Theresse

Hi -

Years ago I "rescued" a couple of old bikes from my grandparents' house where people were getting rid of things. I'm wondering if it's worth trying to save them. I don't necessarily mean personal or sentimental worth which might be priceless to some with a strong attachment - I just wonder if they'd have any monetary value when restored? I probably wouldn't want to get rid of them but would probably want to ride them around for fun. I like old things. I wouldn't be able to do the work myself. I wonder how much someone else would charge me, e.g. a bike restoration shop?

My mom, her dad and her sister rode them around in the '50's although it's possible that the one larger silver bike is from the '40's. The pink and white Schwinn one I keep thinking has gotta be '50's. Kinda screams 50s to me anyway. Not sure what the silver one is - it has a look like someone might have painted it with silver paint! Problem is - needless to say (?) there is rust on both. More than a little, but not thick with rust or covered entirely in rust. I remember getting on one of them about, oh, 32 to 35 years ago - when I was a kid - and I was able to ride around a bit with half-filled tires. But, uh, yeah that was a while ago. And I've stupidly kept them in a somewhat humid unfinished basement for the last 12 years or so. Slaps self on forehead...

Thanks!

PatTheSlat 

Absolutely, positively, 100% need to see pictures for us to say anything at all about them.

Theresse

haha oh dear, I was afraid someone might say that! You mean I have to go down into my scary basement and get up close to those things?! Ok, will do.

Bianchigirll 

Most any bike is worth fixing up if your going to use it. Whether the bikes have any monetary value depends on what they are, for example if one turned out to be a lightly dusty but clean all original '50s Phantom it would be worth quite a few pennies. If on the other hand they are cruddy dusty Robin Hood 3spds or Schwinn Varsities they may only be worth $50 after doing lot of work to them. It mainly depends on what they are, then how bad a shape they are in.

wrk101

Given your description, unless you are extremely knowledgeable and handy, doubtful refinishing will make financial sense. You have a huge project ahead of you, and if you have to pay someone to do it, forget it. Do it yourself, and it can work out.

As a minimum, move them to better storage until you come up with a plan. Do not toss them, someone with the time/tools/aptitude/interest will be able to restore them. That person will do just fine on them.

fixed1313

I would absolutely restore them as long as they are not too far gone. Of course I would do the work my self so cost would not be to high unless they went out to be chromed or the like. For that era of bike you should be able to the work, nothing to complicated there. Give it a shot and have some fun with it.