Need lots of help on a 1951 Schwinn.

[mikesova]

I recently attained this old Schwinn from my grandpa. He got it brand new at his dad's Hardware store (that our family still owns) when he was 12. That puts the bike at about a 1951. First I would like to tune it up a bit. The chain is really loose so i might need to remove a link or 3. Where can I get replacement bearings for the wheels and maybe a replacement bearing for where the handle bars swivel? I think I'm going to tear it apart and repaint it. I'm thinking either olive drab/black or flat black w/ red wheels. I'd like to get some smooth tires for it with white walls.

As far as a motor goes, what one would be the best/biggest set-up for this bike. I think I would like a chain drive. Is there a big difference between the engine kits available online or are they basically the same? Sorry if these are super newb questions, but I have no idea where to start. It just seems like a neat project to work on. thanks.

Oh, I'd also like to build a side car out of conduit to haul my kayak on. Has anybody on here built sidecars to haul stuff?

P.S. if anybody has any info about what this model is, I'd be curious to hear it. thanks again.

 

[JemmaUK]

Re the motor - biggest displacement would likely be the 138cc whizzer motor..

Kit set up for CIF engine would be 80cc (67cc volumetric) with SBP shifter kit - although in that case you'd need to fit up a derailler/cassette and the relevant rear wheel..

GEBE or Staton rack mounts - largest would be either a 40 or a 47 cc two stroke... most powerful would be the DDM 4.25hp 30CC motor which will fit both..

Hope that helped

Jemma xx

 

[terrence]

My opion only. If its a family heirloom dont wreck it with a HT engine. Remove the rear
fender and put a 40cc 2 stroke rear mount that you can replace the fender and make it
like it was when it came from the store. There are plenty of old crusers out there that
Don't mean anything to you. You may be sorry 10 years from now.

 

[JemmaUK]

My opion only. If its a family heirloom dont wreck it with a HT engine. Remove the rear
fender and put a 40cc 2 stroke rear mount that you can replace the fender and make it
like it was when it came from the store. There are plenty of old crusers out there that
Don't mean anything to you. You may be sorry 10 years from now.

Not a bad idea actually - although it would be an idea to try and find the original paint details and fully restore the bike to its original configuration if you are going to go that route..

Jemma xx

 

[JemmaUK]

You might be able to find model details/sale price and date from the records at the store if they have been kept... this could be a great restoration project with all the information you have available.

Your grandfather may likely remember the model name of the bike as well - and with that you can search sites online...

www.oldroads.com

 

[mikesova]

My opion only. If its a family heirloom dont wreck it with a HT engine. Remove the rear
fender and put a 40cc 2 stroke rear mount that you can replace the fender and make it
like it was when it came from the store. There are plenty of old crusers out there that
Don't mean anything to you. You may be sorry 10 years from now.

I wouldn't call it an heirloom, but it does hold some sentimental value. My grandpa had repainted it, there are no badges, the fenders are dinged up. I want to clean it up, but I want to customize it...not restore. I don't want to do a lot of hacking things up. What engine do I want with the least hacking? I want the one that mounts below the rider, like a motorcycle, not the one that mounts above the rear wheel.

 

[terrence]

Mike this should get you "cookin" if thats the case.
http://www.squidoo.com/motorbicycle

 

[mikesova]

Mike this should get you "cookin" if thats the case.
http://www.squidoo.com/motorbicycle

thanks that looks great!

 

[Esteban]

I like old Scwinn bikes & it makes me " shivvvvver " when I hear of someone wanting to " hack " [ same as " butcher" it ] That is a nice bike from a good year. Keep it & hack another.
Schwinn dates=http://www.bunchobikes.com/serialnumber3.htm

 

[mikesova]

to put the engine on, is there any hacking involved? I though it was just a bolt on kit? I was planning on replacing some bearings, painting it, putting new tires on, maybe a stronger chain, and bolting on the engine kit. Am I cuckoo?

Also, I'm looking at engines from http://www.bluecollarbike.com/blclbob_002.htm He has the 49 cc and the 71 cc. In Michigan, to lisence it as a moped it has to be 50 cc or less. What kind of legality issues have people run into with these? Also what kind of speeds could be reached with a 230 lb guy?