Know anything about old bikes? (Updated)

"zeontestpilot" (zeontestpilot) 01/16/2017 at 14:52 • Filed to: Bikelopnik

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I just got this bike, for free. It’s an older style of bike and I really like it; so I’m planning on fixing it up. It’s a Schwinn, but I’m not sure of the year. Has anyone ever see a bike like this before?

The bike headlight reminded me of the bike lights they used in the tv show Stranger Things. It also is powered by the bike as well, at least it seems to be.

Update: its serial number is L933559, and is a ‘59 Schwinn Corvette, with 3-speed.

tromoly > zeontestpilot 01/16/2017 at 14:58

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It looks like a Schwinn Corvette, except for the handlebars maybe.

Other than that, run the serial code through this site and you might get more information.

zeontestpilot > tromoly 01/16/2017 at 15:08

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Yeah, handle bars definitely don’t look stock, I noticed that earlier. Unless they are upside down. I’ll get the serial number later, the bike is at a friends house cause I didn’t feel like walking it home, lol. Thanks!

facw > tromoly 01/16/2017 at 15:10

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Looks about right, though none of that fancy 5-speed stuff going on here. Presumably the 2 or 3 speed model with an internally geared hub.

Dave the car guy , still here > zeontestpilot 01/16/2017 at 15:21

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When you redo any bearings, try removing bearing cages and add more bearings into the bottom bracket, headset and hubs when changing the grease. Without a cage you can fit many more bearings. It will displace the load across more surface area and make an improvement in any rotating assembly.

barnie > zeontestpilot 01/16/2017 at 16:06

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First off, beautiful machine! Forks look bent (not aligned to the headtube. Looks like 3-speed Sturmey Archer rear hub sans brake. Look for a serial number under the bottom bracket, on the seat tube near the bottom or on the headtube, third. Handlebars may be original, just turned upside down. Left bottom stay also looks a little whacked.

New cables and brake pads, a little 3-in-1 on the chain & in the rear hub and air in the tires should make it rideable. Turn the brake levers inward. Either ya Shwinn or ya lose!

tromoly > facw 01/16/2017 at 16:31

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Possibly, I don’t see a Sturmy-Archer lever coming out the non-drive side of the rear axle though.

zeontestpilot > tromoly 01/16/2017 at 16:54

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It’s an original ‘57, serial # 1933559. Needs work, as the back wheels is rubbing against something, but a pretty cool find.

zeontestpilot > facw 01/16/2017 at 16:56

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It’s a 3 speed, err, my bad, a Sturmy Archer 3 speed.

zeontestpilot > barnie 01/16/2017 at 16:57

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Not sure what a head tube is, but the serial number was on the rear left fork, :).

barnie > zeontestpilot 01/16/2017 at 19:51

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Head tube is the frame tube up front that holds the “handle” of the fork. Glad ya found the serial. Each manufacturer seemed to put it in a different place back in those days. Maybe still do. That bike is gonna be a alot of fun!

pip bip - choose Corrour > zeontestpilot 01/17/2017 at 02:25

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nice one!

zeontestpilot > barnie 01/17/2017 at 06:01

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Reading up on Schwinn, they put it in three different places in a couple years.

zeontestpilot > pip bip - choose Corrour 01/17/2017 at 06:01

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Yep, I’m excited to fix it up!