One middleweight needs to go to make room for another. Finish the debate on what to do with this project.

[WillWork4Parts]

I've had this bike for quite a while and enjoy the ride, but found some non-original parts on it...so, it's gotta go. I'll sit here and debate with myself all day about replacing the correct parts that I would need to source, or just parting it out.

What say you??? Parts off or parts on?? Why?
Part values and actual availability are what I need to consider...


All comments welcome except for "just ride it as is." I was done with it when I figured out that the guard was incorrect for the year of the frame...and I've already enjoyed putting the miles on it that I wanted to. Serial is J931808.

Guard is an early Corvette, 55 I believe since it has the cable clip and 2 factory rivets at the rear bracket.

Pedals are Krate era, so they need to come off either way. I may have a set of earlier bow pedals with screws, but the nice ones, I would rather save for my middleweights or lightweights.

Front fender has an extremely centered/symmetric dimple under the rack.

 

[GTs58]

That's a really nice FrankinVette. It's definitely worth more in parts unfortunately. I'd have to say that the chain guard is a transition piece being used on a very late built 1955 or early 1956. The rear carrier is 1962 and later and was used on few models like the Deluxe American and worth some $'s if it's in good shape. That seat is like winning the lotto! 1963 & 1964 Corvette only. $250 at least for that. I sold mine about three years ago for $260 and it was NOS. I was told I sold it too cheap. The stem looks like 1962 and later with a 59 AS wedge bolt. Pedals look nice too. Overall, that's a really nice FrankinVette so I can see your dilemma. Do you sell parts on eBay?

 

[Robert Troub]

So parts are worth more than the bike
Do what you will

 

[WillWork4Parts]

I have an eBay account to buy, but have never sold on there myself. Best news is about the seat...but now do I sell that to recoup the majority of what I have in the bike or do I keep it? ...because I'm looking for a Deluxe American to add my spring fork to. Ha
Dad had a starburst badged blue Deluxe American back in the day and I believe that matches the range....unless the American followed different rules for the seat?

 

[koolbikes]

I've had this bike for quite a while and enjoy the ride, but found some non-original parts on it...so, it's gotta go. I'll sit here and debate with myself all day about replacing the correct parts that I would need to source, or just parting it out.

View attachment 2221915
What say you??? Parts off or parts on?? Why?
Part values and actual availability are what I need to consider...


All comments welcome except for "just ride it as is." I was done with it when I figured out that the guard was incorrect for the year of the frame...and I've already enjoyed putting the miles on it that I wanted to. Serial is J931808.

View attachment 2221929
Guard is an early Corvette, 55 I believe since it has the cable clip and 2 factory rivets at the rear bracket.

View attachment 2221926Pedals are Krate era, so they need to come off either way. I may have a set of earlier bow pedals with screws, but the nice ones, I would rather save for my middleweights or lightweights.

View attachment 2221928
Front fender has an extremely centered/symmetric dimple under the rack.
View attachment 2221925

View attachment 2221927

The rear wire rack looks like it's one of those hard to find 26" lightweight racks, made around 1970-'71, can tell by the space between rack & fender and different bend at seat mount. I hate to think when you can get more in parts, than you can get for it whole from someone.

 

[WillWork4Parts]

The rear wire rack looks like it's one of those hard to find 26" lightweight racks, made around 1970-'71, can tell by the space between rack & fender and different bend at seat mount. I hate to think when you can get more in parts, than you can get for it whole from someone.

I did notice the dip at the seat mount earlier, haven't heard of a 70s lightweight rack though.

Edited to add: This is the only thing I found on here with a keyword search of "lightweight rack"...at least that resembles what I have. That one doesn't sit very level on the Speedster though.

Is that what you were talking about?

 

[WillWork4Parts]

Even better, I found the lightweight rack in the 70 catalog next to the regular rack.

I'm glad I posted this bike up before just selling it and breaking even on what I paid. Thank you @koolbikes for pointing that out!
I'll have to pull out the regular version of the rack tomorrow and post the actual differences, possibly see if it mounts right on a lightweight or needs readjusted.

 

[WillWork4Parts]

Here is the Lightweight Rack on the Frankenvette, with the bike held in the vertical position(not on kickstand), it sits pretty daggon level. Bike has both Schwinn branded S-7 Typhoons on it, so there is no trickery with different tire sizes to change pitch.

Here is how level the front rack sits on it for comparison, bike held straight upright as well.

This is the regular middleweight rack for level comparison.

More side by side comparison shots....Yellow tape marks the middleweight.

Note how much shorter the rear leg of middleweight rack is than the lightweight rack.

I don't have time to dig out the lightweight bikes today and try it on. I think the closest thing I have to that era is a 68 model and it's in the back of the project room.

 

[blakekennedy]

This thread just broke the news to be that I have a lightweight rack on my 62 American. Learn something new everyday.

 

[WillWork4Parts]

Better one?

Or better two?? Lol