PRESERVATION BICYCLE # 17: 1960-1969 Schwinn Corvette
***Quick preface before we jump in. Our Preservation Bicycle program has been a hit! Rarely has one lasted for more than a week on the shelf, and we’ve seen some unbelievable rebuilds. Nothing makes us happier than seeing one of these bicycles rolling down the road with a smiling proud rider. Now we need your help with 2 things.
We want to see where your projects are at. Even if they’re not finished, we’d love to hear about how the adventure is going. So if you’ve adopted one, please send us some pictures or a story of the journey so far. At some point, we’d really love to do a showcase of the adopted bikes, their riders/rebuilders, and the stories of how they came back to life. Email stuff to Jimmy@boisebicycleproject.org
We’ve tried to make this pretty clear, but in an effort be even more candid… here it is. If your intention is to purchase one of our Preservations Bikes in order to resell or “part out” and resell, PLEASE DON’T. That is not the intention of this program. If your intention is hawk it on ebay, that’s even worse, PLEASE DON’T. Now we know that not every bike works out and financial situations can change, so if that’s the case, please feel free to sell it, hand it off, and let someone else embark on the journey. The “do the right thing” rule is really all that manages this program, so please do the right thing.
OK THE SCHWINN!
This built-in-Chicago Schwinn Corvette was born on 1960, or on 1965, or somewhere in between. We know this because the serial number is imprinted on the left rear drop out (where the rear wheel bolts on) and they, Scwhinn, only did that from 1960-1969. But the Corvette model only existed from 1954-1965, so… its between 60-65 years old. If we wanted to take the time to remove the rear rack and scrape away the “protective” layer of muck, we could tell you exactly what month and year it was born (my guess is June 1962 based on no science). We’re going to leave that detective work to you (use this data base). Since it’s the three speed model, it originally sold for $76.95. Adjusted for inflation, that’s about $630.19. Since it is going to need a complete rebuild we’re willing to take inflation out of the equation.
This is a fun bike. Not a fast bike. Not a light bike. A FUN BIKE! And it comes with the bonus ability to carry some weight on the front, and potentially a child on the back. I’m not saying you should stick your kid back there, I’m just saying in 1965 people were fine with it. If you’re looking for a BIG project, a FUN project, with a BIG FUN payout… this one’s for you.
PRESERVATION BICYCLE NUMBER #15
MAKE: SCHWINN
MODEL: Corvette
YEAR/AGE: 1960-1965
SIZE: 18’’ BUT IT’S REALLY ONE SIZE FITS ALL, LIKE MOST CRUISERS OF IT’S TIME.
ADOPTION FEE: $66.95 (the original 1965 price of the single speed model!). AND WE’LL THROW IN A $40 GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR USED PARTS
RECOMMENDED REPAIRS:
BASIC: Oh geeze, just take the ENTIRE thing apart and start soaking it. I sprayed it with some degreaser already to give you a head start. Then break out the steel wool, and put on a 2 hour podcast/play list. Everything will need to be degreased and regreased. You might be able to get the rear 3 speed working again, but it might be worth finding a steel single speed coaster break wheel (they come in used to BBP or buy a new one for $60). You’ll definitely need different tires and tubes. Make sure you use our help finding the correct size if you keep the original wheel, because they likely take a special Schwinn size. With all used parts, this will probably add up to $60 and take about 8 hours of total shop time. Enjoy the process and take lots of before and after pictures.
BETTER: Same as above but maybe do yourself a favor and get new 26’’ steel wheels. It won’t be all original, but it will make your life a lot easier. Probably $100 or a little less for basic steel wheelset.
BEST (because why not): Ok, definitely ditch the wheels, and get your hands on a Sturmey Archer 2 Speed Kickback hub laced into some big chunky aluminum 26’’ rims. You’ll likely have to build this wheel from scratch. And now buy some big brown balloon tires (Schwalbe makes them). I’d use the front rack and rear child carrier to mount a couple of steel baskets, or find an wooden crate for extra style points. After a couple of other finishing touches, inspired by your own creative process, this will be the coolest cruiser in Boise. No joke.
Now you’re probably looking at $40 in used parts, $300 in new parts, and the $66.95 adoption fee. Subtract the $40 gift cert and you’re under $350, and still beating inflation!
BICYCLE HISTORY:
I can’t find any evidence of origin, other than the frame was built in the Chicago Schwinn Factory. But let’s pretend it was purchased at the Schwinn Shop in Boise in the early 60s, and that child carrier provided a lot of happy family outings that led to long happy lives for everyone!