Mack the fork
Look Ma, No Hands!
Thanks to the collective inputs of my fellow Cabers; I’ve been able to determine that my 1940 DX was a “Cusp model” with regard to paint schemes ( “spears” vs “ fireballs” ).
I’m going to go with Spears ! So quintessentially prewar….
The obvious follow up questions:
- Does anyone have photos of the available colors for DX models in 1940 ?
- Would it be sacrilege to use colors from other models of the period ?
- Would it be criminal to use Schwinn colors from the 1950’s
- Would Capital Punishment be in order by
applying the silver and red motif of a 1934 Aerocycle (but with ‘40 stencils and stripes ) ?
* Before determining my fate for these possible affronts to historical correctness ; please keep in mind that this build has never been an attempt at an absolutely period correct restoration. Simply more if a design excercise drawing on the exceptional beauty, form, design and quality of Schwinn bicycles of the late prewar/ early postwar era.
The bike will be a “Schwinn parts only” , (primarily prewar) hot rod/bomber.
It will be used for townie and bike trail use. I’m particularly looking forward to tootling down to a nearby lakeside bike shop (which has the delightful feature of a craft beer bar)
I also hope to find myself wobbling contently down the beachfront within envious view of the other bike snobs from the area.
Caveats on this build :
- I bought the bare frame 15 years ago in sand blasted primer with no badge. ( It will now be badged as an Excelsior, with an Excelsior down tube decal )
- Most of all the bike parts will be prewar period correct.
- It will have a period correct, rebuilt Morrow rear, and a large flange Forebrake on the front, BUT laced onto early postwar painted S2 rims , with double butted SS spokes. Front
fork and struts will be early postwar type.
- All patina will be preserved
Note : I would love a correct prewar fork and drop center rims if anyone is feeling benevolent…
So, please weigh in on the paint color questions!
Thanks all !
I’m going to go with Spears ! So quintessentially prewar….
The obvious follow up questions:
- Does anyone have photos of the available colors for DX models in 1940 ?
- Would it be sacrilege to use colors from other models of the period ?
- Would it be criminal to use Schwinn colors from the 1950’s
- Would Capital Punishment be in order by
applying the silver and red motif of a 1934 Aerocycle (but with ‘40 stencils and stripes ) ?
* Before determining my fate for these possible affronts to historical correctness ; please keep in mind that this build has never been an attempt at an absolutely period correct restoration. Simply more if a design excercise drawing on the exceptional beauty, form, design and quality of Schwinn bicycles of the late prewar/ early postwar era.
The bike will be a “Schwinn parts only” , (primarily prewar) hot rod/bomber.
It will be used for townie and bike trail use. I’m particularly looking forward to tootling down to a nearby lakeside bike shop (which has the delightful feature of a craft beer bar)
I also hope to find myself wobbling contently down the beachfront within envious view of the other bike snobs from the area.
Caveats on this build :
- I bought the bare frame 15 years ago in sand blasted primer with no badge. ( It will now be badged as an Excelsior, with an Excelsior down tube decal )
- Most of all the bike parts will be prewar period correct.
- It will have a period correct, rebuilt Morrow rear, and a large flange Forebrake on the front, BUT laced onto early postwar painted S2 rims , with double butted SS spokes. Front
fork and struts will be early postwar type.
- All patina will be preserved
Note : I would love a correct prewar fork and drop center rims if anyone is feeling benevolent…
So, please weigh in on the paint color questions!
Thanks all !