An old bike I got from my father. I have no idea what it is. Before I go chop it up or customize it I want to if it should be restored, left alone or should I create my dream bike out of it (which would consist of some serious customizing). Please help me. I appreciate all input.

Its easily 1950's probably older. Skip Tooth crank, truss rods on the fork. The joints remind me of s Schwinn ElectroForged frame, but I don't think they started that til the 60's.

Interesting how the saddle (or whats left of it) has taken on the same patina as the rest of the bike.

It's a rather beautiful old thing and chopping or customizing it would be wrong... the skip tooth chain does make it a 50's or earlier model and the frame is rather unique looking (I like the mono stay) as it is lug-less and appears to be rather well crafted.

That kind of work is consistent with early Schwinn bikes as before electroforging they hand welded and filet brazed their frames in this manner... the electroforging process greatly reduced the cost of producing bikes for Schwinn.

I would do as little as possible to it (obviously new pedals, chain, tires... a leather saddle is as far as I would go) repack everything, then ride it and enjoy it. I would Not even bother cleaning it that much... I have always wanted a skip tooth of that style.

and as was said before, this one looks to be well made.

oh man that bike is sick. Definitely don't do anything irreversible to it. If you've got the time, give restoration (or at least serious cleaning) a go.

That's a job for total immersion in oxalic acid. Yow!

And now, for something completely different....

What you have there is a rusty hunk of junk. The seat has the same "patina" because all that's left is the steel shell and it too is a rusty hunk of junk. There's no finish left to preserve or conserve.

If you are suitably motivated and funded, get it restored (de-rusted, repainted, new seat cover, wheels and tires,...). Parts can be replated if desired (ka-ching$), or just painted. Need I say, it needs a new chain.

I do agree to tread carefully on doing anything that cannot be reversed (basically, cutting metal).

actually it would make a killer rad rod cruiser if you left it as is and just put bright red wheels with big whitewall tires on it, a springer saddle and some hand grips.

Then dress-up like Pee Wee Herman and go for a ride.

Thanks guys. I certainly appreciate the input. I will give her the once over and ride her like she is. Any other info in welcome. Thanks again!

Not true at all, it's a beautiful bike (more than likely a Schwinn) that will clean up and ride as good as it did when it was made, if your not interested in it please let me know as I collect these "rusty hunks of junks"

With no ornate lugwork that frame would take very well to a bead blast, powedercoat and some frame saver.

With some shiny wheels, a new saddle, a chain (a skip tooth chain will cost ya $$$), and a bunch of elbow grease that bike would be stellar.

Wish it was mine...

Well, just so we are clear about where I'm coming from on this, I was being a bit of a curmudgeon (troll?).

In its current state it is in trouble. Steel rusts. The rust never sleeps. It will continue to corrode and will eventually cause major structural damage to a relatively rare bicycle.

In its current state it is a mess and needs to be cleaned and painted to protect the steel. I see no original finish on the frame. Get it de-rusted and painted to protect it. Blue and white or red and white were the most popular colors.

Personally, I'm not a big fan of powder coating. I prefer paint. But I do agree that powder coat is better than nothing - by a mile!

Rust is not "patina". Rust on steel is damage.

What's really cool is how complete it is. Buy the chain. Get it painted. Spend the money to do it right.

hey! i was gonna say that.
i was thinking of lining the back of my pickup with a plastic sheet
filled with derusting bath and and then using it as a huge dip vat.

That curved seatpost makes me think Elgin but if you send some pics to the guys at www.thecabe.com they'll help you out. www.ratrodbikes.com is a fun place to hang out too.
On a bike like that I like to rub the whole thing down with boiled linseed oil and bronze wool, then wipe off the excess. It fights the rust, puts a little shine in whatever paint is left and still looks like "authentic patina".

Here's just one of my "rust buckets"

There is nothing there to "customize" any sort of restoration will result in something beyond your ability to make custom. Paint it, plate it replace the parts that won't work and you'll have a seriously badass bike.

Thanks guys for all the input. As for a rusty hunk of junk, well, I'll take that as a compliment. To me it is a beautiful thing. Ronsonic, well "nothing there to customize" huh? You don't know me very well and must not have much of an imagination.
I am new to this , or any bike forum. I am no bike pro but have a love for them and have racked up an unbelievable amount of miles. I must say I am floored at all the response I have gotton am I am exited to be here and read your thoughts. Thanks again. I will post some pics when I get her up and running. Happy trails! -Petrohead

ilikebikes "Rust Bucket" -uh, WOW. That is awsome! I love your style. Great colors and a super-cool ride.

1) that bike is futuristically awesome!
2) you have weird feet.

What's old is new!



My 2003 Cannondale joins the seat stays to the seattube in the same fashion.



I don't believe it is a Schwinn. The chainring is not correct. Take a look at an ad from a similar styled bike from that era, and we can see that Schwinn did not attach their seatstays in this "Rear Fork" fashion.

A Post War ad:


A 1939 ad:



But I'm wrong about Schwinn NEVER using the "Rear Fork" technique. Here's a pic of a 1936 Autocycle.



And check out this ad from 1934:



Thanks to Tom Findley for all the images. Does your bike have forward facing or rear facing dropouts?

Thanks all I did was clean her up, grease and oil, and I added the red tires for fun!
We need more pics of your ride, both side and close ups of everything, it'll help pastorbobninh out a lot.

It looks like an Elgin 4 Star (from around 1940) to me. Not a bike one sees very often, and well worth restoring if you want to go to the trouble.

I love old bicycles like that. Around where I live those never popup for sale or anywhere, I have all the funds and supplys to repair them but no bike lol keep it restore it and love it. K.L.R thats what I think.