Varsity frame dating?
06-05-11, 02:11 PM
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Varsity frame dating?
Just picked up a roach condition Varsity. I wanted the frame for a beach cruiser project. Going to sell the rear Schwinn branded rack, seat, derailleurs, and wheels to finance this and my Univega Gran Turismo project.
The frame has fittings for downtube shifters. They'd been replaced with cheap Suntour stem shifters. The rear derailleur has toothless pulley wheels, looks to be original. The front derailleur is a Suntour that homes in on the big chainring.
The frame had been repainted 2-3 times. No head badge. Can't find the serial numbers. Not on the rear drop out, bottom bracket, or head tube.
What did I spend my $25.00 on?
The frame has fittings for downtube shifters. They'd been replaced with cheap Suntour stem shifters. The rear derailleur has toothless pulley wheels, looks to be original. The front derailleur is a Suntour that homes in on the big chainring.
The frame had been repainted 2-3 times. No head badge. Can't find the serial numbers. Not on the rear drop out, bottom bracket, or head tube.
What did I spend my $25.00 on?
06-05-11, 02:38 PM
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Down tube shifting Varsitys are from the early 60's. The frame angle is relaxed on the 61 and 62 model years and was tightened up for 63. In 67 the shifters were moved from the down tube to the stem.
1961
1961
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Last edited by cb400bill; 06-05-11 at 03:01 PM.
06-05-11, 05:23 PM
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If it's a downtube shifter Varsity, the serial number will be on the left dropout.
06-05-11, 06:12 PM
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Personally, I've not dated a varsity in a very long time. Not since that cheerleader......
06-05-11, 06:33 PM
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Schwinn "Diamond type lightweight frame". ha ha. 
The frame in that picture appears to have the same geometry of Tour de France bikes from the 1920's. No wonder so many Varsities get converted to fixed gear.
Good luck with your project, Flying Merkel. A good piece of Americana you've got there, and a nice frame for a beach cruiser.
The frame in that picture appears to have the same geometry of Tour de France bikes from the 1920's. No wonder so many Varsities get converted to fixed gear.
Good luck with your project, Flying Merkel. A good piece of Americana you've got there, and a nice frame for a beach cruiser.
06-05-11, 06:43 PM
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Might have to sand down the paint a bit to see the serial number. Can't tell if the paint was applied with a brush or a broom. Classic near 50 year old Varsity- been to hell & back. The original paint was the beautiful sparkly blue like my first Stingray. May evil descend on whoever boogered it up.
But the brake levers are Weinmanns without turkey legs. They have the nicest little quick release feature. Have a good set of cruiser wheels that were originally built for a retro mountain bike. Hope I can get the front brake to touch the rims.
06-05-11, 06:53 PM
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Blast it, powercoat in an original color, get decals, and it will look great.
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