HuskyDinoBomber
BoTM Winner
G
40’s Schwinn DX klunker Build?
- Thread starter HuskyDinoBomber
- Start date
G
HuskyDinoBomber
BoTM Winner
So very out of my comfort zone here but I have this frame and need some direction as to my next steps. Headset seized, bottom bracket seized paint looks rough to the very least. What should I do to start cleaning off the rust? I hear linseed oil perhaps to coax out any remnants of the original paint? Need help on this one.
Guinessisgoodforyou
rBotM Winner
You need @MattiThundrrr and @Imlach and @Nabeaquam this is a great project. The shape is beautiful in my eyes.
HuskyDinoBomber
BoTM Winner
Well I couldn’t wait to see what a little scrub with some soapy water would turn up
Ok I’m smitten, not a rust/patina guy but this feels right.
MattiThundrrr
Kona Fan
Whatever you do, keep the paint! Those stencils are awesome. Gentle gentle gentle...
000 steel wool, or a synthetic alternate, and wd 40, or any grease and rust cutting cleaner. Then soap and water, then boiled linseed oil. It's oxygenated, actually revitalizes the paint and seals in everything. You just rub the oil on and wipe off any excess. Be super careful with the rags, they vent explosive gases, worth reading through safety protocols. I've brought back a 57 CCM using this procedure, but it might not have been as far as yours. The results will still be stunning, Schwinn paint was really hearty, and linseed oil makes rust sparkle. Seriously though, DX is one of the best Schwinn frames, that's an awesome survivor.
Before
After
https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/not-exactly-gravel.452274/page-10
Don't ask me for help with motivation or progress, that build has been on hold for a long time. Imlach will be along shortly to tell you how badly I've hurt his feelings with this one
000 steel wool, or a synthetic alternate, and wd 40, or any grease and rust cutting cleaner. Then soap and water, then boiled linseed oil. It's oxygenated, actually revitalizes the paint and seals in everything. You just rub the oil on and wipe off any excess. Be super careful with the rags, they vent explosive gases, worth reading through safety protocols. I've brought back a 57 CCM using this procedure, but it might not have been as far as yours. The results will still be stunning, Schwinn paint was really hearty, and linseed oil makes rust sparkle. Seriously though, DX is one of the best Schwinn frames, that's an awesome survivor.
Before
After
https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/not-exactly-gravel.452274/page-10
Don't ask me for help with motivation or progress, that build has been on hold for a long time. Imlach will be along shortly to tell you how badly I've hurt his feelings with this one
HuskyDinoBomber
BoTM Winner
would this 30’s Hiawatha be a good donor? I have a vision of that seat getting stripped and some new leather
MattiThundrrr
Kona Fan
It's a skiptooth chain, so you'd need to keep the drivetrain intact, as they're not interchangeable with a modern chain. Man, that's a nice one too though, it's made by CWC (Chicago Welding Company), their stays are instantly recognisable. Unfortunately, ladies bikes intrinsically have less value, most collectors are male, and want to recapture their youths.
HuskyDinoBomber
BoTM Winner
Yes but do you think the wheels headset and stem work? I guess I need to determine my end goal with this frame My initial thoughts are to recreate a Re pack type klunker. Other option is rat rod style cruiser either way a skip tooth drive train would be preferred. The Hiawatha looks to me to be painted likely quick spray can job years ago.
My initial thoughts are to recreate a Re pack type klunker. Other option is rat rod style cruiser either way a skip tooth drive train would be preferred. The Hiawatha looks to me to be painted likely quick spray can job years ago.
Last edited:
