1955 Schwinn Wasp Whizzer Build (pics)

[Mikkojay]

Hey Gang,
I am in the process of assembling the parts and pieces to build a pseudo-old-school Whizzer out of 1955 Schwinn Wasp bike and a 2008 NE5 engine. I bought a really dilapidated 2008 Ambassador II off of Craigslist a few weeks ago. After analyzing the bike as a whole, I decided that the only part of it worth using will be the motor itself (sans CVT), the rear sheave & belt, maybe the front rim,some wiring, and the headlight!
<img src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z406/mikkojay/Whizzer/whizzer1.jpg"></img>
The head and cylinder are currently in Quenton's capable hands, so I am looking forward to hearing it roar once again. Quenton has been a fountain of great info so far, so I'd like to take this time to say, "thanks man!".

The plan is to transplant the engine into the 1955 Schwinn Wasp bike I just picked up today. I won't brag, but I darn near stole this thing! I am thinking of stripping it down, and having it media blasted and powder coated a satin black. I'd like to find a set of vintage springer forks for it, but man, those things are fetching prices on Ebay that eclipse what I paid for the whole bike...

In the back of the hatchback:
<img src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z406/mikkojay/Whizzer/whiz001.jpg"></img>

The current tag expired when I was one week old:
<img src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z406/mikkojay/Whizzer/whiz003.jpg"></img>

In all its glory
<img src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z406/mikkojay/Whizzer/whiz005.jpg"></img>


So for now, I am going to figure out what wheel combo I am going to use, and get started on some custom mounting brackets. I did buy an auto clutch and front drum brake hub from koolwhizzer (thanks dude!), so I'll be lacing a rim of some sort here in the not too distant future.

I'll post some more pics & vids on this thread as things happen, but for now I just started this to "reserve a slot" for what's to come.
Cheers,
Mike

 

[Mikkojay]

The ebay auction that had the old springer fork I wanted closed, and my high bid was not even half of what it sold for. I don't want this thing to nickel and dime me to death before it gets started (I know, naive sucker) so Since I already had them, I decided to try swapping in the Ambassador forks just to see...
<img src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z406/mikkojay/Whizzer/whiz007.jpg"></img>
If I am going to go with these forks, I am going to need to trim about 1/4" off the length of the head column. That shouldn't be a big deal. The old Schwinn forks were tweaked slightly, and the goose neck was frozen in place. I had a set of Harley bars on the shelf, so I threw them on. The stance and feel of the bike is actually quite nice. I was pleasantly surprised, since after sitting on the Wasp for the first time, I didn't particularly care for the "feel".
<img src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z406/mikkojay/Whizzer/whiz006.jpg"></img>
I found a set of Worksman wheels for a really good price online yesterday at zorotools.com. The total price for a front and rear wheel, shipped, was $153. I also did a quick search for online coupons and found one that knocked another $25 off, for a total of $128. The wide 3 piece cranks are also on the way. I'm anxious to see how they clear everything. I am hoping that I will be able to utilize the original chain guard too, but I'm not holding my breath. I like the design of the chain guard, it would be a shame if it ends up not fitting- we'll see.
-Mike

 

[chainmaker]

Hey Great looking bike. Im doing a 50 Panther Whizzer myself. I am using the modified Monark repops on mine

Edit: Ive been thinking of getting a set of Felt modified monarks, would you be interested in a set of nice used monarks I bought the new larger springs and stainless dropouts.

 

[Mikkojay]

Thanks chainmaker, do you have a pic of your setup? I am also curious about the options for goose neck / attaching bars, etc. The Monarks seem to be built well- I would like to see what kind of stance they provide.
-Mike

 

[Mikkojay]

OK, after a moment of clarity I ditched the shock forks-
After looking relentlessly, I may end up seeing if I can come up with something a little more unique as far as the front suspension goes. I don't want to rush things, so I might as well stew on it for a bit. I do know that I want something that will be beefy & safe while looking relatively old-school. @chainmaker, I see why you like the Felt forks! Those are nice, but I suppose it would involve grafting in a donor steering tube.
-Mike

 

[chainmaker]

Ebay always has some nice vintage springers search" bicycle springer fork" they always have some different stuff.

 

[jbcruisin]

Ebay always has some nice vintage springers search" bicycle springer fork" they always have some different stuff.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Repainted-1...89?pt=Handcrafted_Holiday&hash=item564a20d031

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Sch...208?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e6de398c8

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...kw=springer+schwinn&_sacat=See-All-Categories

 

[Mike Notigan]

Mike,
Congratulations on your find and will enjoy reading your building thread! Your motor is in great hands with Quenton. This bike will be a winner when she is done!
Take Care,
Mike

 

[KilroyCD]

I'm looking forward to seeing pics of the finished bike. I'm going to echo what has already been said, and that your engine is in great hands with Quenton. His mods (including lightened mushroom lifters and shaved head w/copper gasket) have turned my Whizzer into a real torque monster.

 

[Mikkojay]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Sch...208?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e6de398c8

Woo Hoo! Just "won" this one- the pics are tiny, so I hope it is not too trashed. Anyway, I got one I think the original vintage springer will be a good match for this bike. My wireless connection was sputtering out towards the end of the auction, and I said, "oh great"... But it worked when it counted.
The Worksman wheels showed up on my front porch today along with the wide crank set. I plan on re-lacing the front wheel using the drum hub that I got from koolwhizzer next. I can't wait to see how that turns out, it looks like a nice hub that will be perfect for this application. I have never laced a wheel before, so it should be a fun learning experience. I saw that there are a few youtube vids on the subject, so I plan on checking a few of those out first.
I''l snap some pics when that comes together.
-Mike