Prewar Admiral Rebuild

[RustyHornet]

Thanks everybody for the comments. I'm really having a blast cleaning this one up, I truly feel it's an honor to bring it back and preserve it for all to see. When done this one may replace my '52 Hornet as the one that gets ridden the most, it'll be a tough choice because nothing I've ever ridden rides as nice as that Hornet.

One thing I'm struggling with on this one is tire choice. I've got a set of old Allstate Safety Treads that are in pretty good shape, but are hard enough I'm not sure I want to put them on a rider. Right now I'm leaning towards either white/cream or brick red, but I could be convinced a white wall is what it needs. Then there is just a plain ol black wall that would look good too. I'm a big fan of the Schwalbe Fat Frank's, if there are any other tires I should be looking at please chime in.

Thanks, Jon

 

[cds2323]

You're making nice progress on that bike. Post the serial number and perhaps we can nail down the year.

 

[RustyHornet]

Got a later start today so not as much done, but progress nontheless.

Got the tank polished up and hung back on.

First time with a Morrow, I like what I'm seeing so far.

Might get back to it after dinner.

Jon

 

[cds2323]

Nice work. I believe the Y serial number makes it a 1938.

Probably took a horn-lite, which I've always liked better than the Silver Ray and they're easier on the wallet too.

 

[RustyHornet]

Nice work. I believe the Y serial number makes it a 1938.

Probably took a horn-lite, which I've always liked better than the Silver Ray and they're easier on the wallet too.

I did a little research and it appears you're correct about the '38, but I think this one had a Silver Ray.

Cleaned up the rear fender, found some more patriotic decals. Pretty cool. The fenders are the worst part on the bike. The front is really rough, rear has dents, which I've decided to leave since they are just part of this bikes history.

Eagle!

As she sits, the bearings and hub internals will be getting soaked in the parts cleaner at work tomorrow so re greasing should happen tomorrow night. I've ordered Schwalbe cream Fat Frank's, I know not period correct, but they ride amazing and are very good quality.

Jon

 

[cds2323]

Like those decals.

The base for the light on your fender is the same for Silver Ray or hornlite. I believe yours had a hornlite based on the wiring. The Silver Ray would have only the two wires coming in through the bolt. Yours appear to also have traces of wires fore and aft of the center hole. This was done on the hornlite to run power back to the horn which was inaccessible from the center mounting hole containing the wires to the battery. Also your tank doesn't appear to have a horn.

 

[RustyHornet]

Like those decals.

The base for the light on your fender is the same for Silver Ray or hornlite. I believe yours had a hornlite based on the wiring. The Silver Ray would have only the two wires coming in through the bolt. Yours appear to also have traces of wires fore and aft of the center hole. This was done on the hornlite to run power back to the horn which was inaccessible from the center mounting hole containing the wires to the battery. Also your tank doesn't appear to have a horn.

This is very good infomation! Thank you. It now all makes sense, there were quite a bit of wires inside the tank, more than needed for a light. I am learning, this is my first prewar men's Schwinn, have only messed with postwar stuff to this point and those are a lot easier to figure out what's what. Now I know what I need to look for to complete this one.

Thanks again,
Jon

 

[RustyHornet]

I will say I've been building bikes since I was about 9 and this was the first one I've tore down that didn't have factory grease still in it!

 

[vincev]

Are you going to rattle can it ? lol

 

[RustyHornet]

Are you going to rattle can it ? lol

No I think this one deserves better than that. Perhaps brushed house paint?



Smart-assery, there is a different breed in Indiana. Lol