Schwinn King Size Registry & Research Project

[coasterbrakejunkie1969]

so this tank must have originally been for a horn, it has what appears to me a horn button. My first thought but I then noticed the bell on the bars and the headlight and surmised it was power for that, but it doesn't appear to be wired yet. I was thinking if it were my build, how would I wire it in the most professional and sanitary way, no small task since the light moves back and forth on the forks while the "tank" is stationary to the frame. I hope I get to see how Tim handles this.

Some early ones had no horn, but later slimline tanks had horns that had a small button.

 

[AmericanSchwinnfiend]

It seems odd to me that Schwinn would put an entirely decorative "tank" on any bike, bicycles are like airplanes where any extra weight is undesirable, in the early days of BMX, we all used Schwinn Sting-Rays but would remove and discard all the sheet metal like fenders and chain guard. My right pant leg was always blackened and chewed because of that. Once, while late for little league practice I was wearing Levi's corduroys down to the ballpark and my right pantleg got involved in the chainwheel and tore my entire pant leg all the way up along the cord. I was in a hurry and suddenly it was like wearing no pants on my right side.

 

[coasterbrakejunkie1969]

It seems odd to me that Schwinn would put an entirely decorative "tank" on any bike, bicycles are like airplanes where any extra weight is undesirable, in the early days of BMX, we all used Schwinn Sting-Rays but would remove and discard all the sheet metal like fenders and chain guard. My right pant leg was always blackened and chewed because of that. Once, while late for little league practice I was wearing Levi's corduroys down to the ballpark and my right pantleg got involved in the chainwheel and tore my entire pant leg all the way up along the cord. I was in a hurry and suddenly it was like wearing no pants on my right side.

It was on the low end Fleet.

 

[WillWork4Parts]

It seems odd to me that Schwinn would put an entirely decorative "tank" on any bike, bicycles are like airplanes where any extra weight is undesirable, in the early days of BMX, we all used Schwinn Sting-Rays but would remove and discard all the sheet metal like fenders and chain guard. My right pant leg was always blackened and chewed because of that. Once, while late for little league practice I was wearing Levi's corduroys down to the ballpark and my right pantleg got involved in the chainwheel and tore my entire pant leg all the way up along the cord. I was in a hurry and suddenly it was like wearing no pants on my right side.

They were even using tanks as decoration only before WWII on some Model C bikes. Here is one: Thread '1939 E-Z Speed Schwinn C Model UPDATE' https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/1939-e-z-speed-schwinn-c-model-update.211640/
Other low end postwar models included certain years of the DX style tank and an odd Straightbar tank version without the horn. The 20" Fiesta can be found with a hornless tank even.

We are straying away from the King Size bikes that should be the center of attention though...

 

[AmericanSchwinnfiend]

They were even using tanks as decoration only before WWII on some Model C bikes. Here is one: Thread '1939 E-Z Speed Schwinn C Model UPDATE' https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/1939-e-z-speed-schwinn-c-model-update.211640/
Other low end postwar models included certain years of the DX style tank and an odd Straightbar tank version without the horn. The 20" Fiesta can be found with a hornless tank even.

We are straying away from the King Size bikes that should be the center of attention though...

I was never aware of any "Deluxe" Schwinn Americans until I saw this post on eBay today, while NOT a "King Size" it opens the door to the possibility of one being built. Notice the "reverse screened" graphics on the chain guard (that happens to be chromed) similar to the early Sting-Rays.

Vintage 1963 Schwinn Deluxe American Frameset 26” Cruiser Radiant Blue Men’s | eBay

1963 Schwinn DeLuxe American frameset in Radiant Blue, men’s model for 26” wheels. Comes as seen with frame, fork, seat, chain guard, etc. Chain looks to be OEM and is in good shape. Overall this is in average/fair condition with the usual wear and tear. Tank mounting tabs are in good shape, as...

www.ebay.com

 

[klunk!]

King size American with HD wheel set. Fresh find this morning. Fenders are aftermarket, tires are shot. Nice wheelset. Decent original paint. Serial in pix. Will post for sale with more pix in separate thread.

 

[coasterbrakejunkie1969]

King size American with HD wheel set. Fresh find this morning. Fenders are aftermarket, tires are shot. Nice wheelset. Decent original paint. Serial in pix. Will post for sale with more pix in separate thread.
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Hold onto those Tractor grip tires even just for display. The WW’s are hard to come by.

 

[coasterbrakejunkie1969]

It took quite a bit to get everything apart but I finally got my KSA back to being able to ride again. I messed around with this one as I have a the same bike complete. I have been wanting to try these monster 2.5 tires on a build. They actually almost seem too big. I put a 22 tooth sprocket on the rear tire and let me tell you real easy pedaling. Just messing around with some builds I will have to see where this one ends up.

 

[AmericanSchwinnfiend]

I like those handlebars, from a Schwinn? Midget Sting-Ray? back in the day I used to run bars like that on my cruiser builds too.

 

[coasterbrakejunkie1969]

Midget Sting-Ray

yes