Year & model verification help

[SoonerWatts]

Good morning all! I have my father’s old Schwinn that I restored, mainly original with some modern parts( seat, tires, light, valve covers, and pedals), & I need help identifying the exact year & model. I thought he told me it was a 1954 Deluxe Hornet but I’m not sure because some of the design features look different than what I’ve found online. I’m afraid the chain guard may be from a DH but the bike itself is a different model. Any & all input is appreciated.

 

[coasterbrakejunkie1969]

Good morning all! I have my father’s old Schwinn that I restored, mainly original with some modern parts( seat, tires, light, valve covers, and pedals), & I need help identifying the exact year & model. I thought he told me it was a 1954 Deluxe Hornet but I’m not sure because some of the design features look different than what I’ve found online. I’m afraid the chain guard may be from a DH but the bike itself is a different model. Any & all input is appreciated.

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Welcome. we need a shot of the serial or at least list the serial number and its location for starters. I love that it is your dads.

 

[GTs58]

There was only one Hornet model in 54 and it used a different style frame. What's the serial number and what rims did this have before you modified it? Looks like it has balloon tires on it now. Schwinn offered two versions of the Hornet in 1955 and later. In 1956 the Deluxe was a balloon model and the standard was a middleweight model. In 1957 both Hornet models were middleweight models. The first picture looks like it's a middleweight model with S-7 rims and 1 3/4 tires.

 

[HEMI426]

Welcome to the Cabe, cool bike.

 

[WillWork4Parts]

The overall visual makes me think it came original with S7 rims and fenders...it's easy to match crusty black paint though. A black with red spitfire trim balloon tire frame would be a lot less common than the middleweight frame though. I don't think that option was available until 55 or 56 even.

The Deluxe Hornet was available in this color cantilever frame in 57 and 58, respectively.
Edited to add, with that style chain guard too, in 59 it became the dart tip guard.

Hopefully your serial on the left dropout will confirm correct year.

 

[SoonerWatts]

Welcome. we need a shot of the serial or at least list the serial number and its location for starters. I love that it is your dads.

Looks like the serial# R46923 was used twice, 1955 & 1957, but it is an original Chicago Schwinn.

 

[SoonerWatts]

Good morning all! I have my father’s old Schwinn that I restored, mainly original with some modern parts( seat, tires, light, valve covers, and pedals), & I need help identifying the exact year & model. I thought he told me it was a 1954 Deluxe Hornet but I’m not sure because some of the design features look different than what I’ve found online. I’m afraid the chain guard may be from a DH but the bike itself is a different model. Any & all input is appreciated.

View attachment 1906648

View attachment 1906649

I’m obviously remembering the wrong year. 1957 looks to be the year based on what GTs58 & WillWork4Parts replied.

I thought I had tried to look up the serial# but I’m guessing not. Just happy I purchased & applied what looks to be the correct logo transfer for the cabin guard. Maybe I used the serial# to narrow that down but it’s been 10 years since I restored it so I likely just forgot.

 

[SoonerWatts]

The overall visual makes me think it came original with S7 rims and fenders...it's easy to match crusty black paint though. A black with red spitfire trim balloon tire frame would be a lot less common than the middleweight frame though. I don't think that option was available until 55 or 56 even.

The Deluxe Hornet was available in this color cantilever frame in 57 and 58, respectively.
Edited to add, with that style chain guard too, in 59 it became the dart tip guard.

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Hopefully your serial on the left dropout will confirm correct year.

I think you nailed it. 1957 K19 looks to be a match to me. Appreciate the input!

 

[juvela]

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Did Dad wheel you about in the child seat when you were a little fellow? 🥹


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[SoonerWatts]

There was only one Hornet model in 54 and it used a different style frame. What's the serial number and what rims did this have before you modified it? Looks like it has balloon tires on it now. Schwinn offered two versions of the Hornet in 1955 and later. In 1956 the Deluxe was a balloon model and the standard was a middleweight model. In 1957 both Hornet models were middleweight models. The first picture looks like it's a middleweight model with S-7 rims and 1 3/4 tires.

I think 57 is the year. There could be parts from other years but as far as I know, aside from what I updated the rest should be original or at least from another older Schwinn. Anyone in the family that could’ve confirmed is long gone unfortunately but I appreciate your input! The tires I put on are definitely bigger than the original.