Let’s see some late 70’s/early 80’s Cruisers and Spitfires

[GTs58]

@19*01 I see you have at least four of these little 20" Cruisers and you've said a few were 1980 models. There's been a discussion on these pertaining to the actual model year of these since some have said there were no 20" Cruisers built in and for the 1980 model year. I'm curious and if you could verify all your Cruisers and post a picture of the build dates on the head badges and that would really be appreciated! I'm pretty sure you have at least two with an MR serial number and I'm 99.9% sure they were built a few months into 1981.

 

[birdzgarage]

White 81

 

[GTs58]

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White 81

Looks like an R serial 1980, and no head badge stamping. What makes this an 81? What's that extra glob of schit at the end of the Cantilever bar? Something Schwinn did on the Heavy-Duti frames?

Cool looking ride.

 

[birdzgarage]

I thought i read somewhere on here the frame only in white green and silver were 81 82 only.as far as the weld,its original paint so i guess its poor quality control.im no expert like you guys.i only know what i read on here.it was badgeless when i got it.and strange it showed no evidence a badge was ever on it.thanks dude.

 

[mrg]

Think the special order colors ( white, green & silver ) were 80-83 but most seem to be 80, most of mine have been 80 except a white 83 I sold here back a while.

 

[GTs58]

Think the special order colors ( white, green & silver ) were 80-83 but most seem to be 80, most of mine have been 80 except a white 83 I sold here back a while.

I was hoping Schwinn stamped the head badges on those frames. The serial stamped head tubes on these pieces only tell you time the serial was stamped and when the frame was built is unknown. That extra weld on @birdzgarage is something Schwinn did on some of the Heavy-Duti models. All four points of the cantilever bars had the additional welds. Not sure of birdz frame has that at the four points or not, but they that sure is strange since the Heavy-Duti's were middleweights.

 

[Guest2]

Wife's '87

 

[Callahooney1]

Just picked up this 81 Deluxe Cruiser. I believe most is stock original except seat? I'm thinking it needs a Messinger seat, but weigh in on other parts it may need. Also have this blue 83 Cruiser 5 that I have listed locally.

 

[Xlobsterman]

Just picked up this 81 Deluxe Cruiser. I believe most is stock original except seat? I'm thinking it needs a Messinger seat, but weigh in on other parts it may need. Also have this blue 83 Cruiser 5 that I have listed locally.

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Nice deluxe, and yes the seat and the tires are not original to the bike, but everything else looks correct. The gumwall tires look the best on the Chestnut bikes in my opinion!

That is not an 83 Cruiser 5, it is an 85 or 86 made in Taiwan. What are the 4 number stamped into the head badge?

 

[mrg]

Ya, a messenger seat and some knobbys and that will look great!