Tandem Cycling - Schwinn Tandem 5 speed serial/age question

Hello Everyone!
Today I was lucky enough to purchase a Schwinn Tandem 5 speed at a garage sale. It is in wonderful shape but needs a little work done to the rear drum brakes. How do I find someone to work on the bike? And how do I determine the age of the bike? I believe the serial number is MR82037.
Thanks in advance,
MartiB8 :thumb:

Hello Everyone,
After some more cleaning to the tandem this morning, I discovered another digit to the serial number hidden under the dust and dirt. The entire number is: MR 820375.
Any information on how to track down the age would be appreciated. I would also like some more information about the rear brake drum.

Thank you in advance,
MartiB8

Probably an Atom hub brake. That back wheel by itself may weigh nearly as much as my son's whole road bike. I'm going to guess mid-70's for the age of that bike.

http://www.angelfire.com/rant/allday101/SchwinnCodes4.html indicates MR = December 1980.

Hello Everyone,
After some more cleaning to the tandem this morning, I discovered another digit to the serial number hidden under the dust and dirt. The entire number is: MR 820375.
Any information on how to track down the age would be appreciated. I would also like some more information about the rear brake drum.

Thank you in advance,
MartiB8

I can't remember how to decipher the serial number - but go here and ask - you'll get your answer quickly. I have a book at home that has that info but I'm not at home right now.

http://www.schwinnbikes.com/schwinn-life/forums/

Thanks Joe. There seems to be conflicting information about the year of the bike. One place says it is December of 1980, another place says it is March of 1976. My husband says he would agree with 1976 because of the graphics. If you could look in your book when you are home and let me know what it says I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks, Marti
P.S. The tandem was a really big hit with all the kids in the neighborhood this weekend. I am so glad we found it. :-)

MR = December 1980, no question. http://www.angelfire.com/rant/allday101/SchwinnCodes4.html

Although...Schwinn assembly workers went on strike from September 1980 to February 1981.

The numerical digits indicate the 820,375th frame built.

MR=December 1980 is correct. That was the month that the frame was welded.

If you look on the headbadge, you will find a four digit number. This is the day that the bike was assembled. The last digit for the number on your headbadge is most likely a "1" as the bike was probably assembled in 1981. The first three digits are the specific day of the year. For example, the number 032 would indicate February 01.

We currently own a '69 Twinn, '77 Deluxe Twinn, & a '79 Deluxe Twinn.

Rick