Classic & Vintage - Dent(s) in chrome fender(s)...Schwinn Varsity...

I just bought a Schwinn Varsity from the thrift store for $15; I figured I couldn't go too wrong.
Anyway, it's got 3 significant dents in the fenders. Other than some judicious tapping with a hammer and dollie, are there any secrets before I start to pound away?

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg84/thumpick/schwinn%20varsity/schwinnvarsity002.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg84/thumpick/schwinn%20varsity/schwinnvarsity003.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg84/thumpick/schwinn%20varsity/schwinnvarsity004.jpg

Also before I bought it I looked closely and did not find any "Schwinn Approved" tags on the frame. So I thought "Ah; a USA frame"; I get it home and the COMPONENTS are stamped
"Schwinn approved" Imported components on a USA frame? Also 2 sets of serial #s on the steerer tube....2746 on the badge; HM517939 stamped on the tube itself. I can probably research those numbers out........

Any help on the dents is appreciated..........

I get it home and the COMPONENTS are stamped
"Schwinn approved" Imported components on a USA frame?

Now class, please name all U.S. manufacturers of drivetrain and brake components made in the U.S. during the mid-'70s.

;)

-Kurt

I would use a shot bag and hammer rather than the hammer and dolly. Go gentle on it, the metal has stretched. Other possibility is to just polish them up and ride it as is.

Aaron:)

It's a Varsity. Just ride it.

To bad my LBS is closing in 2 weeks and is no longer taking repairs. He has a fender roller that would clean those up in second. You can get new fenders for really cheap. Wald is one source I can think of off the top of my head. Maybe Worksman too.

Kelly D

I was just thinking of writing up a little thingy o fender dents. I had an idea a couple of weeks ago.
I bought a pair of wide mouthed Vise Grips like this at the local hardware store.
I cut out a piece of wood like this with my shipwrights compase plane like this (not available at the local hardware store)(a saw works just as good but I don't get to show that one off very often)
Then I wrapped a piece of sandpaper around the fender like this to hollow the block to fit the fender.
Then I squashed the fender back into place like this.
The vise grips are very controlable and slow compared to a hammer. they are liable to leave tiny dimples because the jaws are kind of squarish. I might file them round or I might wrap them in lead or attach a wooden block.

To bad my LBS is closing in 2 weeks and is no longer taking repairs. He has a fender roller that would clean those up in second. You can get new fenders for really cheap. Wald is one source I can think of off the top of my head. Maybe Worksman too.

Kelly D

Buy that fender roller!

Now I'm having trouble with the serial #s....the colors and decals don't work for a 76 or 86....is this a 66?? I can't find poop on the "HM" number.........

Buy that fender roller!

I wish.....He knows it's a jewel and won't let it go. I've got 2 weeks so I'll keep trying though!;)

I was just thinking of writing up a little thingy o fender dents. I had an idea a couple of weeks ago.
I bought a pair of wide mouthed Vise Grips like this at the local hardware store.
I cut out a piece of wood like this with my shipwrights compase plane like this (not available at the local hardware store)(a saw works just as good but I don't get to show that one off very often)
Then I wrapped a piece of sandpaper around the fender like this to hollow the block to fit the fender.
Then I squashed the fender back into place like this.
The vise grips are very controlable and slow compared to a hammer. they are liable to leave tiny dimples because the jaws are kind of squarish. I might file them round or I might wrap them in lead or attach a wooden block.

Nice technique, and how about another hardwood block on the underside of the fender to roll out those dents?

Neal

I was just thinking of writing up a little thingy o fender dents.

Great tutorial! That's the kind of stuff we need around here. Kind of like a C&V DIY Intructables thread! Sticky?

I was just thinking of writing up a little thingy o fender dents.........

I was considering something similar with a 2 section "bondo" mold made up around a good section of fender and then just using a monster C clamp to press the dent out..............

Kelly: Can you get a picture of the fender roller? I saw in the Grizzy catalog and also in the harbor freight where you can get an English wheel which I would bet is close enough to the fender roller to work if a guy wanted to go to all the trouble. I like the wood dolly and hammer. I would almost bet if you left the fender in the sun and got it warm it would come out a lot easier, or not

Kelly: Can you get a picture of the fender roller? I saw in the Grizzy catalog and also in the harbor freight where you can get an English wheel which I would bet is close enough to the fender roller to work if a guy wanted to go to all the trouble. I like the wood dolly and hammer. I would almost bet if you left the fender in the sun and got it warm it would come out a lot easier, or not

I'll try to get a pic. You are correct in assuming that it is essentially an English wheel but I believe IIRC one of the "wheels" has a crank arm attached to it. What it does? I don't know.

The crank probably is to apply more pressure to the metal I think. Not too sure just guessing

Dent repair using heat gun and keyboard cleaner
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZwBLUxjqhg&feature=related

Now class, please name all U.S. manufacturers of drivetrain and brake components made in the U.S. during the mid-'70s.

;)

-Kurt

You mean France, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan aren't part of the US? :eek:;)

You mean France, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan aren't part of the US? :eek:;)

No. They are our allies, such as our current ally, France, and our "traditional" allies such as Germany and Japan :rolleyes:

Just a bit of the old Tom Lehrer kicking in...

-Kurt

I have had good luck using a Golf ball and supporting the fender in the palm of my hand, rolling the ball back and forth over the dents. It takes some time and effort but it will cleanly roll the dent out. Remember that the dent has stretched the metal so it will need to be heated and cooled so that it can shrink. Do this several times between the rolling. I have done many Japanese motorcycle fenders this way and have been very successful!

Great stuff! I picked up from the town dump a otherwise perfect Raleigh with a mangled fender. I've got nothing to loose by trying some of these techniques.

Now I'm having trouble with the serial #s....the colors and decals don't work for a 76 or 86....is this a 66?? I can't find poop on the "HM" number.........

The "H" is August & the "M" is 1976, The color is Chestnut.
If you look in the 1976 Catalog the varsity is shown in the Bi-Centenual theme, but if you look at the colors available, Chestnut is listed.
The four digit number on the head badge, 2746 is the 274th day of the year of 1976, I belive 1976 was the first year of the four digit head badge numbers.
Hope this helps.

Paul