Classic & Vintage - 1987 Schwinn Voyageur Restoration (pic heavy)

I've referenced this bike in several other threads. I drove 3.5 hours round trip and gladly paid $135 for it this summer. It was intended to be my winter project, but I'm impatient and want to see it on the road. I received the frameset and fenders back from the powder coater this week. It was done in a three stage "molten copper". It's an interesting color that changes in different lighting. Everyone that has seen it really loves it.

I replaced the headset (rusty cups) with a VO JIS headset. The fenders are VO 48mm fluted aluminum fenders powder coated to match the frame. It'll get a VO Pass Hunter front rack and eventually a rear rack and a front lowrider rack (can't decide on new racks or vintage Blackburn).

I'm putting the wheelset from my rando bike on this one and getting a lighter/faster set for that bike.

I have a set of the new Dia Compe bar end shifters for it, a Nitto Noodle, Shimano SLR aero levers and some other cool bits. It'll get braided SS housing.

I'll update this thread with more photos as the build progresses. My friend Beth (http://therebybike.blogspot.com/) took these photos yesterday outside my LBS.

http://gallery.me.com/justinhughes/100082/My%20Photo_24/web.jpg?ver=12897891720001
http://gallery.me.com/justinhughes/100082/My%20Photo_26/web.jpg?ver=12897892100001
http://gallery.me.com/justinhughes/100082/My%20Photo_23/web.jpg?ver=12897891630001
http://gallery.me.com/justinhughes/100082/My%20Photo_27/web.jpg?ver=12897892800001

i love it already! can't wait to see it built up.

Wow. I just want to subscribe to every thread/project you start. Very creative. Great taste in color, too.

One nice thing about the mid-80's frames is that they come will all those braze-ons.

Is that RD friction or indexed? And that cute seat post binder/hanger: is that the TA version? And the front QR version?

Very, very nice. Looks like it'll be a great rider, to boot.

Great color choice. This is obviously going to be another one of your incredible builds. Can't wait!

wowza, love it. Subscribing to see it built up.

Very sharp!

Neal

Wow. I just want to subscribe to every thread/project you start. Very creative. Great taste in color, too.

One nice thing about the mid-80's frames is that they come will all those braze-ons.

Is that RD friction or indexed? And that cute seat post binder/hanger: is that the TA version? And the front QR version?

Very, very nice. Looks like it'll be a great rider, to boot.

Thanks! Yeah, it has three sets of water bottle braze ons, lowrider rack mounts, rear rack mounts, and two eyelets per dropout.

The original DT shifters do have an index setting so I guess this was an early 6 speed indexing RD. I'll be using friction shifting with an 8 speed cassette. I'm excited to test those Dia Compe shifters. The rear cable hanger is the original one (at least it was on the bike when I got it). It's very cool, but I'm going to replace it with a Surly hanger because the Surly hanger hangs lower and will allow a better cable angle. The front quick release hanger is a Dia Compe product. This bike is getting those fancy VO roller hangers. :thumb:

Suh-Weet! Wow that's sharp lookin :)

And you mentioned you got the fenders color matched as well? awesome call :thumb: Are you gonna put the Original Decals back or are you gonna do something a little wild? IMHO a custom headbadge wouldn't be out of place. Or maybe call it an 11.9....or an 11.11 because it goes up to 11.

I love those VO roller hangers too, I put a set on some Mafac Racers...just be sure you aren't in a hurry to do anything when you go to put those hangers on...It took me forever and was quite frustrating. Result was worth it though.

Can't wait to see what ya do with it, have you decided on wheels/tires yet?

Suh-Weet! Wow that's sharp lookin :)

And you mentioned you got the fenders color matched as well? awesome call :thumb: Are you gonna put the Original Decals back or are you gonna do something a little wild? IMHO a custom headbadge wouldn't be out of place. Or maybe call it an 11.9....or an 11.11 because it goes up to 11.

I love those VO roller hangers too, I put a set on some Mafac Racers...just be sure you aren't in a hurry to do anything when you go to put those hangers on...It took me forever and was quite frustrating. Result was worth it though.

Can't wait to see what ya do with it, have you decided on wheels/tires yet?

Thanks, man!

Yes, I had the fenders color matched. They look awesome. He just coated the underside of them with the first coat (black) which was a good call. I am not going to put the original decals on it, but I did buy a Columbus Tenax decal for the bottom of the seat tube from Velocals. I'll install that soon.

I had the idea of a custom headbadge last night when I was wrenching on it. I was thinking of something along the lines of a flattened penny or a profile of Lincoln or just the font "Honest Abe". Do you know a good source for custom head badges?

Wheelset:
Front: Shimano DH-3N80 dyno hub, 32h, VO Diagonale rim, straight 14 ga SS spokes, VO anti-theft skewers
Rear: Shimano 105 hub, 36h, VO Diagonale rim, straight 14 ga SS spokes
Cassette: SRAM PG-850, 11-28, 8 speed
Tires: Panaracer Ruffy Tuffy 700c x 28mm

IMHO a custom headbadge wouldn't be out of place.



I had the idea of a custom headbadge last night when I was wrenching on it. I was thinking of something along the lines of a flattened penny or a profile of Lincoln or just the font "Honest Abe". Do you know a good source for custom head badges?


if you want to go custom, i can recommend the person who made the badge for my jeunet. he can make them from metals other than aluminum.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4637311518_138959bcdb.jpg

A profile of Honest Abe cut into copper like that might be pretty cool, although I really like the idea of a Flattened Penny. Go hit the railroad tracks with a pocketfull. Or if you want to do it the less fun way there's those machines at highway rest stops. that you put a penny in and turn the crank.

Col., are you ordering those wheels built from VO or building them yourself?

A profile of Honest Abe cut into copper like that might be pretty cool, although I really like the idea of a Flattened Penny. Go hit the railroad tracks with a pocketfull. Or if you want to do it the less fun way there's those machines at highway rest stops. that you put a penny in and turn the crank.

I'm afraid that a flattened penny might not be large enough. I'll contact southpaw's guy and maybe one or two others once I have a more concrete design idea. I'm open to any ideas, so throw 'em at me. I'm pretty certain I want copper, though.



Col., are you ordering those wheels built from VO or building them yourself?

It's the wheelset I had on my chrome Voyageur 11.8. I ordered the pre-built rear wheel from VO and had a local guy build the front for me.

Very Nice!! I'm anxious to see follow up pics - especially with the fenders. If you ever do decide to restore the decals please post - I may want to go the powder coat route some day on mine and would like a source.
Was it originally the imperial rose color? I went rattle can to freshen mine up for now and posted some pics in the touring forum a while back - http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?628872-Imperial-Rose-Voyageur-rides-again&highlight=rose+voyageur

If you haven't ridden one in the past I think you will love the ride the Voyageur gives.

it finally happened! that does look amazing :) (was there a RAL number for that color?). Noodles and silver shifters + VO outfit? This is going to be one classy classy bike.

The custom headbadge is a neat idea. Are you planning on just having the Tenax decal + headbadge?

Very Nice!! I'm anxious to see follow up pics - especially with the fenders. If you ever do decide to restore the decals please post - I may want to go the powder coat route some day on mine and would like a source.
Was it originally the imperial rose color? I went rattle can to freshen mine up for now and posted some pics in the touring forum a while back - http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?628872-Imperial-Rose-Voyageur-rides-again&highlight=rose+voyageur

If you haven't ridden one in the past I think you will love the ride the Voyageur gives.

Great looking Voyageur, Badger! I'm planning on installing an interrupter lever (but maybe just for the front brake) much as you did. Contact Velocals (http://www.velocals.com/servlet/StoreFront) if you want reproduction decals. I'm sure he can do them. I suppose my bike is actually an '88 model (http://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1981_1990/1988_12.html). It was originally Emerald Green. The headbadge indicated a December 1987 assembly.

I actually have not ridden it. It wasn't really rideable when I got bought it. The ST and TT measurements are exactly the same as my 11.8 so I'm sure it'll fit great but have some subtle differences in ride and stability.


it finally happened! that does look amazing :) (was there a RAL number for that color?). Noodles and silver shifters + VO outfit? This is going to be one classy classy bike.

The custom headbadge is a neat idea. Are you planning on just having the Tenax decal + headbadge?

I'm sure there was a color code, but I don't know it. I imagine you could find it using the name "molten copper". I had originally asked for "translucent copper", but the powder coater discouraged me because he didn't like the results with it and neither did previous customers. He suggested the three stage (and more expensive) "molten copper" so I trusted him.

Yes, I'm just planning on having the Tenax decal and a custom headbage. I suppose I need one for my chrome bike now too. I ordered the Pass Hunter rack and some other bits today. I'll begin fender installation tonight.

