Selecting a project bicycle
Buying a project bike is a tricky endeavor. Before you make a purchase, you need to carefully consider your skill level, the availability of your time and money, as well as your desired project outcome. For example, someone with a new interest in bicycle restoration or a smaller skill-set probably shouldn't take on an ambitious restoration. Similarly, someone looking for a cool "around town" bike might also not be a great candidate for a full restoration.
A person's sentiment for a particular bicycle model also plays a pivotal role in selecting a project bicycle. Most restorations tend to be a financial loss, so your passion for the project is essential for driving the project to completion.
My latest purchase
I've always had an affinity for Schwinn bicycles, in particular the cruiser bicycles from the 1950s and 1960s. Although I've done restorations on much older and desirable bicycles, I'm drawn to these decades because parts are available and comparatively cheap, and the look of the bicycles remains really interesting. During this time, we witnessed the transition from the heavy balloon tire bicycles to the lighter weight jet age inspired bicycles of the 1960s.
In my mind, the bike that really exemplifies this time period is the Schwinn American.
The Schwinn American category of bicycles goes back to 1955. The Schwinn catalogs in which the American was featured would always exclaim "100 percent American made." Since Schwinn had historically advertised the many features on their bikes that were from other countries, the goal of the Schwinn American model was probably to remind everyone that Arnold, Schwinn & Co. was an American company with American values.
In 1962, the Schwinn American reappeared in Schwinn's catalogs after a 5 year disappearance. The checkerboard seat post decal was now replaced by a new design and the model was offered in many new "versions" as detailed below from their sale.
One of these versions has always caught my eye: the Schwinn American Deluxe. Unlike the baseline model that had been sold in previous years, this model had many desirable additions such as chrome fenders, a tank and horn, a Schwinn branded fender light, and a redesigned rear rack.
My history with the Schwinn American
I've tried on two separate occasions to procure and restore a Schwinn American Deluxe. My first attempt was in 2012. I was given a bicycle as a gift and began down the path of a total refurbishment. Things when south when I sent the bicycle to a local painter who proceeded to close his business and take my belongings with him Without the majority of my parts, the project was effectively dead.
Later in 2014, I saw a Craigslist post for a Schwinn American Deluxe in rural Washington. After driving two hours, I was disappointed to see the bicycle was in very poor condition and wouldn't make a good restoration candidate. I ended up buying the bike anyways to make it rideable and sell for a profit.
I was given a 3rd chance in 2015 when I saw a Schwinn American Deluxe for sale on eBay at an affordable price. Unlike my other two attempts, this bike was produced in January 1962, which makes it one of the first Schwinn American Deluxe's ever made. This means it has some eccentrics, which I'll explain in another post. The bike, as advertised, appears below:
