Hi folks!
Per my post over on the intro forum, I'm working on a mid-50's green Phantom. This will most likely be a flip bike, so looking to do a "sweet spot" restoration, not a full restore to mint/showpiece condition. Given that, shotgun mode, I have several questions for all the experts here.
1.
Date of Birth? Serial number is S41562. SchwinnCruisers.com says that serial number was used twice, and was either made 7/22/1955 thru 7/28/1955, OR 12/02/1957. Any way to get a definitive answer?
2.
Saddle: (Photo) Recover or replace? Structurally, saddle is excellent and underparts should clean up very nicely. I have a connection to a guy that does excellent leather and blacksmith work - a true craftsman. Obviously, a full leather replacement loses authenticity and won't have the Schwinn logo embossed. Another concern is that the leather will look too new and out of place on the bike. OTOH, I'm not inclined to spend $300 plus on an original, assuming one could be found. Recommendations?
3.
Taillight. (Photo) What kind of tail light or reflector went in the back of the rack? There are no mounting holes or other clear evidence that anything was ever installed there.
4.
Paint. I'm not going to repaint, with the possible exception of the horn tank. It had some latex paint drops on it, and at some point, a previous owner had used masking tape to hold the tank together, which basically married itself to the paint. I overdid things a bit trying to get the tape and paint off. So I'm not going any further trying to clean the tank. Otherwise, is there something I should use on rust spots elsewhere on the bike?
5.
Tires. It came to me with a Typhoon Cord on rear; US Royal Chain on the front. I'm looking at these repros for replacements. Anything better out there?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SALE-26x2-125-Schwinn-Phantom-Typhoon-Cord-Bicycle-WHITE-WALL-Tires-Tubes-/332084365586?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368 6.
Wheels. (Photo) There's some rust-colored grunge on the wheels. It comes off with lots and lots - and more lots - of steel wool and elbow grease. I spent 2+ hours on the front wheel last night, and I'm not all that happy with the results. I could take the wheel apart to make the grunge removal easier, but that's a tedious, time-consuming option, too. Someone out there PLEASE tell me there's an easier way that gets better results. Polishing compound?
7.
I need a Bolt. (Photo) Anyone have an "AS" carriage bolt rolling around on their bench? The one I need goes on top of the springer fork bracket. Somewhere along the way, my bike picked up a Phillips head bolt on the right side as a replacement for the original.
All help much appreciated!