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Has anyone encountered a 1948 Schwinn with mismatched S-2 rims

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genesmachines

Finally riding a big boys bike
I have an original 48 Autocycle with a knurled S-2 rear and drop center front wheel. I recently saw a girls Autocycle, year unknown, with the same configuration. Have any others encountered this? I have read in 2 books that 1948 was the first year for the knurled rim. Need help from the experts. THANKS in advance and Happy Thanksgiving, appreciate what we have and take for granted!
 
That makes sense. I just wondered if Schwinn may have used up old stock and may have put the drop center on the front instead of the rear for some reason
 
I have an original 48 Autocycle with a knurled S-2 rear and drop center front wheel. I recently saw a girls Autocycle, year unknown, with the same configuration. Have any others encountered this? I have read in 2 books that 1948 was the first year for the knurled rim. Need help from the experts. THANKS in advance and Happy Thanksgiving, appreciate what we have and take for granted!
The 1948 specifications on all balloon models state S-2 rims. The first issues were not knurled on the tops of the rims. When exactly the knurling on the top of the rims came about has not been pin pointed. Miss matched rims are pretty common and done by some owner over the years.
 
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Almost can guarantee it had a drum hub front wheel someone wanted for another project somewhere along the way.
 
that is simply impossiblay!!!! No bicycle ever could have 2 different wheels!
Would have to be an act of GOD!!!!!

😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😚
veeeeeerrrrrry funny bob ;) this should make ya happy, it made me sad. not even a schwinn front on a nice dx I picked up today. maybe I will start a collection of? what would you call em- misfits?
😵‍💫🤑

dx1.JPG
 
I may get roasted for this but it is generally accepted that the first year S2 wheel is what you would find on a 48 although many 48 models were likely outfitted with drop centers either by request or by leftover inventory. The first S2 non-knurled wheel was most likely polished to remove the tool marks we call train tracks which left a rather inconsistent and in my opinion ugly finish. I believe this contributed to why only one year later the now widely recognized knurled S2 wheel was standard equipment. It’s very possible that the drop center wheel may have still been available by request for some time after 47. Before everyone jumps on top of me I’ll state up front “I have no documentation to offer in support of my belief on the matter. 😆😬😕
 
I have a 48 B6 with non knurled S2 wheels that are in amazing shape yet they are still the worst looking wheels I’ve ever used on a bike. I would use drop center wheels up through 49 without hesitation if they were in the right condition for the build.
 
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