joe@vwvortex

As I mentioned in my original post, when I first got the bike - I wasn't that keen on a full restoration and figured if I could get period parts or reproductions I would. As for the painting - you can't get the radiant blue paint anymore so I taked to a local powdercoater who can do two stage candy blue powder coat which is near identical to the original color. I got the frame back yesterday and as you can see - it came out great and I'm VERY pleased. The tandem was originally Radiant Blue - but rattle can painted white. They used a two step candy powdercoat with aluminum silver base and candy transluscent blue topcoat.

I've spent the last couple weeks on eBay buying a bunch of stuff. I've managed to secure an original headbadge, correct 1080 calipers with Schwinn Approved script, NOS Weinmann brake caliper bolt and NOS pads, a full set of 72 .105 gauge spokes and a set of original S-7 rims which appear to be in excellent condition. I also got the replacement "AS" nut and bolt for the stem and a new "AS" bolt for the seat clamp, a NOS chrome fork crown cap, schwinn headset in much better shape than the one that came off the bike which had really bad peeling chrome, a set of 4 black comfort schwinn approved grips, a set of new Schwinn approved Westwind 26x1-3/4 tires, a set of new Scwhinn Approved middleweight womens fenders, a set of Wald chrome seat posts and front and rear handlebars to match the bent and rusted originals and a NOS wienmann red dot brake lever. I still need seats though as the ones on the bike were non original and completely trashed and a set of chains. I also need decals - but from what i'm hearing it will near impossible to get the Bicycle Built for Two one for the chainguard. If I can't - I'll just put the Schwinn part of the name on the chainguard. I have taken the polishing tools to the chrome bits and i'm amazed at how good they came out.

These are quick pics I took of the frame this morning without even really cleaning it up after getting back from the powdercoaters. I put one original pic of the frame before in for comparison and also the fork to see the original color. The only non repainted part of the bike was the inner headtube of the fork and some paint that had peeled off the chainguard. We based the match of color on those. I'll take some better ones prior to assembly. Post is a new Wald which I polished and seat clamp is original with new bolt because original bolt was bent and stripped.

Sierra

That's a good looking color on the powder coat. Radiant Blue has always been one of my favorite Schwinn colors. Can you give us the manufacturer and name/number of the powder coat color? I think I would like to use it on one or more of my projects.

joe@vwvortex

I'll see if I can get that information - I'll have to contact the guy who did the job.