Bicycle Mechanics - need input on tires for my70's Schwinn Breeze 26 inch

The Bike has 26 x 1 1/4" tires. Not sure of the OEM size?
I measured the rim width and looks to be about 1 1/4" wide and 1/2" deep.
Whats the largest tire I can upgrade to?
I was looking at 1 3/8 and 1 1/2.

Wheres the best place to shop for mail order tires... best bang for the buck kinda guy?
Been looking at Amazon prices.

Whats a good brand.

What about tubes? What about these Bell brand self sealing tubes I see at Walmart?

I am new here... but been interested in bikes all of l my life.
Own about 8 bikes, but just recently getting back into the hobby.
Live on the CA/OR border.
THANKS!!!!!

When dealing with 26" tires that are specified "fractionally" such as 1-1/2, 1-3/8 etc., you have to be VERY careful, VS tires that are specified "decimally" such as 1.50, 1.75 etc.

The "fraction" sizes can have one of several different rim diameters.

Look on the tire itsel for a Metric" designation, such as 584-37 or 590-32 etc. (just made those up on the fly, so they might not be "real" sizes).

The 584, 590 etc. is the IMPORTANT number.
I THINK yours are 597MM which limits you to few choices.

See this article-

http://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

EDIT- Noticed it was a Schwinn- 597 was an oddball size Schwinn used.
You'll probably only find 26x1-3/8"

http://www.biketiresdirect.com/product/kenda-k23-s-6-schwinn-26-inch-tire-26x13-8x11-4-37-597

Kenda and only Kenda makes a tire in the size you need. As stated above it is a 597 bead seat diameter tire and is a Schwinn tire. Most any bike shop should be able to get the tires for you. Roger

Thanks.... glad I found this site !!!!
Sure could have made a mistake and got the wrong size tire for my Schwinn Rims.

Yea,,S-6 and S-7 were Schwinn's own tire, wheel diameter. They used to build their own wheels. Chris

thanks again.
Ordered the new tires today from Amazon. They were $27.64 for the pair/ inc. shipping/ no tax.
They were GumWall 26x 1 3/8, Kendra Brand K 23 / S-6 for special Schwinn Rim... 597-37 mm.

Wish I had more of a choice of brands.
If anybody ever hears of a better tire, please let me know.

Tried to join the Schwinn Forum for more input, but the Mods must be a sleep at the wheel, since they never approved my application to the Forum Group. But I still have hopes they will ?

Again... thanks... sure glad I found this group !!

Got my Kenda tires from Amazon.
They had mixed reviews, but I found them to be really really nice tires.
Nice gum walls, nice and even and symmetrical. Excellent construction and workmanship.
I would highly recommend these tires for anyone.

I am a happy camper !!