Clunker Schwinn DX 1941 FINISHED page 8

[Jamis Diablo]

I have always liked the Clunkers coming around here every now and then.
It doesn't come more retro than that
I've been biking from '91, started on a cheap *ss Batavus and had a few after that.
About 8 years ago I got interested in the retro bikes after looking at some old pictures from the good old days.
From that moment I've had about 60 bikes, which led to a collection of 20 bikes.
The last few years I've sold most of them due to lack of time and space and because I needed the money because I got divorced.
But I always wanted to build a Clunker and when I saw a '40 DX frame for a nice BIN price and a shipping quote to the Netherlands that didn't make me broke, I didn't hesitate long.
After a few weeks waiting it arrived two weeks ago, and since then I've been collecting other parts.

It will be a Gary replica, with the inspiration from Alan's site:

I hope you guys can help me with some of the parts I don't have and with some help for the questions I will have in the near future.
And offcource I hope you enjoy reading this topic.

This will be the speclist, I'll show a picture of the parts I have and update this post.

Frameset
Frame: Schwinn Excelsior DX
Forks: Schwinn DX
Headset: Tange 1” BMX
BB: Shimano axle with Oddysey bearings

Wielen
Rims: Araya 7X
Hubs: Suzue sealed
Tires: IRC Super 8 MTB

Groupset
Crank: TA Specialites Cyclotourist 30-40-50
Pedals: KKT
Shifters: Suntour Mighty
Front mech: Suntour Cyclone
Rear mech: Suntour Cyclone

Overig
Stem: Swinn Ashtabula clone
Handlebars: Honda CB50
Brake levers: Honda 305 motorbike levers
Saddle: Brooks B72
Seat post: replica
QR: Campagnolo

Frame
Schwinn Excelsior DX '40
It was pretty rusty when it arrived, but after a good cleaning the original paint appeared and it was in better shape then I expected.
The BB threads are in perfect shape and the seatpost came out without a fight, so I'm pleased
It needs a lot of ellbow grease to get the paint of and then to smooth the surface with some filler, but the basis is good!

Forks
Schwinn DX '40
I recieved these last saterday (16-11), unfortunately the steerer is 1" to short...
Besides that in good condition

Headset
Tange 1” BMX style
Found me a NOS one

Bottem bracket
Shimano axle with Oddysey

Wheels
Rims:
Schwinn S2
These are hard to find and pretty expensive, I keep on searching..

Hubs:
Union drum brakes
Harder to find than the Dutch Mountains

Tires
I don't know what type was used back in the days.

Crank
TA Specialites Cyclotourist 30-40-50.
Founs one in great condition

Pedals
KKT
Haven't found those yet

Shifters
Suntour Mighty
I need the adpaters, haven't found those yet.

Front & rear mech
Suntour Cyclone
Found both in vrey good condition, happy with that!

Stem
Gary had an Ashtabula, but they are way overpriced.
I got a simular one, with the Schwinn logo instead

Brake levers
Honda 305 motorcycle
Got both left and right, need some polishing.

Handlebars
Wald Longhorn
Haven't searched for it yet

Zadel
Brooks B72
What a prices :shock:
Looking for a good deal

Seatpost
The original one that came with the frame or like Alan mentioned an alu one

QR
Campagnolo
Haven't searched for it yet

 

[jinjrich]

Re: Clunker Gary replica

Fantastic bikes! I can't help with parts i'm afraid but i'll be watching your thread closely!

 

[34henry3w]

Re: Schwinn DX '40 Clunker Gary replica

great project! I am working on a very similar replica, but of his 37 model c version. (Pics to come)

To answer your question, the correct tires are 2.125 x 26 uniroyal "nobbys". You can get EXACT knock offs with the same tread pretty easily. They come on most new electra cruisers.

 

[coomber]

Re: Schwinn DX '40 Clunker Gary replica

Awesome. Love these clunkers.

 

[Jamis Diablo]

Re: Schwinn DX '40 Clunker Gary replica

Cheers all!

great project! I am working on a very similar replica, but of his 37 model c version. (Pics to come)

To answer your question, the correct tires are 2.125 x 26 uniroyal "nobbys". You can get EXACT knock offs with the same tread pretty easily. They come on most new electra cruisers.

I'd love to see some pics of your project, is that with the straight tube?
And thanks for the tip about the tires, those are pretty common, even the old ones.

 

[34henry3w]

Re: Schwinn DX '40 Clunker Gary replica

Hey man I realized I shouldnt have high jacked your thread with my project...so I deleted the photos..I will make my own thread.

If you have any questions I have the entire history of "garys" bike figured out..so please pm me!

 

[Jamis Diablo]

Re: Schwinn DX '40 Clunker Gary replica

Great looking frame and finish!
And I want that badge!
What bike is in that museum and which museum is that?

 

[Retro_Roy]

Re: Schwinn DX '40 Clunker Gary replica

hi
i'll be watching your progress as well.
building one also.
roy

 

[Ductape]

Re: Schwinn DX '40 Clunker Gary replica

I would encourage you to avoid the S2 Rims and find some first generation Ukai's or Araya 7X's to lace up. Steel is real but aluminum rims are so much better. Both of these rims were available by 79. 3 sets of Ukai's and one 7x:

 

[Ductape]

Re: Schwinn DX '40 Clunker Gary replica

Most of the early dudes purged their steel wheels when the Ukai's and Araya's became available in 26" by late 78. They remained the best/only choice in rims until there were more options in 84. As a collector of early Mtn. bikes, I tend to look for these constantly on the local CL.