I can't believe I'm asking a serial # question...

[Bendix]

...but I am.

Haven't been around this forum in quite some time, the garage was full!

Downsizing for a move and getting ready to list this little double straight bar Tornado on CL and I'm confused by the serial number. 5 digits, no letter prefix.

If there's another digit under the fender brace it's obliterated, but I really don't think there is. Not filled by a repaint.

What say you?

Thanks!

 

[GTs58]

Very slim to no chance of a crank casting date in the 50's either. I've seen a handful or two of stamping errors on Schwinn serials, it did happen over the years. One that is even noted on the serial list was at the beginning of 1966 where the year/month letter was missing. Looking at the rear reflector on your bike it somewhat appears to be the one year piece used on the 1959 models. It's quite a bit thicker with a full wrap aluminum housing. If that is a 59 model then you're missing a letter and a number. There was also a noted error for one day in 1960 but your number, the 5 digits, aren't involved in that mess. This may have also happened in 1959 and I'm saying that thinking that reflector is the 1959 only issue.

07/18/60 ------------------ G011111 ----------------- G013176
07/18 ------------------ Year-Digit ----- Numbers Skipped
In Error, Will Be Used In July Of 1961.
07/19/60 ------------------ G013177 ----------------- G014715

 

[Bendix]

Figured it was just a screwup. FNG!!

Good info on the reflector! I did not know that.

I guess that's what happens when you go to the local tavern for beer and free popcorn at lunch. Although IIRC it IS a time-honored midwestern factory worker tradition...

 

[HEMI426]

This ,I believe is a one year only 57 promotional Schwinn straight bar 26 in. Boy's were red, Girl's were blue. Yours is a twin straight bar, is it a 26 in. This serial no. has a letter in it.

 

[GTs58]

Fisher Body in Janesville shared in the same lunch habits. Here's a crappy dumb phone shot of my 59 fender.

 

[GTs58]

This ,I believe is a one year only 59 promotional Schwinn straight bar 26 in. Boy's were red, Girl's were blue. Yours is a twin straight bar, is it a 26 in. This serial no. has a letter in it.

View attachment 1363918

View attachment 1363919

View attachment 1363920

View attachment 1363922

View attachment 1363923

That may have been one of the first ones, Oct 57. These promo's were at the dealers well before Christmas 1957.

 

[HEMI426]

Thanks I corrected my post from a 59 to a 57.

 

[rustystone2112]

Pretty sure it’s a 59 . Don’t think they made a 20” single straight bar late model 57 made for 58 that used the feather guard . Your bike has the 59 guard with the raised center . The 60 guard is flat with a line around the outer edge and the 61 is flat with the decal with the wavy line

 

[Bendix]

Well.

Seems @REC was kind enough to spare me public humiliation by PMing me to "look closer".

Neither the IPhone or my eyes could look any closer, but my little Olympus TG5 in 'microscope' mode could!

So never mind, there are the digits!





But I still say it's a screwup...

 

[GTs58]

Well I'll be. And definitely some kind of a problem with the stamping machine. But the bike is a 1959! I'm really surprised your phone camera didn't show something.