jra5588

I recently found my dad's old 1973 Schwinn Varsity and an old Vista Esquire (probably one of my uncles). I've never done this before, but I'd like to completely restore both bikes. If that proves to be too expensive then I'd like to at least restore the Varsity. They both seem to be in somewhat good shape. I know people say these are worthless and not to dump money into them... but I want a project to do and I'd like to have a bike to ride. After researching around on the internet and taking them to my local bike shop, here are my thoughts/initial assessment. Any help/ advice is greatly appreciated!

- full disassembly of both bikes to clean up all chrome parts from rust and paint
- replace brake pads
- replace cabling
- replace fork on Varsity (you can see it's bent)
- replace tubes/tires
- remove old light kit (I think it's kind of cool, but completely pointless)
- and I MAY strip/sand/repaint the Varsity
- you can see all the paint drippings from a previous project - my granddad made this into a parade float, so I'd like it to look nice and clean

Essentially I want the bikes to look nice and shiny (or as much as possible given they're 40+ years old). I figure I can do everything up to recabling and the final tune up, which I'll leave to the LBS. My questions are:
- I don't have a seat/seatpost.. are those hard to find?
- same with a replacement fork?
- what pieces have bearings?
- what solution/ materials should I use to clean rust, strip paint, sand, etc?
- what are things to avoid or be careful of?

Thanks!

Fahrenheit531 

Well first things first: We actually can't see the fork is bent, nor the paint drippings, as you forgot -- no doubt in your excitement about the project -- to attach the pictures.

Second, if you live in a city/town with a bike co-op, pay them a visit. Used parts all over the place, plus a bunch of know-how. You'll find it an invaluable resource for all phases of your project.

Now then... PICS!

3alarmer 

...1. How much is "too expensive" ? I admire someone restoring avarsity, because you know they did it out of pure love, but there are still a gajillion of them around, and some of them are in remarkably clean shape.

2. You really have to work at it to bend the fork on a Varsity. Are you certain that's all that is damaged ?

3. Do either of these bikes fit your anatomy ? Are they the righgt size for you to ride them ? If not, what exactly is your plan for their future ?

4. You can pretty much restore anything with enough time and money. How much is too much ?

5. There was a thread on Biekforums once I remember where a kid was gonna ride his Varsity across the United States on tour. I wonder if he made it ?

John E

If the fork is shot, strongly consider replacing it with a tubular fork designed for a Schwinn Continental.

Also, if you can find aluminum rims, you will get a much nimbler bike with vastly improved braking.

You definitely want KoolStop brake pads and low-compression brake cables, for safety.

jefnvk

Recabling is easy, as is tuning an old non-indexed friction shifter. If you are doing all that work, there is no reason you can't do those, too.

Bearings are in each hub, the crank, and the headset (which you'll have to disassemble to replace the fork anyhow). You absolutely want to clean/repack those.

Don't repaint, unless it is truly in horrid shape. If it is, maybe toss the emotional attachment out and decide if it is really worth it to tune it up. No paint job you can do at home (unless you happen to run a paint shop by trade) is likely to look as good as even a chipped and scratched factory job. Bar Keepers Friend and Chrome on fine steel wool is what I generally use for surface rust removal.

Lascauxcaveman 

Yep. And there's a reason why they say that. If you're going to to spend the time and money the messed up Varsity is going to require to be a decent bike, why not just start with something a Lot better. Which would be just about any cro-mo frame made in the 1950s - 1990s. That way you end up with a more fun, lighter bike that you'll want to ride more.

Grand Bois

What are low-compression brake cables?

noglider 

I bought a barely-used Varsity a few years ago with the intention of disassembling and reassembling it. I got as far as the first step. I have the parts lying around if you want any. I'm sure I can find the original seatpost and stem if I look hard enough.

The bike's pieces are in my barn in High Falls, NY. Where are you?

willydstyle

If the fork is bent, check the frame for cracks or bends on the top tube and downtube an inch or two aft of the headtube.