The Hornets had painted rims until the models were all revamped with the new 1959 styling. As far as I know there were no 1958 catalogs or any info on the 58 models, but there have been two M-December 1958 Hornets that I've seen that had chrome rims, and a built-in kickstand. A December stamped serial number would be on a bike that was produced during the next year and it seems the Hornets had there new make over for 1959 a tad bit later than all the other models. Here's
@HARPO 's 58 Hornet that was built in 1959 but it was using all the 1958 components with the exception of the chrome rims, built in stand and the new style seat post clamp. So technically this 1959 Hornet was built with most of the 1958 specs.
I bought this one yesterday, along with a late '40s Schwinn Continental (see the Lightweight Schwinn section) from a closed bicycle shop. It's in decent shape, far from perfect, but the first one I've had from the late '50s. Right off the bat, it's missing the tank and headlight and rear fender...
thecabe.com
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