Jonswan
Look Ma, No Hands!
I bought a Pre-War Schwinn yesterday at an estate sale and need help determining which model it is. I believe it to be from 1940 due to the serial numbers stamped on the frame beneath the crank, beginning with the letter "D" followed by 5 numbers and the crank arm has the number "40" cast on it. Additionally, the straight bar frame, clamp-on side stand, rear frame drop outs, and chain guard hardware also support this date. Underneath all the that crud and rust is an original red paint job with cream accents and a Wheel Goods Flyer badge from Minneapolis. Note the chain and ring is not a skip-tooth and the unusual chain guard style. I believe the rack on the rear is designed to go on the front of the bike (?) The springer front end with the cyclelock became options in 1938. The front fender appears original and has no holes for holding a light. The tires are 26", the rims might be painted instead of chrome, and the frame size is 18".
What model this? I looked online at the Schwinn Catalog for 1940 and cannot find it listed. In the book "Schwinn Bicycles" p. 57 by Jay Pridmore and Jim Hurd, I see a 1940 D-97X-O model which looks like my bike except for the chain ring, chain guard, and truss rod front end. I think the D98X-O is the 20" frame version.
It is rough but complete, but I want to ID the model before I decide what to do with it. To start, I am ordering tubes, tires, and a chain so I can ride it to access its condition and go from there. All the the rusty hardware is soaking in Kroil and I will break down and clean the bike while while for new parts.
Any thoughts, opinions, photographs, and/or links on its model identification is very much appreciated, thank you!
Garage Fresh.
What model this? I looked online at the Schwinn Catalog for 1940 and cannot find it listed. In the book "Schwinn Bicycles" p. 57 by Jay Pridmore and Jim Hurd, I see a 1940 D-97X-O model which looks like my bike except for the chain ring, chain guard, and truss rod front end. I think the D98X-O is the 20" frame version.
It is rough but complete, but I want to ID the model before I decide what to do with it. To start, I am ordering tubes, tires, and a chain so I can ride it to access its condition and go from there. All the the rusty hardware is soaking in Kroil and I will break down and clean the bike while while for new parts.
Any thoughts, opinions, photographs, and/or links on its model identification is very much appreciated, thank you!
Garage Fresh.
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