Waitforit

Hey guys, Let me first start by saying I have little to no knowledge of the workings of bicycles

So, I just picked up a "vintage" Schwinn sprint from either '83 or '79. For the year its in very good condition. However I have some feelings that some tings are lightly frozen, the bike is going to need some work, until it will be fully rideable. My goals for this bike is just simply a reliable and decently speedy machine.

So first question,
Is it possible to change out the 27 inch tires on it with 29? I'm not entirely sure the frame has room for it and I'm pretty sure the brakes would have to be replaced... As a follow up to that, would it be better to just have some spokes replaced and have the wheels retrued and slap some new tires on it?
Some spokes are a little bent and some of the nipples appear to have rust around them. Any ideas of how I can go about restoring the wheels (they are rideable at this point but not safely and not for much longer)

Question two,
The cassette seems to have accumulated some rust, in between the "gears" for lack of better term. What is the proper way to clean both the cassette and the crank set? I have a strange feeling that dumping them both in a bucket of deruster and/or cleaning solvent isnt the way to go

Question three,
Dealing with frozen parts.
How exactly do I got about dealing with frozen parts? I have a feeling I'll have to take the thing to a bike shop, but I want to give the bike a nice ska inspired paint job so I want to be able to take this thing apart, are there any methods to removing frozen screws and such? I dont mind destroying small screws and parts, I just want to keep the bike itself safe.

Thanks and sorry for the nubcakes questions,
-Waiforit

DMF 

New Posters - please READ THIS

Stripping an old Schwinn down to the frame isn't that tough if you have a decent set of tools. Bike tools help but aren't really required (except maybe for a chain tool, or a crank puller if a 3-piece crank). Naturally the problem is that while it's easy to take something apart, it's difficult to get it back together without knowing where everything goes. And it's equally difficult to tell what needs to be replaced without experience.

How are you fixed for tools?

Waitforit

As far as tools go, I have a full set of allen wrenches screwdrivers, grinders, most everything but actual bike tools. As far as that goes, I might be able to procure a few tools. I know for certain the thing needs new brake pads, and new cables, and new tires (The original '79 or '83 tires are not what I would call rideable) Sorry for the noob post again...

Also I took it to my closest bike shop and they want $90 USD to tune the thing up. Tuning derailleurs, cleaning individual parts in solvent, truing the wheels and installing new cables and tires. That sounds a little bit like highway robbery to me...

bikemeister

I agree with DMF - not physically difficult to do, but requires some bike knowledge (or a digital camera, to take pictures along the way!)
#1 I've installed 700c wheels on to a frame originally set with 27". Tight clearance, and brakes were at the limit of their adjustment, but it did work. It's a trial and error deal - every frame is its own challenge. The widest commonly available 27" tires are 1 1/4, but 1 3/8 can be found. They will offer plenty of tire unless you're an ogre or something.
#2 1979 sounds a bit early for cassettes - you probably have a really buggared freewheel. The right freewheel remover tool will get it off in a snap, and a pair of chain tools will allow you to pull the cogs off for cleaning. Tearing the freewheel down for cleaning/lubing is possible, but alot of work. Unless you're wanting to keep this thing all original, just buy another cogset. Bike Nashbar has freewheels for 6 speeds cheap (less than $20)
#3 Several options for freeing frozen stuff. Kroil (gunstore), Supco 88 (HVAC), and Liquid Wrench work well. Stay away from WD-40 - that stuff is toxic, and penetrates skin and mucous membranes. BAAAAAAD headaches!
Have fun!!!

Waitforit

Yea, looking at the bike I highly doubt I have a cassette on there.

But as far as that goes, I have a feeling this bike will not resemble anything close to a Schwinn (I have reason the believe its now a 1985) Sprint.

As far as that goes, what parts are safe to put in deruster and solvent?

dabac

Pretty much the one part I'd be wary about is the freewheel, the reason being they can be hard to service and a good soak might wash away lubes and greases that will be needed once back on the road. Apart from that everything metal can go in.

DMF 

$90 for what you describe isn't bad, especially if it includes repacking the hubs and BB. Chances are they'll find a few things that need replacing too, e.g. ball bearings and spokes.

ogbigbird

yeah, as far as the wheel upgrade goes, i would have to agree with bikemeister and say perhaps going to 700c will work but check your frame clearances before you commit. you could clean up your rear freewheel by hand and with the right fw removre tool, they will be able to spin off but you can find a new fw rather cheap for 6speeds. at least with new, you don't question is it going to go out on me soon. your wheels sound pretty shot, so a used pair of 27" or 700c may be a cheap way to go. good luck. i myself have a 86 schwinn tempo and had fun rebuilding it. and definatly get a chain tool and crank pullers if its a 3pc. the right tool is always the best route, althought the basic tool set will be very handy as well.

BCRider

If it's the true 630 mm diameter "27"'s then there's no real need to change from them unless they are steel wheels. There's actually some pretty decent rubber in 27 inch these days. Maybe moreso than a decade ago. Or perhaps it's just that the internet has made it easier to find it.....

But if a lot of the spokes are rusty and the rims are chromed steel then it's probably good to cut your lose and replace. The only issue will be the hubs and what width (axle spacing) that these are on this older bike. THAT part we can't help you with unless you measure your dropout spacing at the rear and front.

See https://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html for how to measure and for info on various standard sizes.

Freewheels come with the ratchet and new sprockets for dirt cheap. Just buy a replacement and toss the whole rusty wad into the recycle bin. It's not hard at all to get nice 5 speed replacements for your bike even now. However you will likely need the services of the bike shop to undo the presently mounted freewheel. But installing the new one is no biggie. Just screw it on hand tight and the first time you pull away the chain will tighten it for you.

DMF 

Waitforit, where are you? (Please put your location in your profile.)