Utility Cycling - Help with 1968 Town & Country 3 Wheel

I have a 1968 Schwinn Town & Country 3 wheel bike serial number FD44975.
It has a yellow-band 2-speed kickback with coaster brake. This model is a single wheel drive model. I also have a 1980 SN CR540315 3 speed that is the solid axle type where both wheels are powered. Both are faded blue with no signs of stickers anymore but everything turns free. For the price of tires and tubes and a half days work cleaning and greasing I could make them both daily drivers. My question is are they worth restoring? I have an idea for a functional bike art project that would require me to chop and weld but do not want to do this if I have something here. I'd appreciate any feedback.
I'm looking at trying to make something similar to the Wine Bike (Vino Machine) found at: http://www.redmoon.org/hire/food-service/ If you download the PDF for the Food Service Menu you can see another picture of the thing. Really Cool!
Perhaps I should restore the 1968 and chop the 1980? Probably answered my own question there.

Thanks, -billS

I have a 1968 Schwinn Town & Country 3 wheel bike serial number FD44975.
It has a yellow-band 2-speed kickback with coaster brake. This model is a single wheel drive model. I also have a 1980 SN CR540315 3 speed that is the solid axle type where both wheels are powered. Both are faded blue with no signs of stickers anymore but everything turns free. For the price of tires and tubes and a half days work cleaning and greasing I could make them both daily drivers. My question is are they worth restoring? I have an idea for a functional bike art project that would require me to chop and weld but do not want to do this if I have something here. I'd appreciate any feedback.
I'm looking at trying to make something similar to the Wine Bike (Vino Machine) found at: http://www.redmoon.org/hire/food-service/ If you download the PDF for the Food Service Menu you can see another picture of the thing. Really Cool!
Perhaps I should restore the 1968 and chop the 1980? Probably answered my own question there.

Thanks, -billS


They are both not all that common. If you feel compelled to chop :eek: them I'll gladly take the '80 model off your hands as I'm in the market for one. In fact I had to let one get away from me on Epay this morning. :(

If you want to chop and make an art object then pick up a new production model from Performance (If you're good at Welding Aluminum) or a Worksman trike (All US Steel) from Worksman or Walmart (Walmart distributes the folding model.) In fact the samples you cited look suspiciously like Worksman trikes or maybe Sun cycles trike (Another all Steel trike). Both your '68 and your '80 are heirloom trikes and nobody makes them the way these were made. Both make awesome grocery getters and are built to last a lifetime if cared for properly.

The new production is sturdy enough to for light duty work like what your thinking of building. How do I know? I have an '07 Town & Country and it works well enough for 5 to 10 mile jaunts, but I wouldn't risk my life on a full 34 mile round trip commute to my office on a regular basis. On the other hand on a nicely preserved '80 or older model Schwinn T & C I might just consider it.

I haven't really noticed any collector interest in these things. My guess is that if they're in decent rideable condition, then they're worth about as much as a modern used trike, typically $150-$250 or so depending on location, condition, etc. A lot of times, they're sold as "local pickup only", which limits the demand somewhat.

I haven't really noticed any collector interest in these things. My guess is that if they're in decent rideable condition, then they're worth about as much as a modern used trike, typically $150-$250 or so depending on location, condition, etc. A lot of times, they're sold as "local pickup only", which limits the demand somewhat.

Then you haven't been traveling in the right circles friend! :D

Thanks for the help. I'm on the fence about what to do. We have a very nice local farmers market here and I wanting something to "pedal" my wares. Don't ask me what the wares are because I dont know yet. Perhaps a simple cup of joe. Load up a few commercial air-pots and I'm good for a few hours. (I used to run a coffe shop) I'd hate to be that guy that ruined something of value. I'll let you know if I plan on selling. Thanks, -billS

Thanks for the help. I'm on the fence about what to do. We have a very nice local farmers market here and I wanting something to "pedal" my wares. Don't ask me what the wares are because I dont know yet. Perhaps a simple cup of joe. Load up a few commercial air-pots and I'm good for a few hours. (I used to run a coffe shop) I'd hate to be that guy that ruined something of value. I'll let you know if I plan on selling. Thanks, -billS

Now you're talking. Clean them up, Re-tube & tire them, then throw a couple air pots in the basket and peddle (and pedal!) coffee off of them but certainly don't chop them. :D