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Archived: Restoration Tips





RESTORATION TIPS - MISC:   1963 schwinn amerian deluxe posted by: michael on 11/8/2001 at 9:49:15 PM
Hello I would like some help I have I think a 1963 schwinn american deluxe ser#j325153 it is in great shape minor rust on the fenders the tires are good but there cracks on the side.I also need a tank horn and a luggage rack.
Can I still get the westwind tires?I would like to restore it to mint condition if possible.I live in the Dallas area.
I found this baby at a yard sale and gave a whole ten dollars for it I did not even try to gip them down.Please E Mail me with any info.Thanks a million
Michael


   RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC:   1963 schwinn amerian deluxe posted by sam on 11/14/2001 at 8:13:00 PM
http://users.argolink.net/vbcoft/ mike try this group they hve a chapter in your area and might help you,---sam(San Antonio)

   RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC:   1963 schwinn amerian deluxe posted by Wings on 12/3/2001 at 8:50:49 AM
I see copies of the Westwind all the time on newer bikes. Bike shops have them. In the southern Calfifornia area I believe Wheel World had them during the summer in one of their stores. Maple Island had them: 417-682-6655




RESTORATION TIPS - MISC:   bike frame and forkes posted by: Joseph M.Valley on 11/6/2001 at 6:16:55 AM
I have a Safticycle frame and forks that are need of some straighting and i,m looking for a reputable shop to do the repair work. Can anyone recommend some one? Thanks for any help. cheers, J.M.Valley


   Pfeiffer Pframes posted by Tom Findley on 11/8/2001 at 11:41:52 AM
http://www.koolbikes.com/Repairs.htm

   Pfeiffer Pframes posted by Tom Findley on 11/8/2001 at 11:43:13 AM
http://www.koolbikes.com/Repairs.htm

   Pfeiffer Pframes posted by Tom Findley on 11/8/2001 at 11:43:25 AM
http://www.koolbikes.com/Repairs.htm

   RE:Pfeiffer Pframes posted by joe valley on 11/14/2001 at 2:14:10 PM
Hello, I have a Safticycle that is in need of having the frame and forks straightened and repaired. I was recommended to you by Mr.Tom Findley.Please if you could E-mail me with your phone number I would call you to get the particulars. Thanks for your help. Cheers, Joe Valley




RESTORATION TIPS - MISC:   decals posted by: Ryan on 11/3/2001 at 11:33:53 PM
is there any way that i can make my own replacement quality decals for hard to get/custom bikes?


   RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC:   decals posted by sam on 11/4/2001 at 5:28:24 PM
http://www.ceramic-decal.com/Default.cfm Try this site they sell Ink Jet Water Slide Decal Paper and tell how to use it.I have not used this product and someone said these fade in sunlight--but I also hear you can now buy UV ink for your printer to keep this from happing---sam PS if it works please let us know




RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   Home Cadmium Plating posted by: Jaymz on 11/2/2001 at 4:01:30 AM
Anybody seen the results of any of the home cadmium plating systems? Found a fairly affordable one on-line but not sure if all cad plating is the same.Thanks in advance.
Link to plating system http://www.samson24k.com/tank.html





RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   rust removal/steel cleaning posted by: brian on 10/30/2001 at 10:08:14 PM
Does anyone know about using oxalic acid to remove rust off of old steel rims? Has anyone tried this? Thanks. brian


   RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   rust removal/steel cleaning posted by steve` on 10/31/2001 at 2:00:00 PM
I don't know about oxalic acid, but I've used muratic acid many times to remove rust. It's the same stuff used in swiming pools to correct the PH balance.

This stuff works great, but watch out for your skin, eyes, and fumes. Also watch out that you don't leave it on the chrome too long -- it will start to eat the chrome.

   a better way posted by steve on 10/31/2001 at 2:11:42 PM
Actually, my favorite way to remove rust from rims uses a battery charger. First, find a tub large enough to hold the rims (this is the hard part). Next, fill the container with water mixed with baking soda. Use two tablespoons per gallon. Third, find a piece of metal to use as an "electrode". This can be almost anything made of metal -- a old piece of sheet metal, coat hanger, etc. Attach the negative cable to the electrode and the positive to your rim (the polarity is VERY important). Fourth, put both electrode and rim into the tank and turn on the current. Make sure electrode and rim do not touch. The rim will start to fizz. Leave in there for a day or so. It won't hurt the chrome -- only rust is removed.

Afer a day, turn off the electricity and wipe off the rust with a cloth. The rust will turn blackish and will wipe off easily.

