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411 Posts
Been wanting a clunker for a long time.
An 80's Schwinn Heavi Duty popped up on the local Facebook Marketplace too cheap to pass up, and he happened to have a bunch of bikes and parts he was getting rid of, which happened to include the quilted BMX seat, and the cruiser bars.
Got it home, immediately yanked the basket, fenders, chain guard, seat and bars off.
Aired the tires up, slapped on the seat and bars, and took it for a spin around the block.
Once I knew everything was free and spun freely, it was time to clean it up.
Washed it, oiled the chain.
Had some daylight left, so filled my "wheel derusting tub" with white vinegar, and sat the wheels in it, one at a time, rotating a little at a time over the course of the evening and wiping the rust off. I would usually only do this to a fully disassembled wheel, but was feeling lazy...
Also swapped out some old beat up bear trap pedals.
![20190831_113034.jpg]()
![20190831_163350.jpg]()
![20190831_202435.jpg]()
![20190831_202444.jpg]()
That was on a Saturday.
I took a chance that the tires and tubes would hold up for at least one ride, and rode it about 10 miles sunday morning with the weekly BMX groups ride.
Guys were stoked about it.
I have since put some older'style looking 2.4" wide knobbies on it, and am looking at options for some pads.
I need to rebuild the wheels. They have a couple broken spokes, and are very un-true. I straightened them enough for the tires not to rub the fork. but they are definitely egg shaped.
So much for the heavy duty wheels and spokes being real tough. Was hoping that would be one thing I wouldn't have to deal with.
More pics of progress to come...
An 80's Schwinn Heavi Duty popped up on the local Facebook Marketplace too cheap to pass up, and he happened to have a bunch of bikes and parts he was getting rid of, which happened to include the quilted BMX seat, and the cruiser bars.
Got it home, immediately yanked the basket, fenders, chain guard, seat and bars off.
Aired the tires up, slapped on the seat and bars, and took it for a spin around the block.
Once I knew everything was free and spun freely, it was time to clean it up.
Washed it, oiled the chain.
Had some daylight left, so filled my "wheel derusting tub" with white vinegar, and sat the wheels in it, one at a time, rotating a little at a time over the course of the evening and wiping the rust off. I would usually only do this to a fully disassembled wheel, but was feeling lazy...
Also swapped out some old beat up bear trap pedals.
That was on a Saturday.
I took a chance that the tires and tubes would hold up for at least one ride, and rode it about 10 miles sunday morning with the weekly BMX groups ride.
Guys were stoked about it.
I have since put some older'style looking 2.4" wide knobbies on it, and am looking at options for some pads.
I need to rebuild the wheels. They have a couple broken spokes, and are very un-true. I straightened them enough for the tires not to rub the fork. but they are definitely egg shaped.
So much for the heavy duty wheels and spokes being real tough. Was hoping that would be one thing I wouldn't have to deal with.
More pics of progress to come...
