so I’ll get those pictures when I get home later. I did notice it looks like the front fender has been replaced, or at least repainted. I think I saw blue under the red.

 

[kos22us]

good news is there is not a "ton" of incorrect parts, important thing is you have all the original paint "stuff", rest is all interchangeable and readily available if you choose to go down that road cool find

 

[Crunchysock]

good news is there is not a "ton" of incorrect parts, important thing is you have all the original paint "stuff", rest is all interchangeable and readily available if you choose to go down that road cool find

That’s good to know. I’m really hoping it’s a 1956, for sentimental reasons. If it ends up being a 1954 I’ll probably throw it back on Craigslist and just try to get my money back out of it.

 

[GTs58]

Looks like it's wearing Balloon tires. But the frame looks like a middleweight and tires are tight. Wheels swapped out, S2's or? In 1956 Schwinn offered two Hornets, the Deluxe Hornet was a Balloon model and the standard Hornet was a middleweight. But the equipment on yours doesn't match either one.
Only one Hornet model was offered in 1954, a Balloon model with carrier, horn tank, truss rods and light.

 

[Crunchysock]

Looks like it's wearing Balloon tires. But the frame looks like a middleweight and tires are tight. Wheels swapped out? In 1956 Schwinn offered two Hornets, the Deluxe Hornet was a Balloon model and the standard Hornet was a middleweight. But the equipment on yours doesn't match either one.
Only one Hornet model was offered in 1954, a Balloon model with carrier, horn tank, truss rods and light.

The seller told me he added the wheels years ago when he first got it, that’s about all I know.

 

[GTs58]

The Spitfire had the same frame, fenders and rims. Good chance the chain guard could have been replaced with a Hornet decaled guard. If it's a middleweight frame it's definitely a 1956.

 

[Crunchysock]

The Spitfire had the same frame, fenders and rims. Good chance the chain guard could have been replaced with a Hornet decaled guard. If it's a middleweight frame it's definitely a 1956.

And the pictures from the rear, of the seat stays near the fender bridge should tell you if it’s a middleweight? Sorry for the rookie questions.

 

[Crunchysock]

So, if I understand what I’m reading. If I measure the width at the fender bridge and it’s 2.5” then it’s a middleweight, making it a 1956. And this is because there wasn’t a 1954 middleweight?