Spray the rim imediatly with WD-40 and wipe again. If you don't, the rust will quickly return on bare metal.

   RE:a better way posted by Dennis L. REED on 12/17/2001 at 6:53:11 PM
Steve i read your restoration tip on removing rust with a battery charger. I would like to know if the tub that you use can metal or does it have to be plastic . THANKS DENNIS

   RE:a better way posted by Dennis L. REED on 12/17/2001 at 6:53:20 PM
Steve i read your restoration tip on removing rust with a battery charger. I would like to know if the tub that you use can metal or does it have to be plastic . THANKS DENNIS

   RE:RE:a better way posted by ChristopherRobin2@starmail.com on 12/31/2001 at 5:09:19 PM
Thats a good question




RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   Someone to paint my frame. posted by: Derek on 10/30/2001 at 5:22:53 PM
Hello-
I need to if someone can lead me in the direction of someone who can paint my frame........in this range $75 to $100. I just want a simple repaint.

thanks,

Derek


   RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   Someone to paint my frame. posted by Stacey on 10/30/2001 at 9:45:27 PM
Two suggestions Derek, Check with the Auto Body instructor at your loca Vo-Tech -- or -- Find a Body Shop in your area, one not too busy or too big. I've found a guy who has a nice neat shop behind his house to do welding and fabrication for me on my recumbent project. When I asked him about painting it he quoted me $50.00 for a simple one color job using some paint that's left over from a prior job. More if I wanted to get fancy or go with exotic paints/colors. As a last resort, you could always get some sandpaper, primer and a couple cans of Krylon and DIY. Please, keep us posted and let us know what you decided and how you made out. :-)

In the wind,
Stacey

   RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   Someone to paint my frame. posted by ChristopherRobin2@starmail.com on 12/6/2001 at 9:41:55 PM
Don't let them spray paint in the threads in the bottom bracket and fork tube and anywhere else they have threads on a bike. They should stuff a rag in the bottombracket or tape it off or something.
I'll never pay for anything in advance again because getting them to re- do it after they screwed it up is a lot more difficult if they already have gotten the payment for the job. Offer half up front and the other half after it is done. Painting a bike is not easy and they need to prepare the frame surface before they paint it and then it has to sit awhile and cure before you go handling it.
I hope they don't lose parts off of it in the tanks while they are re-chroming parts. I got this call once, "Uh, do you have another one of those do- dad- things? cuz um well, I kinda lost it in down the tank, and I can't find it." I'm going "O S---! as my mind scans the collection to see if I have another part to use and carry on the job. Later they took to calling me trying to buy replacement parts for others customers bikes as they were losing parts or damaging them beyond repair. Then they went under all together. Then there's getting parts back and finding runs or drips in the paint and then finding out that the number is disconnected. Later, they wanted me to wait 6 months to have them re- do it because they are so busy with other jobs he said. I took it someplace else in the end.
Pack it well,and insure it for what it is worth.

   RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   Someone to paint my frame. posted by Ron on 12/28/2001 at 12:42:42 AM
I have been very happy with the results when painting my recumbents with Rust-Oleun auto primer and topping it with Rust-Oleum paint. Two spray cans of paint at about 4-5 bucks each. The bikes look good (folks can't belive I did it myself) and the paint holds up very well.

I also have a local body shop that will snadblast and old frame, sand it, prime it, paint it with a standard color, and bake it for $125. If they can use paint from a job they are already doing doing it saves a lot of money and time.




RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   Polishing Aluminum... posted by: Fred Appel on 10/27/2001 at 2:00:47 AM
Try putting some Noxon polish on #0000 steel wool pads for aluminum and chrome parts. It works especially well on seat binder bolts that never really seem to get clean enough. It makes them look almost new.


   RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   Polishing Aluminum... posted by Cal on 10/30/2001 at 12:31:56 PM
DO NOT use steel wool!
It will score the chrome and leave spidering. Use Bronze wool instead.

   RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   Polishing Aluminum... posted by michael on 11/8/2001 at 10:37:17 PM
Never use steel wool on aluminium I know this causes dissimlar metal corroision the steel wool will inbed itself and it will corrode forever Trust me I have been an aircraft mechanic for 30 years and this is a big NO NO




RESTORATION TIPS - MISC:   Schwinn font? posted by: Lar on 10/21/2001 at 5:27:57 AM
Does anyone know if there is a font that can replicate the Schwinn logo, like the decals on the top tube/chainguard of older Swchinns?