Does anyone have a lead on replacement hoods for older Shimano 105/SLR aero levers? My LBS was going to order them for me from QBP but they were out of stock. :(

This is what the levers look like. Model BL-L331
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/files/slr_brakes_1_931.jpg

I'm assuming that these hoods will be a close enough fit. Am I right?

http://www.bikeman.com/store/graphics/00000001/product_images/BR/BR5104.jpg

Fender night #1

http://gallery.me.com/justinhughes/100185/My%20Photo_4/web.jpg?ver=12900530960001
http://gallery.me.com/justinhughes/100185/My%20Photo_3/web.jpg?ver=12900527630001
http://gallery.me.com/justinhughes/100185/My%20Photo_1/web.jpg?ver=12900527080001

Beautious!

that is amazing - with that color especially! i don't think it'd work with most other powdercoats, but that molten copper really does something amazing when color-matched.

Can't wait to see her built!

I rode a Voyager quite often this summer and really enjoyed the bike.

Wow, those fenders look great on it. Nice color too.

Very nice. I have an older Voyaguer II with the chrome flaking off the lugs. Yours looks really nice!

wow, this is coming along so nicely!

[and the PBR can in the periphery is as classic as the bike :-)]

[and the PBR can in the periphery is as classic as the bike :-)]

Never attempt fender installation without the right tools. :thumb:

Great looking Voyageur, Badger! I'm planning on installing an interrupter lever (but maybe just for the front brake) much as you did. Contact Velocals (http://www.velocals.com/servlet/StoreFront) if you want reproduction decals. I'm sure he can do them. I suppose my bike is actually an '88 model (http://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1981_1990/1988_12.html). It was originally Emerald Green. The headbadge indicated a December 1987 assembly.

I actually have not ridden it. It wasn't really rideable when I got bought it. The ST and TT measurements are exactly the same as my 11.8 so I'm sure it'll fit great but have some subtle differences in ride and stability.



I'm sure there was a color code, but I don't know it. I imagine you could find it using the name "molten copper". I had originally asked for "translucent copper", but the powder coater discouraged me because he didn't like the results with it and neither did previous customers. He suggested the three stage (and more expensive) "molten copper" so I trusted him.

Yes, I'm just planning on having the Tenax decal and a custom headbage. I suppose I need one for my chrome bike now too. I ordered the Pass Hunter rack and some other bits today. I'll begin fender installation tonight.

Does anyone have a lead on replacement hoods for older Shimano 105/SLR aero levers? My LBS was going to order them for me from QBP but they were out of stock. :(

This is what the levers look like. Model BL-L331
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/files/slr_brakes_1_931.jpg

I'm assuming that these hoods will be a close enough fit. Am I right?

http://www.bikeman.com/store/graphics/00000001/product_images/BR/BR5104.jpg


Bear with me, cause I be a newbie. With that said, trying to get hoods to fit my 1980+ vintage Raleigh seems to be quite a chore. However, I found out that getting the whole lever/hood combo is the smarter move, and the fit will be perfect. They have some nice Shimano aero lever/hoods on ebay.

After a miss on putting hoods on my vintage 1985 Raleigh Prestige, I am getting a used aero combo and the fit will be assured..

The 2 cents of a newbie!! ;)

Bear with me, cause I be a newbie. With that said, trying to get hoods to fit my 1980+ vintage Raleigh seems to be quite a chore. However, I found out that getting the whole lever/hood combo is the smarter move, and the fit will be perfect. They have some nice Shimano aero lever/hoods on ebay.

After a miss on putting hoods on my vintage 1985 Raleigh Prestige, I am getting a used aero combo and the fit will be assured..

The 2 cents of a newbie!! ;)

I totally agree with you and I'm sure I'm not making the most cost effective decision here, but I went ahead and purchased the replacement hoods designed for the newer 105/Tiagra levers. It won't be a perfect match, but I'm thinking it'll work out OK. I just have these levers which function perfectly and are a period correct upgrade for this bike so I'm going to use them.

Never attempt fender installation without the right tools. :thumb:

Looking really sharp with the fenders Colonel! You're giving me some good ideas if I decide to go the powder coat route in the future. I like the dynohub idea too. Your specialty tool stood out as soon as I saw the pics! Thanks again for the tip about the V'ger decals.

I totally agree with you and I'm sure I'm not making the most cost effective decision here, but I went ahead and purchased the replacement hoods designed for the newer 105/Tiagra levers. It won't be a perfect match, but I'm thinking it'll work out OK. I just have these levers which function perfectly and are a period correct upgrade for this bike so I'm going to use them.

Luck, and post pics when finish!! :beer:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rare-Original-Late-80s-Schwinn-Voyager-Decal-Set-/290494883027?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a2d824d3

Not sure if you're going to need these, but they popped up on ebay. I'll probably end up getting a set myself.

Beautiful! I love that color. I had a prom dress that color back in 1989, and hair that was dyed red/copper. What can I say, I was 17. It was totally hot, I'm sure :). I just spent way too much money to get new "vintage" rolled copper light fixtures for my kitchen. Copper is gorgeous! Excellent choice.

