Restoring 1974 Schwinn Varsity
05-22-10, 04:36 PM
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Restoring 1974 Schwinn Varsity
I just started restoring my bike and I currently have three questions.
1) Can anyone tell me the best way to clean up the rust spots on the frame? Should I steel wool them and repaint?
2) Where can I find a paint that will match the bilkes original "sunset orange"?
3) What should I use as a cleaning solvent for the chain, then axle guts (ball bearings, etc), you know, the real greasy things?
Thanks so much for any help you can give me!
1) Can anyone tell me the best way to clean up the rust spots on the frame? Should I steel wool them and repaint?
2) Where can I find a paint that will match the bilkes original "sunset orange"?
3) What should I use as a cleaning solvent for the chain, then axle guts (ball bearings, etc), you know, the real greasy things?
Thanks so much for any help you can give me!
05-22-10, 04:58 PM
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Big Doofus
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Welcome to Bike forums and the wonderful, slightly crazy world of C & V bikes!
My .02:
1. Oaxalic acid (aka Barkeeper's Friend) but keep it off the decals and trim paint!
2. Maybe a hobby shop, auto dealer (parts counter) or auto body supply shop?
3. Brake or carb cleaner works well, but it's nasty stuff. Finish Line makes some good citrus-based degreaser as well; rinses clean with water.
4. Post pictures here!!!
My .02:
1. Oaxalic acid (aka Barkeeper's Friend) but keep it off the decals and trim paint!
2. Maybe a hobby shop, auto dealer (parts counter) or auto body supply shop?
3. Brake or carb cleaner works well, but it's nasty stuff. Finish Line makes some good citrus-based degreaser as well; rinses clean with water.
4. Post pictures here!!!
05-31-10, 10:41 AM
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Does anyone know where I can get a freewheel removal tool for a 74 schwinn varsity? I overhauled the front wheel, now I am attacking the rear wheel and I need this tool to remove the sprockets. Thanks for any help you can give me.
BTW mstrpete that citrus degreaser woks great, thanks so much!!!
BTW mstrpete that citrus degreaser woks great, thanks so much!!!
05-31-10, 11:06 AM
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BIKE MECHANIC
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The best solvent for repacking hubs and bottom brackets is kerosene. That is an old school answer, today there are green alternatives.
05-31-10, 11:53 AM
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sultan of schwinn
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Have a look at the freewheel and please tells us what it is engraved there. About 90% sure that you need a Park Tools FR-4, but need to make it 100% sure 
06-01-10, 11:30 AM
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BIKE MECHANIC
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The old schwinn freewheels were made by ATOM...
then Mallaird,
then shimano,
then Mallaird,
then shimano,
06-05-10, 09:21 AM
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Thrifty Bill
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Best bet is to just take it to a shop. Around here, they will sometimes remove for free, or charge $5. Unless you plan to work on multiple Schwinns, hunting after freewheel pullers just does not make sense.
06-05-10, 09:36 AM
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PanGalacticGargleBlaster
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+1 I agree fully with wrk101. Unless they are jerks now is a great excuse to go make yourself seen at the LBS and start making friends down there.
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06-06-10, 09:16 AM
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Got everything off the frame, ready to clean it up and paint it! Front wheel, back wheel and rear derailer have been been overhauled (Didn't take the freewheel apart though).
06-08-10, 05:11 AM
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There's a collar around where the kickstand enters the housing. Depress that collar, either with channel locks or by pressing inward with a pair of screw drivers. Then, while the spring is compressed, pull out the pin underneath the housing and the whole assembly should come right out. Without the proper tools it may be easier with two people, one to depress the collar while the other pulls the pin.
06-08-10, 07:50 AM
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Don't take the freewheel apart!
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
06-08-10, 09:28 AM
#16
Restore, ride, repeat...
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Here is a graphic demonstration on how to remove the kickstand without special tools. https://www.bunchobikes.com/repair2.htm
I have used this method on a few bikes and works well.
Good luck
I have used this method on a few bikes and works well.
Good luck
