This is my 1963 Schwinn American DeLuxe. Never one to shy away from a new bike project, this one took me awhile to get started on. The bike has been in my family for quite some time, but I personally inherited it a few years ago. A family member's passing brought this bike to me, so there happens to be a lot of sentiment attached to it. The truth of the matter, is that I just couldn't bring myself to even ride the bike until recently.
Earlier this year however, as I sat in my garage after finishing some projects, I began gazing upon the bike with great admiration. After a few moments, I came to the realization that I was doing this bike a gross injustice by letting it hang from the garage rafters only to gather dust and spider webs. I took the bike down, dusted her off, and gave the electric horn button a push in hopes that it still worked. It did not. I grabbed a screwdriver and opened up the frame tank to find that the battery had simply become dislodged from its holder. A quick adjustment made it snug again, and the horn was functioning once more. I'm not sure what to liken the sound of the horn to. Maybe my old 73' Volkswagen Beetle? Check out what it sounds like for yourself..
I've flip flopped on the type of restoration I want to perform on this bike. At one point I had big plans for a complete overhaul, but the nicks, scratches, and dings make it all the more endearing to me. It definitely looks like a bike that's had an incredible life.. its wear and tear offering up inevitable proof of this. To me, it's every bit as beautiful as one that's been completely restored to its original condition. I look at the bike and can only imagine what stories it could tell.
My inaugural ride was a modest six mile trek. I could tell the bearings were virtually dry and contributed to some drag, but it was still simply a pleasure to ride. While it functioned adequately, I can definitely feel differences between this bike and my 2010 Schwinn Cruiser. The old school handlebars force a forward riding posture that I'm not accustomed to on my other cruisers. The combination of 26 x 2 x 1/34 tires, thick heavy steel frame and steel rims, probably also added to the noticeable drag I mentioned before.
With exception of the saddle, rear reflector, and tires, all parts on this bike are 100% original as you'll see below. A true testament to how things used to be built so much better back in the day.
Classic Schwinn tank with electric horn.
55 year old "Schwinn approved" grips
55 year old pedals
Original Chrome Rear Rack
Messinger Seat
This is the original seat from this bike, and it's begging for restoration.
Messinger Seat
This is the original seat from this bike, and it's begging for restoration.
Faded and well used Chain Guard
The headlight is aftermarket, so I think I'll search for an original.
Now that I live in Florida, I want the bike to stay in optimum condition for years to come. Simply being exposed to the humidity here, can take a toll on a bike frame with scratches, nicks etc. I think I've settled on a full repaint of the frame to help protect it. The contrast of a weathered bike tank and the faded original Schwinn Chicago Head Badge, may provide a nice contrast, and in turn preserve some of its personality.