The Shimano 105 replacement hoods are a near perfect fit. I guess Shimano figures they got the shape of brake levers right 20 years ago.

http://gallery.me.com/justinhughes/100185/My%20Photo_6/web.jpg?ver=12904701330001
http://gallery.me.com/justinhughes/100185/My%20Photo_7/web.jpg?ver=12904818840001


Beautiful! I love that color. I had a prom dress that color back in 1989, and hair that was dyed red/copper. What can I say, I was 17. It was totally hot, I'm sure :). I just spent way too much money to get new "vintage" rolled copper light fixtures for my kitchen. Copper is gorgeous! Excellent choice.

Pics, or it didn't happen.

i SO can not wait to see this bike completed! and just how many other irons do you have in the fire in that basement of yours??!!

i SO can not wait to see this bike completed! and just how many other irons do you have in the fire in that basement of yours??!!

Aw, man. . . it's bad down there! Here's the run down:


1987-88 Voyageur build
1984 Peugeot P18T for my wife (always changing our mind on the build)
1981 Voyageur 11.8 (reconfigure and new parts)
1970s Atala (I'm on my third set of handlebars/brake lever, second set of pedals and second seatpost - my LBS refers to it as my "product testing" machine)
1976 Varsity (finally finished - come and pick it up already, Boss!)
1972 Jeunet 630 (nothing doing just yet - back burner)
1980s Fuji Touring Series IV (it's on its way from Chicago - it leaps to the front of the line upon arrival because my buddy Rob is sans automobile and needs transportation)


All my wife can do is shake her head and roll her eyes. God bless her. :lol:

Nice choice adding the cross levers. I find them almost essential dealing with traffic and trying to look for landmarks and signs when traveling through any towns.

Pics, or it didn't happen.

This is what you meant, right? <innocent blink>

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5288/5201644493_60c9fc5a8a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53355278@N06/5201644493/)
new light (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53355278@N06/5201644493/) by snarkypup (http://www.flickr.com/people/53355278@N06/), on Flickr

Still have to repaint the ceiling, as the light is replacing a giant box florescent fixture, and the previous owner painted the ceilings yellow, apparently, before the lovely cream they are today.

Actually, I do have pics of my prom, but they're packed, along with my scanner, somewhere in my garage. We just moved a month ago, and things are not yet at the garage-ready state.

Outstanding finish! I also love the copper color, so rich. Looking forward to the completed build. It'll complement the chrome build well.

Your builds just keep geting better and better! Thanks for sharing :)

Cheers,
Chris

http://gallery.me.com/justinhughes/100185/My%20Photo_7/web.jpg?ver=12904818840001


wow that's already looking really awesome.

Are you gonna do decals?

wow that's already looking really awesome.

Are you gonna do decals?

Thanks, man! No, no decals save for the Columbus Tenax decal I bought from Velocals. It was $8 and the colors actually compliment the copper really well. I think I will eventually have a custom headbadge made.

Ok, so I need to make a decision on the tires. The VO fenders are 48mm wide. The following pics show the front wheel with a 32mm Pasela Tourguard. The rim is a VO Diagonale. With my digital calipers, I measure the inside of the rim to be exactly 18mm and the outside to be 24.25mm. With the tire on this rim and inflated to 80psi the actual width of the tire is 29.75mm. I took about a dozen measurements around the tire and 29.75mm was a consistent read.

It's not a bad thing to have plenty of space between the tire and fender, and not enough is a bad thing, but it looks like I have room for a larger tire. I can actually adjust the fenders to allow even a bit more room. My LBS owner has Jack Browns on his Heron. He'll let me dry fit his front wheel (Phil hub, Mavic A719 rim), but I think his rear wheel is 135mm spacing, so I can't try that one. The Jack Browns on the A719s measure 34-35mm, although the tire is listed as 33.33mm.

Is anyone using 35mm Pasela TGs and care to take a measurement and let me know which rim you're using? I'm curious about the actual measurement of the 35mm TGs on a specific rim. I'm just wondering whether I should go with a Jack Brown or Pasela TG 35mm or just use the 32mm Pasela for a while and see how it goes.

http://gallery.me.com/justinhughes/100185/IMG_2539/web.jpg?ver=12917420050001

http://gallery.me.com/justinhughes/100185/IMG_2541/web.jpg?ver=12917420710001

http://gallery.me.com/justinhughes/100185/IMG_2543/web.jpg?ver=12917421270001

Cool lookin Cantis.

I say test fit the Jack Browns. You can even pull the Q/R skewer out (or unscrew the nuts) and probably slide the front wheel into the rear of your frame just to get an idea of fit.

