Question about brake cable from 1940

[truss]

My autocycle deluxe has its original front AND rear brake cables. They are worn but still function. I still ride the bike from time to time. But in my old head I swore I had heard something about "gold" colored cables were available in 1940 or something? Is there a story. Or am I way off? Haha thanks for any info your knowledge can bring.

 

[1817cent]

@mr.cycleplane

 

[markivpedalpusher]

Lots of convo here:

T

Post in thread 'Small Forebrake Introduction'

Jan 28, 2020

THE BREAK DOWN IS REALLY PRETTY SIMPLE HERE....I937...1938 ..1939 ARE BLACK AND THE GUAGE IS ABOUT THE SAME AS 1940 1941....1940 1941 ARE LIGHT GOLD NOT SILVER....I HAVE OWNED A LOT OF THESE CABLES OVER THE YEARS.....HERE ARE SOME 40 41 N.O.S CABLES FRONT AND REAR.....THEY ARE LIGHT GOLD.....AND I AM TALKING ABOUT CABLES THAT WERE USED ON BALLOON TIRE MODELS....MOTORBIKES ...AUTO-CYCLES.... HOLLYWOODS... ET CETERA!!!!!

• THE BICYCLE BLOODHOUND

• 

 

[SirMike1983]

I have had New World lightweight bikes with silver colored cables and gold colored cables from 1940 and 41. I attributed the gold hue to the cables originally being silver and the varnish or shellac finish yellowing over time.

 

[GTs58]

Even the 1960's gray vinyl casing changes colors after it loses it's sprinkles. If left outside in the sun it turns gold/brown.

 

[truss]

Well im glad its a real discussion and not my mental fatigue getting the better of me. My cables are l8ght gold too.i want that NOS cable set

 

[THE BICYCLE BLOODHOUND]

So since I wrote that 6 years ago.............things have came to light in the hobby................Schwinn called those 40 41 cables aluminum covering..............so yes when new they are a aluminum color that fads to gold with age........................BUT THE PROPER TERM IS ALUMINUM COVERING 1940 1941 EXPANDER BRAKE CABLES!!!

 

[truss]

So since I wrote that 6 years ago.............things have came to light in the hobby................Schwinn called those 40 41 cables aluminum covering..............so yes when new they are a aluminum color that fads to gold with age........................BUT THE PROPER TERM IS ALUMINUM COVERING 1940 1941 EXPANDER BRAKE CABLES!!!

Awesome info. Thank you so much. Im trying to learn as much about my bike as possible. I appreciate everyone's help

 

[truss]

But im serious about wanting those NOS cables haha