Jim sciano
Finally riding a big boys bike
He’s referring to the blue framed bike with the B serial
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Post-War ('40s-'50s) Schwinn Superior List
- Thread starter SirMike1983
- Start date
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WillWork4Parts
Cruisin' on my Bluebird
No luck on axle stamps.
The cones don't even say Schwinn, Confident the hardware and axles are original equipment though. The Dural rear hub axle is the odd in-between size, like on the drum brakes and both axles have the parting bump on the ends. It has the Villiers freewheel without the Patent Number, so post 47.
The closest thing I've found for a date on the bike is the matching stamps on the tires.
I've never looked seriously into the date stamps on the 50s tires, but would guess 55?? The Breeze tire is in the 54 and 55 catalogs at least.
The Superior doesn't appear in the postwar Schwinn consumer catalogs, but the last remnant I found is where the Ladies' Superior frame(P/N 1957) is offered in this June 15, 1954 condensed parts insert.
The bike should be earlier than that with the Schwinn script brakes though...so a date on this one is still up in the air!
I finally found the Schwinn Stainless S-6 stamp on the front rim after cleaning the Thick layer of dust off.
Adjusted the seat clamp back, aired up the tires, and swapped the brake lever holes to where they'll accept man-mitts. Then took it for a few laps around the driveway...as these old brake pads do nothing when squeezed against stainless rims.
The cones don't even say Schwinn, Confident the hardware and axles are original equipment though. The Dural rear hub axle is the odd in-between size, like on the drum brakes and both axles have the parting bump on the ends. It has the Villiers freewheel without the Patent Number, so post 47.
The closest thing I've found for a date on the bike is the matching stamps on the tires.
I've never looked seriously into the date stamps on the 50s tires, but would guess 55?? The Breeze tire is in the 54 and 55 catalogs at least.
The Superior doesn't appear in the postwar Schwinn consumer catalogs, but the last remnant I found is where the Ladies' Superior frame(P/N 1957) is offered in this June 15, 1954 condensed parts insert.
The bike should be earlier than that with the Schwinn script brakes though...so a date on this one is still up in the air!
I finally found the Schwinn Stainless S-6 stamp on the front rim after cleaning the Thick layer of dust off.
Adjusted the seat clamp back, aired up the tires, and swapped the brake lever holes to where they'll accept man-mitts. Then took it for a few laps around the driveway...as these old brake pads do nothing when squeezed against stainless rims.
SirMike1983
Riding a '38 Autocycle Deluxe
I agree those axle and cone parts look original. It's a difficult one with no three speed hub to date it, odd C-series serial number, nothing on the axles. I think your idea to use the paint to get a rough idea is good. The scripted calipers also help a little. On the year, your guess is as good as mine. Put it in as "1949?" based on your original guess?
Thanks for posting the parts book page. I'd love to find a 23-inch Superior or Continental from this era. Someday... maybe
Thanks for posting the parts book page. I'd love to find a 23-inch Superior or Continental from this era. Someday... maybe
SirMike1983
Riding a '38 Autocycle Deluxe
Updated to include the gold ladies' bike. It's an unusual serial number for a post-war Superior.
Iowa10Speed
On Training Wheels
Hello everyone. I just joined the forum.
I'm the guy with the ivory 1950 Superior. Thanks for adding it to the list.
There is one detail for the list that makes the bike even a bit more unusual. It has an FW four-speed hub, dated 9-1950.
I'm slowly (turtle speed) working through mechanicals and polishing. I'll post pictures somewhere when it's done. This is my first SA hub. I anticipate a learning curve! The bike was not ridable when I got it so the hub is untested. Hope it works!
I'm the guy with the ivory 1950 Superior. Thanks for adding it to the list.
There is one detail for the list that makes the bike even a bit more unusual. It has an FW four-speed hub, dated 9-1950.
I'm slowly (turtle speed) working through mechanicals and polishing. I'll post pictures somewhere when it's done. This is my first SA hub. I anticipate a learning curve! The bike was not ridable when I got it so the hub is untested. Hope it works!
WillWork4Parts
Cruisin' on my Bluebird
They are usually a pretty solid hub, should be fine unless abused and neglected. If you end up needing parts, let me know.
SirMike1983
Riding a '38 Autocycle Deluxe
Very nice bike. I'll update the list for the FW hub. Usually the FW can be made to work. They have two common issues. The first is a two-piece shifter rod prone to breakage and the second is that shifting into bottom gear reliably requires a good shifter that positively "clicks" and locks into place. The cable tension is quite high in bottom gear, so have to have a good shifter with it. Your bike is worth fixing and a unique item.
SirMike1983
Riding a '38 Autocycle Deluxe
Updated list to show the Ivory Superior has the FW four-speed rear hub.
