Schwinn cycle truck, worth it?

[coasterbrakejunkie1969]

Mine now. I'll let you know how it all turns out when it arrives. No free shipping, either. I payed the piper to get what I wanted.

Looking forward to seeing it and a bit jealous

 

[Dannuus]

Looking forward to seeing it and a bit jealous

I like it because it seems more solid than the 60s models, particularly the connection of the seat stays at the seat post. I also find it has more style than the later ones with its decorative chain guard and bike specific head badge. The basket is interesting. Its not the same as all the ones you see and its not a wald either. It appears to have been made for the bike with the idea to carry heavy items. The story from the seller was it was discovered in an airplane hangar in Miami. I could see it being used to move airplane parts in

wow, that is prewar money and a good deal for the seller on a 6-700 bike...there are two more on craigslist for 2000 each near me, maybe they'll actually get it...and nobody wants my prewar cycletruck...lol

It was actually cheaper than some of the ones I have been seeing lately. This was my first one and so far, I thingk its a bargain.I look at all the money people ask for schwinn krates and phantoms. And all the reissues and parts. And there's a billion of those for sale. Maybe I comparing apples and oranges but I'm comfortable that I got a bike like no one elses. With respect, I beleive 6-700 is low. The cost of everything is high now.

 

[Dannuus]

I emailed him just to be sure and he said shipping would be $200 extra.

This guy is mostly a buyer. I dont believe he has grasped the work involved to pack and ship this monster. His entire auction could have been more descriptive and include better pictures. Im taking a chance. He quoted me at $150. I knew better. It was more than double that.

 

[old hotrod]

As long as you're happy, ultimately that us all that matters...but I stand by my valuation...I have a prewar CT for sale for 1k (no ship) that is close to complete and it has been a slow seller yet worth much more than the later CT to collectors.

 

[Dannuus]

Finally received my piano case full of cycle truck today! Looks like I have my work ahead of me. Probably not the best bargain out there but in the end its mine. I'm thinking its a 1957. The serial number comes up as either 52 or 57. It has the later frame but new departure hub, skip tooth gears and chain. Its complete and the frame paint appears original. The sign plate and clamps are gorgeous.someone along the way spruced up the chrome bits with silver paint. Wheels are original. Tires are goodyear front and uniroyal back. Maybe the fenders were changed? The basket is a solid build and not like any Ive seen in pictures.

 

[GTs58]

Finally received my piano case full of cycle truck today! Looks like I have my work ahead of me. Probably not the best bargain out there but in the end its mine. I'm thinking its a 1957. The serial number comes up as either 52 or 57. It has the later frame but new departure hub, skip tooth gears and chain. Its complete and the frame paint appears original. The sign plate and clamps are gorgeous.someone along the way spruced up the chrome bits with silver paint. Wheels are original. Tires are goodyear front and uniroyal back. Maybe the fenders were changed? The basket is a solid build and not like any Ive seen in pictures.View attachment 1649753
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That serial number was used in three years, 1952-53-57. So the new question is, what year, 1952 or 53. Schwinn did not use 1" pitch gearing in 1957, it was pretty much phased out before 1955. I find it odd that the rear fender mounting bridge looks like the prewar pieces being tubular. I know little about the Cycle Trucks so maybe that was standard for some time? Also, the chain guard is earlier than 1957 and maybe earlier than 53. Some time around 1953 the feather guard had a change with a flat section in the middle for a name decal. Looks like a fun project and that basket is killer!

 

[Freqman1]

I'm not a CT expert but I've owned eight or nine of these including both first and last years (1939/1967) and saw little difference in build quality--all were good. This bike has the wrong fenders and wrong basket which in my book seriously hurts value. As long as your happy though none of that matters. I look forward to seeing what you do with it. V/r Shawn

 

[Dannuus]

The story was that it was found in an airport hanger in Miami. No matter what I do it will never be original. I'm going to clean and grease it and change the tires for now.

 

[Dannuus]

I've got it in my mind to powdercoat black and hopefully get the chrome to come up. I'm buying new wald fenders to replicate as close as possible the originals. I work for the post office and think it would be cool to paint the sign plate postal blue and mark it U.S.P.O. Dept.
STOP ME IF YOU THINK I'M MAKING A MISTAKE THAT CANT BE CORRECTED! I value your input as I'm no expert in the field.

 

[GTs58]

I've got it in my mind to powdercoat black and hopefully get the chrome to come up. I'm buying new wald fenders to replicate as close as possible the originals. I work for the post office and think it would be cool to paint the sign plate postal blue and mark it U.S.P.O. Dept.
STOP ME IF YOU THINK I'M MAKING A MISTAKE THAT CANT BE CORRECTED! I value your input as I'm no expert in the field.

Why not do it in Blue then? I lived in Mesa from 1959 until 2012 and the mail was delivered using Cycle Trucks until the early 80's. All the CT's were Blue.