Schwinn WZ Whizzer Barn Find!

[LuckySchwinning]

I have a theory about Whizzer serial numbers, but it doesn't mean that it is true! I have 5 factory Whizzers. Three of them which I believe are all 1948's have a prewar serial number. Another one has the early flat crimps with a standard C serial number (I think that one is a late 1947 or early 1948). The last one has a 1948 serial number that places it just days before the fire. All bikes have S-2's with no knurls. I think Schwinn used left over prewar bottom brackets for their new line of 1948 WZ507 bikes. Maybe this changed after the fire? Besides the dimpled chain-stays, and welded on brake clamp, these odd serial numbers could help separate the WZ507 models. Anyway that is my theory! I am sure their are allot of guys out there with better info.

I like the Theory! You having actual bikes helps w/ eliminating a lot of speculation others may bring to the table. It also makes sense that Schwinn would be trying to use any extra stock parts they had.. The fire makes it difficult to pin down exact dates based on sequential serial numbers, but it does make for a more interesting mystery if you have one of these bikes! Awesome reply!

 

[GTs58]

The serial doesn't align with any of the 48 numbers either. The stamped BB shell was probably a lost left over from 1941. With the non knurled S-2's I'd also say it's a 1948 build.

I have a theory about Whizzer serial numbers, but it doesn't mean that it is true! I have 5 factory Whizzers. Three of them which I believe are all 1948's have a prewar serial number. Another one has the early flat crimps with a standard C serial number (I think that one is a late 1947 or early 1948). The last one has a 1948 serial number that places it just days before the fire. All bikes have S-2's with no knurls. I think Schwinn used left over prewar bottom brackets for their new line of 1948 WZ507 bikes. Maybe this changed after the fire? Besides the dimpled chain-stays, and welded on brake clamp, these odd serial numbers could help separate the WZ507 models. Anyway that is my theory! I am sure their are allot of guys out there with better info.

Could you post the three pre war serial numbers on your bikes, if it's not to much of a pita?

 

[Vintage-Whizzer]

Could you post the three pre war serial numbers on your bikes, if it's not to much of a pita?

I bought all of these bikes last year, and have been cleaning and restoring the parts almost everyday for the last 2 months. I plan to have them all finished the summer.
Two of them are the MP97, and the other 3 are WZ507's. All are factory from Schwinn, and were designed especially for bicycle motors..
Sorry for the extra pictures, but you can see all of the parts hanging on the walls.
There is also two bins under the work bench with 3 motors.

Black DX model MP97 sn# is I81247
Faded maroon WZ507 sn# D87297
Black WZ507 on wall sn# J93128
Bare metal WZ507 sn# C01094
Maroon MP97 sn# E84684

I hope this helps!

 

[mfhemi1969]

I found this old Schwinn bike and was wondering if anyone had a clue what I should do with it. I took some pics to try to identify its age. Would a bike like this be a good candidate for restoration?
Best Regards

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I really love to see these barn finds. Great find and good luck....

 

[LuckySchwinning]

I really love to see these barn finds. Great find and good luck....

Thanks a lot, I think I may need some luck getting it to actually run. Living in Maine provides a person with an unlimited supply of barns to rummage around in. I just got back from digging in an old barn this morning No great finds but always fun! Cheers

 

[rustjunkie]

I have a theory about Whizzer serial numbers, but it doesn't mean that it is true! I have 5 factory Whizzers. Three of them which I believe are all 1948's have a prewar serial number. Another one has the early flat crimps with a standard C serial number (I think that one is a late 1947 or early 1948). The last one has a 1948 serial number that places it just days before the fire. All bikes have S-2's with no knurls. I think Schwinn used left over prewar bottom brackets for their new line of 1948 WZ507 bikes. Maybe this changed after the fire? Besides the dimpled chain-stays, and welded on brake clamp, these odd serial numbers could help separate the WZ507 models. Anyway that is my theory! I am sure their are allot of guys out there with better info.

I have a question about this:
Weren't post-WWII bottom bracket shells forgings (for electro-forged construction) and pre-WWII shells tubes that were brazed to the other tubes?

 

[Vintage-Whizzer]

I have a question about this:
Weren't post-WWII bottom bracket shells forgings (for electro-forged construction) and pre-WWII shells tubes that were brazed to the other tubes?

Honestly, I don't know!

 

[Vintage-Whizzer]

Thanks a lot, I think I may need some luck getting it to actually run. Living in Maine provides a person with an unlimited supply of barns to rummage around in. I just got back from digging in an old barn this morning No great finds but always fun! Cheers

Does your motor have compression, and spark?

 

[SJ_BIKER]

id clean it up and gas it up for a whirl around town and maybe the next one over....

 

[No Repro please]

Please don't let it get rained on, anymore!