If the Jack Browns fit you can probably fit some Grand Bois Cypress tires.

Cool lookin Cantis.

I say test fit the Jack Browns. You can even pull the Q/R skewer out (or unscrew the nuts) and probably slide the front wheel into the rear of your frame just to get an idea of fit.

If the Jack Browns fit you can probably fit some Grand Bois Cypress tires.

I'll test fit the Jack Browns this week. Thanks for the tip on the front wheel. :thumb:

I considered the Grand Bois tires, but the biggest 700c they make is 30mm and this 32mm Pasela is measuring under 30mm.

if your fenders are 48mm, i'm almost certain you can get pasela 35mm tires in there. my 27x1-1/4" pasela TGs measure exactly 32mm and they're mated to honjo 43mm fenders. so if i'm getting by with 11mm wiggle room, you should get by fine with 13mm. i'm guessing that 35mm paselas will measure either 35mm or less.

I considered the Grand Bois tires, but the biggest 700c they make is 30mm and this 32mm Pasela is measuring under 30mm.

FWIW I've got those Grand Bois 700x30mm Cypress tires and they are measure about 35mm on Sun CR18 rims @ about 75psi. The sizing is not terribly accurate.

FWIW I've got those Grand Bois 700x30mm Cypress tires and they are measure about 35mm on Sun CR18 rims @ about 75psi. The sizing is not terribly accurate.

GD! That's about the psi I'd be running them and the inside width of the CR18 and Diagonale should be exactly the same. I think, though, that I'd rather have the protection of a Kevlar belt so the Jack Brown or Pasela 35mm are the best choices. My LBS may even have a set of the 35s in stock for which I could trade mine. Tough call. . . . . The Jack Browns I had on these wheels before I had to exchange them for Ruffy Tuffys were amazing. Super comfy and they felt fast.

I've got those Jack Browns on my list to try next summer.

From what I understand its pretty much the same tire as a Pasela (which is a good thing) just with a different tread.

I've got those Jack Browns on my list to try next summer.

From what I understand its pretty much the same tire as a Pasela (which is a good thing) just with a different tread.

I think that's about right. I really like the Ruffy Tuffy which is pretty much a 700c x 28mm Pasela TG. I do really like the checkerboard tread. The GB tires are made in the same factory too, I think. It's possible the sidewalls are higher-end on those tires; I don't know. What I can say is that if a tire is based on the Pasela and then improved, well, it has to be a nice tire.

Colonel - From what I can tell in your pics you got a good clean fit with the 48mm fenders. Can you tell me how much space you have on either side of the fork? Also what kind of rear rack are you going to put on it? I've found the distance from tire to my Blackburn rear rack is limited and I'm thinking it will cause a push down on the fender and move it out of alignment with the curve of the tire. Looking good!

Colonel - From what I can tell in your pics you got a good clean fit with the 48mm fenders. Can you tell me how much space you have on either side of the fork? Also what kind of rear rack are you going to put on it? I've found the distance from tire to my Blackburn rear rack is limited and I'm thinking it will cause a push down on the fender and move it out of alignment with the curve of the tire. Looking good!

I am running into the same issue with my 1988 Voyageur/fender/Blackburn rear rack combo. I may have to jigger some of the Blackburn parts around to make it work right without mucking up the fenders I just installed.

I'm undecided on which racks I'm going to use. There are some nice stainless racks out there.


Colonel - From what I can tell in your pics you got a good clean fit with the 48mm fenders. Can you tell me how much space you have on either side of the fork?

I'm not sure if you're asking about the fender or the tire. I took a bastard file to the fender at the fork crown (look closely at the second pic of the last three I posted). A fender doesn't need to fit too tight there. The fork is plenty wide for just about any tire. The problem will be the diameter of the wheel and tire before the width causes an issue.

Seeing that VO rack on yours reminded me that I had a Nitto M12 in the garage. I just test fit it to my '83 Voyageur SP and it's a no-go. Not even close to fitting. Bummer.

Seeing that VO rack on yours reminded me that I had a Nitto M12 in the garage. I just test fit it to my '83 Voyageur SP and it's a no-go. Not even close to fitting. Bummer.

Really? I've installed the VO Pass Hunter rack on two bikes (this one and a Raleigh Alyeska). I had to bend the arms on both, but both ended up fitting very, very well. Some would argue that I should bend the the rack arms further so that the rack sits closer to the fender, but if I did that the rack would sit too far forward which makes using a decaleur more difficult.

You could always sell the M12 and buy the Pass Hunter rack. It's proven to fit. :thumb: