Classic & Vintage - Barn find ! 1953 Schwinn Tiger !!

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Esteban32696
11-08-10, 06:18 AM
I just got a 1953 Schwinn Tiger & put it on my list of projects. Not exactly sure what I will do with it. You can see that it will need a lot, but I polished an area , or 2 to find the condition of the paint & frame . Not too bad, but a lot of scratches. Wheels , handlebars, stem, & seatpost are rough.
What would you do with it ? It is doubtful that I would want to keep it to ride.

rhenning
11-08-10, 07:49 AM
Tiger were not built until the 1955 model year (some were built late 1954 for xmas). The serial numbers on Schwinns were repeated about every two or three years in that era. The rack and chain guard looks more like 1963 accessories. Beware they use an odd sized tire 26 x 1 3/4 and it is not the same as Mt Bike 26 x 1.75s. Good luck with it. Roger
Esteban32696
11-08-10, 08:12 AM
After posting the pix, I looked it up online, & couldn't find a '53 Tiger, either. This frames ser.# does fall within 1953. J 2**** " Tiger" is on the chainguard, so I doubt it is original. It also has a 3spd S/A hub dated ' 63, so it looks to already be a Frankenbike. I am aware of Schwinn tire sizes. The rack I have seen on Corvettes, too. Maybe I will just do some good cleaning up, waxing, & put a pair of modern cruiser wheelsets & chain on it to get it rolling again .
Thanks for the info !

gtownviking
11-08-10, 01:24 PM
Looks like a candidate for a Ratrod!
Esteban32696
11-08-10, 01:45 PM
Update;

The bike may very well be made in 9/62. The ser# does match 'the '53, but also is repeated, like mentioned above, in '62. It having a 3 spd rear hub, I looked up one a 1962 Tiger on the web & came up with what looks like a match. EXCEPT mine is much uglier ! Thanks for the help.
mickey85
11-08-10, 04:07 PM
I'd ratrod the hell otu of it.
Zaphod Beeblebrox
11-08-10, 05:21 PM
Nanner seat, and long 'street sweeper' fenders. Its the perfect ratrod frame.
sailorbenjamin
11-08-10, 08:14 PM
You've been to www.ratrodbikes.com, right?
Esteban32696
11-09-10, 03:03 AM
You've been to www.ratrodbikes.com (http://www.ratrodbikes.com), right?

Yep. It is going to take some cash to get it back to original, & even then, the paint will only be fair . I think am going to either sell as is , or put cheaper rims, etc., to get it rolling as a Ratrod .