   RE:RESTORATION TIPS - MISC:   Schwinn font? posted by JimW. on 10/26/2001 at 2:33:22 PM
I doubt that such a font exists. Logos of that type were generally hand-lettered. Your best bet is to find an ad or
brochure from the period of your bike. Scan that logo, clean it up and size it, and use that as artwork for your
decals. Old advertising clip-art catalogs sometimes have logos. I have one of those catalogs from the '80s, and it has the Schwinn logo from that period, not the same as the earlier ones.




RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   schwinn paint colors posted by: ray-ray on 10/17/2001 at 7:14:21 PM
I was wondering if paint codes exist for old schwinn colors. I have a 1954 schwinn streamliner and would like to paint it green and ivory. I was wondering if anyone knows a brand or color that would match the stock color as close as possible. Any tips or hints would be helpful.


   RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   schwinn paint colors posted by sam on 10/20/2001 at 1:10:53 AM
I've ask this too,all the EXPERTS tell me there are no codes.Look on the part of the fork that is inside the head tub or other parts that are covered.Thak them to a good Auto paint store and you can match from their book or even have them match for you.(I prefer the book match, not perfict but you know the code)---sam

   RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   schwinn paint colors posted by Doug on 10/20/2001 at 9:46:26 PM
There is just one small problem when you want to get paint custom matched Usually and lately always the smallest amount they will mix is a quart which will paint about 5 to 10 bikes so unless you want a lot of same color bikes your stuck with expensive paint you really might not usetoo bad all us restorers dont wise up and bring our leftover paint to the swap meets and trade with other people so it doesnt have to go to waste lets promote this Idea just be sure the type of paint is always marked correctly.

   RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   schwinn paint colors posted by sam on 10/21/2001 at 1:08:56 AM
Doug you are Soooooooooo right!The Ivory is a good color because it goes with a lot of other colors and they did most painted wheels in this color too--but I don't think I want another deep red bike!(two is the limit)




RESTORATION TIPS - WHEELS:   fairlady fender vs. stingray fender etc. posted by: Vivid Michaels on 10/13/2001 at 7:08:38 AM
I just bought a schwinn fairlady from ebay (which was unsurprisingly nothing like it was described) it needs a lot of rust work (which wont be hard) and some new parts. I was wondering what is the basic difference between a fairlady and stingray- especially the fender. I'm finding tons of restoration items for basic stingrays, but not many fairlady specific items. any help will be appreciated.

thanks,
Vivid


   RE:RESTORATION TIPS - WHEELS:   fairlady fender vs. stingray fender etc. posted by Cal on 10/15/2001 at 2:19:42 PM
You might want to ask under the musclebikw topic. There are a lot of sting-ray experts over there.




RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   Thinks "a Friend" posted by: sam on 10/12/2001 at 1:05:04 AM
Did just like you said,a-friend.That mylar sheet cut real nice.Sure added a nice touch to the murry springer with a tank .Painted the bike red did the tank and guard in white.Then cut coca-cola from the mylar and put on the tank taped and painted red.When the masking came off everone liked the old bike! Cool Coca-cola cruzer.


   RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   Thinks posted by A friend on 10/13/2001 at 8:56:21 PM
Sam, I am happy too read that the mylar worked for you. From where I sit you did everything right. I bet you can hardly wait to find an excuse to do it again. Just grab chain gaurds and add personal sayings to your liking. Its good too stay in practice with o'l chaingaurds lying around.

   RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   Thinks posted by sam on 10/15/2001 at 4:40:07 AM
Got a pre war 20 (roadmaster maybe)and just can't wait to mask it with the mylar!




RESTORATION TIPS - WHEELS:   Strummy-Archer TCW posted by: Johnny on 10/8/2001 at 3:50:17 PM
I have a Strummy-Archer TCW. My repair book has a exploded view/instructions for Strummy-Archer TCW III. My hub doesn't seem to match? Do I have an older model. Any suggestions?


   RE:RESTORATION TIPS - WHEELS:   Strummy-Archer TCW posted by Robert on 10/10/2001 at 3:20:19 PM
Yes, the TCW is older. It was modified several time to attempt to correct a problem with the brake not operating properly in certain situations. My understanding is that this was never completely accomplished. So they came out with a new design of coaster brake.




RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   81 stingray posted by: John Malone on 10/8/2001 at 1:21:38 PM
I recently asked for help identifying an 81 stingray and some-one replied is it a srambler.Well I would'nt know,what does a scrambler look like and is there anybody out there that could tell by the serial numbers? Come on bicycle experts I know you are out there I can hear you breathing. Thanks John.


   RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   81 stingray posted by sam on 10/8/2001 at 7:14:22 PM
the serial #s will not tell the model.does it have a chain guard?The early scramlers were just a dressed up ray.some came with specal forks-stem & crank.

   RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   81 stingray posted by A friend on 10/13/2001 at 9:03:18 PM
You might want to look behind the seat post. Which are the top bars, they take a different shape. Almost a tapered look. Like the bars are closer together than your earlier Sting - Ray frames. If I am wrong, Please correct me so I know for certian aswell. Thanks.




RESTORATION TIPS - WHEELS:   cleaning gum wall tires posted by: Gralyn on 10/4/2001 at 3:21:24 PM
What is the best way to clean gum wall tires? I bought a bike with good tires - but the gum wall has some blackened areas on it - I think where the tires were flat - and sat somewhere....that area of the tire is blackened. Can this be cleaned? If so, with what method?


   RE:RESTORATION TIPS - WHEELS:   cleaning gum wall tires posted by Gralyn on 10/11/2001 at 6:17:11 PM
Well, I've tried just about everything I can think of - and nothing seems to be getting it clean! Maybe I'll just keep trying....the tires are practically new!

   RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - WHEELS:   cleaning gum wall tires posted by A friend on 10/14/2001 at 5:33:55 PM
Have you tried oven cleaner? Lets say you havn't for now. "Remove the tire from the rim if you have aluminium rims." The acid in the cleaner will turn the rim black. Lets say you have chrome rims, don't sweat it. Just spin the rim on the bike slowly!" With the oven cleaner, "spray directly on the side wall about 1" from the gum wall. After 2mins, rince off good! Repeat as necssary. Help it out with a SOS pad, or brissel brush. Rince again. Once your done apply some armoral, or some other name brand tire conditioner. Best of luck too you.

   RE:RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - WHEELS:   cleaning gum wall tires posted by stacey on 10/15/2001 at 2:04:43 AM
Do not... I repeat DO NOT use Armor-all on your tires. If you do, you WILL fall down the first time you lean the bike over! Just as Armor-All makes you the dashboard & seats in your car slippery, so too will it your tires. Gods forbid you get caught in the rain... a disaster waiting to happen.

In the wind, and still picking gravel out of my A$$!
Stacey

   RE:RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - WHEELS:   cleaning gum wall tires posted by Gralyn on 10/16/2001 at 4:37:23 PM
Thanks. I will try the oven cleaner. (Actually I haven't tried that yet....so, I had not tried everything)

   RE:RE:RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - WHEELS:   cleaning gum wall tires posted by A friend on 10/18/2001 at 4:22:12 PM
You what guy's, Stacey is right. Excuse me for my mislesding info. Only tried to get across a nutralizing solution fellowing the oven cleaner. Try some dish washing liquid, and rince real good! As for Stacey's accident I hope your bottom end a speedy recovery. Thanks for your support.

   RE:RE:RE:RE:RESTORATION TIPS - WHEELS:   cleaning gum wall tires posted by ChristopherRobin2@starmail.com on 12/10/2001 at 2:25:35 PM
Armor All on bicycle tires, a definite No- No! Oh My!
This is as bad as the black ice post, with the same horrible ending! Another shudder!
When, out of nowhere, I appear and scoop Stacy up and set her down in the Watsonian bicycle side- car with her bike on the back and take her to the sports injury place.
As she regains consciousness, she asks "What did this cool contraption cost you?
I like to think that everybody here would stop to help Stacy after she armorall-ed her bike tires. Sometimes this site is not for the faint hearted like myself. I guess I remember too vividly those bad monents awheel, I read something and shudder!
Gravel is a very real and painful problem and you can really seriously injure yourself while cycling.




RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   81 stingray posted by: John Malone on 9/29/2001 at 1:16:35 PM
I have a stingray with # MR626505 head badge # 1801.The frame stay or fender mount on rear of bike is different than older style stingrays also sprcket is niether lucky 7 or mag, this one has the 4 large hole style.Both front and rear tires are 2.125 www knobbies marked Schwinn stig ray, and front hub is black scrambler style.Local Schwinn shop owner said this may be one of the last Stigray style bikes before the BMX transition,and may have came out with low rise bars and BMX seat.Please help.Thanks for listening.


   RE:RESTORATION TIPS - PAINT:   81 stingray posted by Jeff on 10/2/2001 at 6:56:02 PM
Is it a Tornado? A Scrambler?